The Plan 2004

CONTENTS

Page

Preface 1

1. Introduction 2

1.1 Objectives 2

1.2 History of Gotherington 2

1.3 Present Day Gotherington 2

2. The Parish Plan 3

2.1 Environment 4 Design Statement - Environment 4

2.2 Housing 4 Design Statement - Housing 5

2.3 Traffic and Parking 5 Design Statement – Traffic & Parking 7

2.4 Local Services 7 Design Statement – Local Services 8

2.5 Crime and Nuisance Reduction 8 Design Statement – Crime & Nuisance Reduction 8

2.6 Leisure Activities 8 Design Statement – Leisure Activities 9

3. The Action Plan 10-11

4. References and Acknowledgements 12

PREFACE TO GOTHERINGTON PARISH PLAN

This document is the result of collaboration by the whole village. Following in the footsteps of the 1994 Village Appraisal, every household was circulated with a questionnaire that provided the opportunity to give information, to express views and to play a part in shaping our vision for the next few years. Further consultation took place at the “Day for Ideas” exhibition and following the Treasure Trail around Gotherington. The result is not just a snapshot of our situation now, but also a close look at issues that will affect us in the future.

The Parish Plan has been written on behalf of the Parish Council with their financial backing, but with the majority of the project being financed by the Countryside Agency.

An exercise on this scale will not produce unanimity on every topic. Our population is around 1100 souls, many of whom responded with a variety of opinions. Where there were significant differences these have been shown in the body of the text. There was, however, an overall consensus in the conclusions reached, showing that residents have a strong sense of the identity of the village as it is now and as they would like it to develop. This exercise has caused us to review our surroundings – housing, amenities, transport, and leisure. Before publication it has already generated a number of responses to identified problem areas. More work will follow as a result.

The Parish Council thanks all who have taken part and contributed to this Plan for the Parish, particularly members of the sub-committee:

David Ward (chair), Peter Boyle, Edward Catchpole, Brian Eldridge, Margaret Eldridge, Christine Godsell, Eddy Godsell, Don Newman, Phil Smith, Bill Spragg, Bob Thomas, Brenda Thomas and John Whitehead. .

Ellen Cooke Chairman, Gotherington Parish Council November 2003

1 Gotherington Parish Plan

Introduction community through to the sixteenth century and it appears that the population was 200 to 250 people at that 1.1 Objectives time.

The objective of this Parish Plan is to produce a Census figures show that during the nineteenth century document which sets out a comprehensive statement of the population grew to a maximum of 424 in 1851 falling the views and aspirations of the parish residents. It back to 334 in 1901. An interesting aspect hidden by includes a Design Statement and an Action Plan which these figures is the amount of immigration and together will allow the community, through the Parish emigration whereby half the population moved in or out Council, to influence and guide proposed developments every ten years. This explains why no family recorded in in the parish and to tackle issues of concern. 1851 still lives with unbroken succession in the village today. Our aim, which has been developed from a number of resident "surveys", is to strengthen and enhance the In 1851 there were six farms of about 25 acres each and a existing sense of village community and safeguard and further five of over 100 acres. After this time agricultural improve the quality of life of present and future activity declined and there was an upsurge in market residents. In particular our objective is to: gardening in the village. Other changes also occurred with the appearance of a number of shops in the village; · Maintain the distinctive historical character and rural the school started in 1881 and a post office opened in quality of the parish 1894; the Parish Council was inaugurated in 1894. The · Provide a safe, clean and comfortable environment G.W.R. Honeybourne to railway line, which served Gotherington, was completed in 1906; trains · Maintain access to appropriate local services ceased stopping at Gotherington by 1960 and operated · Ensure a mixed and thriving community until 1976. As part of the Toddington-Cheltenham · Provide a range of social activities for all ages. Racecourse restored line, trains now pass through Gretton, Stanley Pontlarge and Far Stanley, through 1.2 History of Gotherington Dixton Cutting and occasionally stopping (on request) at Gotherington Halt. The history of Gotherington is recorded in an excellent book written by a group of local people and published in In the past forty years Gotherington has almost 1993 (see ref. p. 12). Other publications have recorded completed its transformation from a working village to a the history of the Free Church and reminiscences of the mainly rural residential community but fortunately there village in the early part of the twentieth century. are still many visible reminders of its long and interesting history.

