Thornton - le - Dale
Parish Plan 2008 - 2013 The Parish of Thornton-le-Dale
Whitby Gate
Malton Gate INTRODUCTION
During 2006 Thornton le Dale Parish Council decided to move towards the preparation of a Parish Plan with the help of the Yorkshire Rural Community Council (YRCC).
During the autumn of that year an open day for all parishioners was held to explain the nature and purpose of a parish plan. This resulted in the formation of a steering group which included a Parish councillor, interested parishioners and representatives from YRCC and NYMNP.
The main task for the group was the preparation of a questionnaire designed to find out what the community wanted for the future development of the Thornton-le-Dale Parish. The results would provide the basis for a plan which could be used by the relevant authorities when any development for the area was being looked at during the next five years.
The questionnaire was delivered to every household (860) and 334 were returned, a response rate of 39%. A group of volunteers collated and analysed the responses - the main concerns expressed were traffic problems, the visual appearance of the parish and housing.
The following pages form the basis for an action plan which will reflect the needs, concerns and aspirations of the community. It will only succeed if everyone comes together and forms an active dynamic community and the fact that some fifteen volunteers have already been actively working to help to produce the plan is a hopeful sign.
Thank you to everyone who answered the questionnaire - this is a big step forward for Thornton-le-Dale Parish.
Parish Plan Steering Group
3 HISTORY OF THORNTON LE DALE
We are not sure when man first settled in the Thornton-le-Dale area but we know for certain that the high ground to the north of the village was farmed by neolithic man. The first physical evidence of settlement is an Iron Age (or possibly Bronze Age) bank and ditch, probably a boundary to prevent cattle rustling, in Ellerburn Woods. An Iron Age burial mound containing a cart or chariot was found on Pexton Moor not far from the Forestry toll-booth. Little has been found from the Roman period: pottery in Low Mill Garth, coins at Ellerburn.
Evidence of Anglo-Saxon occupation is revealed by the place name Thornton while later Viking settlements grew up at Dalby, Farmanby and Roxby. Fragments of a Saxon cross and Scandinavian style gravestones are built into the walls of Ellerburn Church.
Over the course of time Farmanby and Roxby were assimilated into Thornton and by the mid 19th century it had become known as Thornton Dale. The arrival of the railway in 1882 brought tourists in its wake and the -le- was later added to give the place a more upmarket image in keeping with its reputation as the prettiest village in Yorkshire.
After the Norman Conquest the main Thornton Manor was given to the Crown and later William gave it to his sister Adelaide whose third husband was the Count Odo, the founder of the House of Albermarle. By 1281 the Manor was in the hands of John De Easton who was granted a weekly market on the village green by King Edward I.
Whilst the market no longer operates, the village cross and stocks (last used for public punishment of wrongdoers in 1874) remain. The Green continues to be a focal point of village life today with Summer Sunday afternoon band concerts and as the venue for the annual switch-on ceremony of the Christmas lights in early December.
Thornton-le-Dale Church - All Saints - is said to originate in the 14th century and could have been built on the site of an earlier Anglo-Saxon church. It has a Norman font and a 17th century chancel arch. It has a colourful past; the stonework in the interior of the church shows signs of damage repair after a pitched battle took place there during the Civil War period in the 17th century. William Grimes, who saw action at Waterloo and guarded Napoleon Bonaparte at Saint Helena, is buried in the church graveyard.
The Thornton Manor passed into the hands of Richard, first Viscount Lumley, through his marriage to Elizabeth Sandys, a granddaughter of the fourth Lord Latimer. Lady Lumley, as she became, owned much of the land in the area and, when her son died in 1656, she sold her property in London, Hampshire and North Yorkshire and used the proceeds to fund a charity which built a row of 12 almshouses and a grammar school in the centre of
4 the village. The almshouses are still in use today supported by the Lady Lumley’s Charitable Trust. The school was open to all children who could read the New Testament. The small single schoolroom was reputed to have held up to 200 pupils but it only had 16 on roll in 1890 and closed in the early years of the 20th century. It is now used by the community for a variety of purposes.
The Hill family took over the main Thornton Manor in 1661. The current Hall, as it is known today, was built on the site of the original manor house and has been improved and enlarged over the years. It now serves as a residential home for the elderly with a public bar attached.
The picture-postcard village attracts thousands of tourists each year to see one of the most photographed homes in the country - Beck Isle Cottage. Built in the 17th century with a cruck frame and thatched roof, it stands on the banks of the beck and regularly appears on chocolate boxes, jigsaws and calendars.