1.3 Present Day Gotherington

Truman’s Farm

There is evidence to suggest that Gotherington was in The War Memorial and Free Church from Cleeve Road existence by about 780 and its name means "farmstead associated with Guthere". At some time after this, The parish of Gotherington is located some five miles probably by the end of the tenth century, the area was north of Cheltenham, on the A435 road to Evesham. It split into Upper and Lower Gotherington and this lies on one of the Severn River terraces at about 60 distinction continued into the sixteenth century. metres above sea level and below Nottingham Hill Gotherington appears in the Domesday Book as a one- which is an outlier off Cleeve Hill. The village line entry. population in mid 2003 was some 1100 people.

Documents, in the form of manorial surveys and lists of Gotherington is a linear parish extending for nearly a taxpayers, exist to illustrate the development of the mile along an east-west axis and has its boundaries

2 defined by natural field hedges, the Dean Brook, various The horizons, as viewed from the village, are of the streams and the Tyrl Brook. The village has a main road Cotswolds escarpment and include two Areas of running from east to west and one other smaller road Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Nottingham Hill from the centre of the village, south to Bishop's Cleeve. to the East and the village of Woolstone to the North. The housing within the village gives it a "soft" tone as the All views are either wooded or of meadow and when majority of the buildings are of stone or of reconstituted these meadows have grazing sheep or cattle in them, as stone with roofs of stone or stone-like tiles. Even this they normally do, they serve as a reminder of profile is broken up with the occasional thatched roof, Gotherington's origins when it once supported eleven giving a "Cotswold village" feel. Scattered throughout working farms. Some of these views are protected by the village are nineteen listed buildings. being designated Special Landscape Areas (S.L.A.).

Gotherington Village Primary School is situated toward the eastern end of the village and caters for approximately 200 pupils. It is a relatively new building and has all its facilities on one site including a playing field. It provides for pupils, not only from the village and neighbouring villages of Woolstone and , but also a significant number from other areas outside its nominal catchment. (Approximately 80 pupils are from within the 3 villages of Gotherington, Woolstone and Oxenton).

Looking towards Woolstone

2. The Parish Plan

Overall the Parish Plan describes:

· The current situation · The views of the residents in terms of what they wish to achieve in the parish · The way in which we wish to define the nature of any changes (The Design Statement)

Gotherington School · The detailed plan by which the objectives are achieved (The Action Plan). In addition to the primary school, there is a village hall, shop and post office, two public houses (The Shutter Inn The Design Statement for each section is an expression and the Old Farmer’s Arms), a garden centre and a few of the character of certain aspects of the parish as seen working farms, (one incorporating a riding centre, a B&B by the local community together with a clear statement and a cider outlet) within the parish boundary. The local on how the residents wish to maintain this character in churches are situated in nearby Woolstone and Oxenton, the future. These statements will be used to help guide and there is a Free Church in Gotherington. and manage future change so that the existing identity of the parish's buildings and landscape are integral to any new design.

The 1994 Village Appraisal has been used as background reference, but this Parish Plan was mainly compiled in 2002 using the Questionnaire and Gotherington Treasure Trail, which were circulated to everyone in the parish. Information was also derived from the discussion groups who subsequently attended the Day for Ideas, to which all villagers were invited, and from notes made at the regular Parish Plan Sub-committee meetings. At all stages everyone in the parish was given the opportunity to contribute.

Ideas were categorised into subjects: Household, Transport, Housing Needs, Services, Parish Council, Gotherington Free Church and War Memorial Activities, and Ideas from Youngsters. These were given

3 ratings by a special sub-committee: Bishop's Cleeve, via the Church Walk (commonly A: Ideas for short-term action; referred to as the "Coffin Walk"), and to the adjacent B: Ideas for longer-term action; village of Woolstone. They offer immediate access to C: Ideas rejected with reasons; our surrounding countryside and views. D: Ideas underway or complete. There are impressive views from the village, especially The ratings were reviewed during special meetings of the those of Woolstone Hill, Nottingham Hill and Cleeve Parish Council and appropriate actions were allocated. Hill. Viewing Gotherington from these hills offers The Parish Plan is presented under a series of headings: stunning panoramic views of the village. Environment, Housing, Replies to the questionnaire and the comments made by Traffic, people attending our Day for Ideas, all stressed the Local Services, importance of keeping Gotherington separate from Crime and Nuisance Reduction, Bishop's Cleeve. These are a selection of comments: Leisure Activities. · "I don't want to see lots of houses everywhere These headings reflect the information gathered and the because it would spoil our village" views of the community. To some extent they also · "Fight against any development bringing Bishop's reflect the headings in the draft Community Strategy Cleeve closer to Gotherington" announced by Borough Council (TBC) in · "Limit amount of new housing" the autumn of 2002. · "Gotherington should remain a village and not be

allowed to grow like Bishop's Cleeve" It has also been written with reference to the Local Plan and the plans of other local . It has been · "No large scale housing developments" adopted by the parish council as an agreed basis for · "Ensure the green fields are maintained between future development of the parish and it is intended that Gotherington and Bishop’s Cleeve”. adoption by TBC will be sought. People also commented on their appreciation of our surrounding countryside, with comments like: 2.1 Environment · "I like the fields around here because dogs have nice i) Current Situation and Residents' Views walks" The open spaces of Gotherington are important. The · "We like our countryside" village is located in, and surrounded by, the countryside. · "It is a peaceful village" The people who live here have chosen to do so because they appreciate the rural aspect, the playing fields, the ii) Design Statement - Environment trees and the open spaces, which enhance the character of the village. In accordance with the very strong desire within the community to preserve all aspects of the rural, Cotswold nature and appearance of the parish it is important to adhere to the following principles:

· Maintain and preserve the Important Open Spaces in Gotherington, including the playing fields · Ensure that any new housing does not encroach on our surrounding countryside · Preserve and maintain all the footpaths within the village, and interlinking other villages · Protect and preserve the views of the surrounding hills, and the views from the escarpment, and strive to ensure that any new housing does not spoil these views · Ensure that future development does not encroach upon the Junior football on the playing fields land that separates Gotherington from Bishop's Cleeve and Apart from the village playing fields, there are three Woolstone recognised important Open Spaces within the village. · Reduce the visual impact of any new housing by planting of These are located opposite the Shutter Inn, at the appropriate hedges and trees. entrance to Lawrence's Meadow, and outside the school. 2.2 Housing There are numerous footpaths linking various parts of the village, including the school, the shop, the inn, the i) Current Situation and Residents' Views village hall and playing fields, and the Park Homes site. The bulk of the housing was built in the 1960s with most These footpaths extend outside Gotherington to properties having a low profile with very few being more than two storeys. Throughout the village there is a large

4 number of bungalows or chalet bungalows with dormer of the village, is probably the only opportunity for the windows or roof conversions, these being usually with 3 elderly (or young) to buy a smaller affordable property. or 4 bedrooms. The Lawns has been the most significant development in the last 40 years but there have also been a number of smaller developments such as Pullen Court, Cobbler’s Close, Yew Tree Drive, Agg’s Close and Lawrence’s Meadow.

Stonehouse Green

ii) Design Statement - Housing

Overall there is a strong desire to minimise further house-building within the parish and certainly to prevent building outside the current development boundary. In recent years the principle of infill Agg’s Close within the current boundaries has been pursued and as a result there is now only a limited opportunity for further building within Some older properties are thatched, reflecting the Gotherington Parish. connection with agriculture in the past, and there are 19 listed buildings in the village, one with a bee bole wall However within the above constraint we should: and another with a dovecote. A number of the old · Retain the present nature of the village with any future buildings have, over recent years, been converted from development in sympathy and in scale with the existing village industrial, agricultural or educational use to housing; the · old school building being a good example. Where Construct any new housing of natural stone or artificial properties have been enlarged or altered, the changes Cotswold stone where appropriate have been made in keeping with the original · Limit, on average, the number of extra dwellings built in construction. Gotherington to 1 or 2 per year (including infill housing) · Preserve or reinstate thatched roofs where appropriate · No infill developments or lateral extensions to existing buildings should restrict or impair existing views of the open countryside · Give special consideration to the provision of housing for first time buyers and older people.

2.3 Traffic and Parking

i) Current Situation and Residents' Views The parish is traversed towards the western end, by the A435 Cheltenham to Evesham Road, which is a single carriageway road on which there is a 60 mph limit. There has been recent work to install a turning lane but unfortunately there have been a number of accidents at The old Bakery the junction with Malleson Road. There are two other main thoroughfares through the village - Malleson Most properties that are advertised for sale are likely to Road/Gretton Road which runs the whole length of the be in the medium to high price range. Thus there is very village and Gotherington Lane which runs into the village limited opportunity for first time buyers to find a house from Bishop's Cleeve, both of which carry significant they can afford. There is even less chance to rent/buy amounts of "through" traffic and within the village are accommodation built specifically for the aged and no restricted to 30 mph. availability at all for those requiring assisted/sheltered housing. The four small units in Stonehouse Green As a result of the dependence on the motor vehicle by represent the sum of housing designated to the over 60s people who live in present-day rural villages the number and these offer “no warden" type assistance. In addition, of vehicles using the roads increases year by year and out- the waiting time for a unit is likely to be in excess of two strips the capacity of the roads and layouts of the villages. years. Longfurlong Park, a mobile home site on the edge

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New developments in nearby Bishop's Cleeve are likely to further increase the strain on villages such as Gotherington.

The main area where accidents occur is the Cheltenham to Evesham road (A.435), which has a considerable flow of traffic at certain times, particularly on Cheltenham race days. There is also a flow of heavy lorries and commuter traffic making the road crossing hazardous to pedestrians and vehicles. There have been several fatalities and injuries, particularly over the last two years. Suggestions to improve road safety have been made to the authorities, including:

Cars parked on Gretton Road by the school

It should also be recognised that the school staff are aware of this situation and its gravity, and have made many efforts in the past to alleviate the congestion. The following ideas came from recent meetings with the school:

· Encourage parents to share transport · Introduce an official system of limited parking around the school, along The Lawns and adjacent roads, during the morning arrival and the afternoon collection of pupils · Consult the Highways Authority on the viability of having a "drop-off and collection" zone somewhere Parked cars at the Village Hall near to the school but outside the limits of the present zigzag lines · Reducing the speed limit on the A.435 from 60 to · Adopt a one-way system for parents' transport about 50mph the school · Better road marking and signage · Make a parking area on the land to the south of the · Installing a roundabout or traffic lights at the school with access through Manor Lane crossroads to reduce the traffic speeds and assist · Introduce a school bus, picking up and dropping drivers whose vehicles are joining the main road. children from as wide an area as is feasible

· Encourage children to walk to school, particularly in Traffic exceeding the 30mph speed limit within the village is also a widely held concern. Many suggestions groups, for safety regarding traffic calming were put forward, including: · Devise a "park and walk" system within the village so that parking is less concentrated.

· Rumble strips - these are noisy for residents living nearby Car parking for users of the village hall and playing field is woefully inadequate for present day needs and at peak · Speed humps - effective but can cause drivers to lose times leads to congested parking along Malleson Road control - also causes noise when braking, etc. with potential road safety hazards. · Entrance portals - these are effective but more expensive. The provision of improved facilities for cyclists was also a subject raised in the surveys and, if more people were A subject that produced most concern from villagers was encouraged to cycle, it should lessen the number of cars that of parking of vehicles on roads near to the village in and around the village. Suggestions are as follows: school at the beginning and end of the school day. It is recognised that this is not unique to Gotherington - all · Create a cycle path to Bishop's Cleeve, possibly villages which have their own schools suffer the same along the Coffin Way, and incorporate a footpath inconvenience and potential danger. · Install a cycle rack at the village hall/ playing field area.

6 ii) Design Statement - Traffic & Parking centre is at the far eastern end of the village whilst Gotherington Cross Garage is sited on the A435. A Whilst accepting the inevitability of a significant volume of traffic privately run pre-school group, held in the Rex Rhodes through the village, this and associated parking are widely perceived Building provides pre-school education in the village. as having the potential to exert a serious negative impact on village Many of the young children move on to the village life, both in terms of safety and nuisance. Consequently it is primary school when they reach school age. necessary to address these issues in the following ways: · Ensure that the speed restrictions in the village are adhered to All surveys indicate that villagers regard the retention of · Minimise on-road parking in the vicinity of the school and the the shop as a very high priority. However it is a village hall commercial enterprise and will only succeed if it is · Provide additional cycle paths. strongly supported by the village. There is some passing trade in the summer months but it will only survive if a sufficiently high level of usage is maintained. 2.4 Local Services With regard to access to services, the majority of i) Current Situation and Residents' Views suggestions consist of asking for more facilities at the A public bus service to Cheltenham and a number of village shop plus taking actions to ensure that it remains surrounding towns and villages is available seven days a open. The proprietor is seen as a willing partner in this week. Regular and varied transport links to other towns endeavour and has already brought about changes in the and villages was a desire expressed by many villagers and limited space of the shop. A computer/Internet facility, ideas were as diverse as the number of people stating provided by Tewkesbury Borough Council, was sited them. Listed below are the different ideas: within a sitting area at the rear of the shop, but a unisex hairdressing salon constructed behind the shop has now superseded this. · More buses to and from Tewkesbury, especially on market days The Shutter Inn is probably regarded as the village public · All bus timetables to extend into the evenings and house. There have been several changes of management on Sundays in the recent past but, like the shop, much of its clientele · More regular buses to Cheltenham is from the village. Lunchtime trade is generally drawn · Introduce bus services to Stratford, Evesham and from a wider area. The future of this facility is always in Worcester the hands of the brewery or operating company. · Introduce "shopping buses" to supermarkets in Bishop's Cleeve · All buses to drop and pick-up throughout the village i.e. the shop, the Shutter Inn and Manor Lane · A village-sponsored mini-bus with invalid facilities to be made available for hire.

The Shutter Inn

Some of the ideas for further improvements are:

Gotherington Stores · Encourage all villagers to use the shop · Ensure that all the services offered by the P.O. are The village shop is situated in the heart of the village and well advertised functions as a newsagent and mini-market as well as · Extend the services within the P.O. to include Car providing post office services. The Shutter Inn is Tax payments situated at the west end of the village and has a restaurant · Create a facility for the recycling of books and and a skittle alley; it serves as a regular meeting place for magazines. some activities – Bridge Club, as well as an occasional venue for other village occasions - AGMs, social evenings. The Old Farmer’s Arms is situated on the main Cheltenham to Evesham Road (A435). The garden

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why they like living in the parish. Comments such as ii) Design Statement - Local Services 'friendly, helpful, social community', 'good village life', 'friendly, lovely place' are all indicative of this feeling. Local services, businesses and public transport are major factors in maintaining the desirability of living in the parish and of preserving The groups meeting regularly, weekly or monthly, either a distinct community spirit. As, in the past decade, we have lost in the village hall or elsewhere in the village include several facilities, such as the village bakery and the original Evergreens, WI, Gardening Club, History Society, hairdressing shop, it is imperative that existing services are Garden House Nursery, Wine Club, Beavers and Cubs. maintained. However most of these are provided on a commercial Gotherington is also fortunate to have a large playing basis and in many cases operate in competition with services field, which is host to regular meetings of the Petanque provided in surrounding towns and villages. Thus in order to Club, Tennis Club, footballers (including training ensure their continued provision substantial, regular "support" from sessions and games for several groups of youngsters from the community is essential. In order to preserve this important the age of about 5 years), cricket (again including a team aspect of life within the parish it is necessary to: of young people). It has a hoggin path for runners and cyclists and two play areas for the children. Indeed, · Determine in detail the interests and needs of the parish Sunday mornings in particular are a joy to behold with · Encourage the use of local services, i.e. the village pub the variety of activities taking place in idyllic and shop. surroundings with incredible views to be enjoyed from the field.

2.5 Crime and Nuisance Reduction i) Current Situation and Residents' Views Although crime in Gotherington is minimal, almost 200 of the replies to the questionnaire felt that security in the village should be improved by increased police presence, a more active Neighbourhood Watch scheme or by the introduction of street lighting.

Policing in the area is carried out at the following levels : Bishop's Cleeve, Tewkesbury, Cheltenham (Lansdown Road Station) and mobile police station. Gotherington is one of seven parishes covered by the police station at Bishop's Cleeve which is part of the Inspector Neighbourhood Area of Tewkesbury. Gotherington Village Hall Reduction of various types of nuisance was a further topic of concern that emerged from the survey. Noise There are also regular walks arranged throughout the and dog fouling were two topics where action was area, bridge players meet, rotating suppers take place, a sought. group of lace-makers meet in the village hall from a wide surrounding area and the hall is also the practice room ii) Design Statement - for choristers. The Recreation Club in the village Crime and Nuisance Reduction organises a variety of events throughout the year including dances, quiz, bonfire night, a mid-summer In order to maintain a peaceful, rural atmosphere in the parish it is event and more. necessary that crime, unsocial behaviour and unwelcome noise are minimised. There is evidence that such incidences within the village The village shares the facilities provided by the churches are increasing. It is important that sympathetic action is taken in Woolstone and Oxenton, and has its own Free Church promptly by the parish council and/or the police to ensure that they within the village. Each of these has a committed group are reduced as far as possible. Attempts should be made to: of regular attendees. Social events connected to the church often take place in Gotherington village hall, drawing members from the neighbouring villages of · Establish a greater police presence Woolstone and Oxenton. · Establish a more active Neighbourhood Watch scheme · Take action regarding intrusive noise, vandalism, litter All of this fosters a caring response to each other, the and dog fouling. village and its surroundings and many long-lasting and close friendships have been born. People 'look out' for 2.6 Leisure Activities each other and are ready to help at a moment's notice. This is an important aspect of Gotherington village life i) Current Situation and Residents' Views and one that should be maintained. Gotherington has a strong 'Community Spirit', which is regarded by a large percentage of residents who However, as a result of the questionnaire, there have responded to the questionnaire, as one of the reasons been suggestions to expand or improve on activities, for

8 all age groups. Suggestions have been Computer Club, consideration should be given to the construction of a Investment Club, basketball, netball and table tennis. new building, if necessary on another site within the Where practicable these are being studied and may be put village; and car parking space should be improved for the into place over a period of time. Certainly, it has been village hall. recognised that the 10-year to 16-year age group need attention and recently the Youth Club has been revived with a youth worker and assistant being paid for by the Parish Council and the County Youth Service. The Petanque Club has been encouraging youngsters to take part on a Friday evening, but so far few have responded.

It is important that such activities are reviewed periodically and maintained to retain the interest of the entire village and so encourage the high quality community spirit of this very special village.

The parish has two buildings that are used for village activities and recreation purposes: the village hall, which is located at the playing field entrance on Malleson Road, and the Rex Rhodes Building. The tennis courts are used all the year round The front section of the village hall was built in 1903 by the Malleson family to provide a reading room and ii) Design Statement - Leisure Activities meeting place for village people. The population then was 334 people. This building was extended in 1962 to The church, and the many leisure activities, must continue to be at its present size to serve the growing population of the the heart of the parish. Leisure activities are already well supported village. The hall was subsequently modernised to provide but the parish wishes to have, and deserves, even better community modern kitchen and toilet facilities but its overall size, facilities and a wider range of activities in which to participate. layout and storage arrangements remained unchanged. A Therefore the first steps should be to: Management Committee (VHMC) administers the village · Improve and expand the facilities either in the existing village hall under a charitable trust. Hall or in a new building · Promote the formation of new clubs to meet parish interests · Ensure the availability of a range of facilities for all age groups.

The Rex Rhodes Building Petanque is well established in Gotherington.

The Rex Rhodes Building is a relatively small custom ******************** designed building constructed on the playing field in the late 60's for specific use by the Boys Club Organisation with an emphasis on youth and sporting activities. The building was refurbished in 2000, with the replacement of roof timbers taking place in 2001, and is now under the control of the Parish Council (PC) for village use. Its primary function is for community purposes, but it is used for a daily pre-school group and, of course, the Youth Club now meets there regularly.

Comments from the Village Appraisal and Open Day Forum included: that the village hall was inadequate for present and future needs and should be enlarged; that

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THE ACTION PLAN

The Parish Plan presented in the previous sections has identified a series of actions.

Below is our Action Plan in chart form that shows at a glance the actions selected and reviewed during special meetings of the Parish Council, and the progress made on each.

This Plan will be advanced in step with the Local Plan up to 2011 through meetings of the Parish Council. It is recommended that the Plan is reviewed regularly with a major review, including further resident participation, in 2007. In addition progress will be communicated to the residents for example via a newsletter.

The Action Ref How it will be tackled / Progress

1 Improve wheelchair access to Arrange for keys to the playing field gate to be issued and/or facilities in the village. available to any disabled. Improve pavements where appropriate. Completed 2 Reduce the amount of dog mess 2.5 i An emphatic plea to all dog owners was placed in the Topics in the village magazine. The dog warden to give a talk to the Parish Council to explain the options and actions which may be taken to alleviate this problem. Completed 3 Reduce the amount of vandalism 2.5 i) The new youth leader has been asked to promote the idea of within the village and youngsters in the Village assisting in reducing vandalism, etc by Design observing, monitoring and “spreading the word” that less Statement vandalism means more facilities for them! The Parish Council is now awaiting feedback on this. 4 Ensure that any new housing 2.1 The aim of the Villages Action Group (VAG), set up by the does not encroach on our Design Bishop’s Cleeve and Gotherington Parish Councils, is to monitor surrounding countryside Statement new large-scale development in or near our parishes and examine the validity of any proposals for building. 5 Reduce the visual impact of new 2.1 The Parish Council and the TBC are to be requested to take housing by planting of appropriate Design account of the visual impact of any new houses within the parish. hedges and trees Statement 6 Limit, on average, the number of 2.2 Discuss with the T.B.C to suggest that this might be a guideline in extra dwellings built in Design the future. Gotherington to 1 or 2 per year Statement (including infill housing). Also, give special consideration to the provision of housing for first time buyers and older people. 7 Examine ways by which to 2.6 and Discuss with the VHMC to determine if new facilities, expansion, improve and expand the facilities Design etc. are required, feasible and cost-effective. either in the existing village hall or Statement in a new building 8 Schemes for encouraging the use 2.4 and Several improvements to the village shop have been suggested of local services, i.e. the village Design and implemented. Other ideas to be examined by Parish Council pub and shop, should be Statement and passed to the shop owner for him to carry out or otherwise. examined and where appropriate implemented. 9 Monitor and take action regarding 2.5 i) Parish Council to continue to monitor these. intrusive noise, vandalism and and Design dog fouling Statement 10 Promote cycle paths, particularly 2.3 and between Gotherington and Design Bishop’s Cleeve Statement 11 To investigate the state of Parish Council to arrange for this path to be repaired. Completed disrepair of the Shutter Lane/Longfurlong path.

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THE ACTION PLAN (continued)

The Action Ref How it will be tackled / Progress

12 To promote more recycling of A new initiative on recycling household waste has begun. household waste within the village. 13 Ensure the availability of a 2.6 Design It is proposed to site a kick wall against the lower half of the front of the Rex range of facilities for all age Statement Rhodes Building. Kick wall now completed. groups 14 Promote an improved attitude 2.5 A meeting with the headmistress of Gotherington Primary School was towards litter Design arranged, but no special actions resulted from this. It was agreed that litter Statement was not a significant problem but the situation would continue to be monitored by the Parish Council. 15 Ensure that the village stiles Any stiles, which have been removed for any reason, are to be re-assessed are appropriate, maintained with a view to replacing them. There is to be a full report on all stiles, which and a reasonable height. designates those requiring attention or replacement.

16 Improve the vista of the small Discussions have taken place with the Divisional Surveyor and a report on island outside the Shutter viability, scheme options and funding is awaited. Inn, both scenically and environmentally. 17 Reduce the danger caused 2.3 and Various options were suggested of approaching local landowners, and also by excessive number of cars Design looking at nearby roads as short term parking opportunities to make Malleson parked by school Statement Road safer. The Shutter Inn have agreed that footballers may park in their car park outside licensing hours. 18 Improve the facilities in the 2.6 Design Two new items of equipment for younger children have been identified and children’s playground, Statement costs will be assessed. Funding for these two additions will then be particularly for younger considered. Now temporarily on hold in favour of item 13. children 19 Reduce the number of 2.3 and The Clerk has contacted the Divisional Surveyor reference the number of accidents on the Design accidents and fatalities near the junction between Malleson Road and the A435/Malleson Road Statement A435, but a positive response is still awaited. junction, and speeding Initiate a project at the school, based on reducing speeding, to encourage through the village everyone in the village to be aware of the problem and contribute to a solution. Completed 20 Give priority to affordable 2.2 and Give consideration to forming a housing association, which may allow housing for the young and Design particular types of housing to be stipulated. warden-controlled housing Statement for the elderly. 21 Encourage more use of the 2.4 i) A committee / parish council to actively promote the benefits of local services local buses and ways of encouraging their use, e.g. have a “use the bus” week. Discuss improvements to the bus services with bus companies.

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In conclusion ….

If you feel that this Parish Plan has been useful, and achieved its aims, and would like to comment on any of the Design Statement, Action Plan, or anything else, please contact any member of the Parish Council.

References

1 1994 Village Appraisal 2 Cleeve Plan/Appraisal 3 Tewkesbury Borough Local Plan to 2011 4 Parish Plans: Guidance for Parish and Town Councils 5 Village Design Statements – S Owen 6 Cottenham Village Design Statement 7 Towns and Villages of ; Gotherington. Edited by David H Aldred, 1993 8 The Sleepers Awake - Part One (The continuing story of the GWR Railway)

Acknowledgements

We wish to extend our thanks to the great number of people of all ages in the parish who have helped in producing this plan. In addition we would like to acknowledge the particular contribution of:

1 The Parish Council 2 The Parish Council sub-committee (including the specially co-opted members) 3 Kate Forrest, Tewkesbury Rural Adviser, GRCC 4 Miriam McLarnon for her illustrations (Miriam retains the copyright for these). 5 Iain Angus for printing services 6 Don Newman for the majority of photographs 7 Allen Keyte, Borough Councillor 8 Richard Tibbles of Oxenton

Appendix

The results of the Questionnaire, Day for Ideas and Treasure Trail were too bulky to be included in this document. However, the results have been compiled into a separate appendix which will be available for perusal at the village shop.

Designed and printed by Business-to-Business Marketing and Communications, Cheltenham

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1. Garage 2. The Shutter Inn 3. Village hall 4. Rex Rhodes Building 5. Riding Stables 6. Free Church 7. Shop & Post Office 8. School 9. Nurseries 10. The Old Station

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