5 We asked the following:
In an effort to understand our local population, we asked the following; Age, Gender, Place of Work. The following charts show the responses to these questions. Which Age band do you belong to? To which age band do you belong? 180 170
160
140 134
122 11 - 16 120 11-16 17-21 17 - 21 100 22-39 22 - 39 40-59 40 - 59 80 75 60-64 60 - 64 65-74 number of persons 65 - 74 60 75+ number of persons 75+ 43 40
20 12 13
0 What gender1 are you? WhichAges gender of persons are you? 310 306
300
290
280 male Male female Female 270
264 Number of Persons number of persons 260
250
240 1 Where isWhere your is yourmain main place place of ofwork work or study? or study?
300
266
250
200
within Withinthe parish the parish 10 miles10 of miles parish of parish 150 more thanmore 10 milesthan 10 miles N/A N/a
number of persons 105 100 number of persons 87 78
50
0 1 Places of Work or study 6 Traffic and Parking Issues
We asked questions about what residents Traffic Summary felt were important issues regarding traffic and parking in the village and in the parish Danger Spots in the Parish generally The crossroads at the centre of the We asked questions regarding the village was highlighted by a large majority following: as the major danger spot for pedestrians and vehicles (195). A number of responses Speeding problems in the village suggested a one-way system past Wardill’s
Danger spots in the parish Other key issues raised were: Improvement measures to be taken Pedestrians Parking in the centre of the village • Difficulty crossing the A170 throughout the village and at the top of Thornton Hill Car Parking Permits for the centre of the village
Pedestrian issues Junctions with the A170 Police enforcement of parking restrictions • Hurrell Lane, Outgang Lane, Priestmans Lane, Church Lane, Dog Kennel Lane, Prospect Place and Roxby Road were difficult for vehicles and pedestrians Some Statistics • Overtaking traffic on A170 between 70% complained about the speed of Thornton Hill and Hagg Farm traffic Maltongate 80% said crossing the road in the village • Speed of traffic and parking are a problem centre was dangerous • Vehicles parking between Westgate 51% had no problems with parking in the and Willow Garth and opposite Heron village. Close make it difficult for cars accessing Maltongate 41% felt ‘no parking’ areas should be better policed Roxby Road • Junction with Maltongate - cars parked in Maltongate block vision for access from Roxby Road • Cars parked on the hill near junction with A170 often cause congestion
School Area • Speeding traffic delivering and picking up children from the school. This involves vehicles entering Castle Garth from Roxby Road and Farmanby Close into Castle Road
7 Do you think there is a problem with Dothe You Thinkspeed there in is aThornton-le-Dale problem with speed in Thornton village? le Dale Village? Priestmans Lane 450
402 • Joining A170, a mirror is needed for 400
turning towards Pickering 350
• There should be no right turn onto A170 300 Yes Whitbygate 250 Y e s No No No Opinion • Parked cars make it difficult for two way 200 No Opinion Number of persons
traffic number of persons 150 130
• Should have a weight restriction 100 • 30 mph signs being ignored 50 • Need for reduction to 20 mph 18 0 1 opinions Prospect Place – Access to and from A170 difficult because of often double parked cars Do you think that there are significant danger spots in the Parish? Do you think that there are significant danger spots in the Parish? 500 459 Parking: The following general issues 450 were raised about parking in the 400 village: 350
300 • Double yellow lines ignored yesYes 250 NoNo No Opinion • Difficulty of parking in village centre for 200 No Opinion
elderly and disabled 150 Number of persons of Number number of persons 100 • Parking in the village should be time- 67
50 limited 14 0 • Areas should be designated as 1 Opinions ‘Residents Only’ • Residents without a garage should have Do you feel any of the measures need to be taken? parking permits Do you feel any of the measures need to be taken? 450 • Parking for residents is a problem during 400 392 holidays 350 ExtentionExtension of speedof • Residents should have free parking in speed limits 300 limits North York Moors car parks Speed bumps 250 Speed bumps
• A requirement for more Disabled car 200 Flashing matrix Flashing matrix parking 150 125 Chicanes number of persons Number of persons of Number • Bicycle park to be provided in village 100 75 70 Chicanes
centre 50
• Village centre parking should not be 0 1 reduced Methods of Speed controll • One-way system around village green
• Parking restrictions should be reduced IsIs local Local parking parking an issuean issue for you? for you?
from 7 months 350
295 • All new houses should have off-road 300 parking 250 • New access from A170 to North York 213 Moors car park should be constructed 200 YesYes NoNo 150 NoNo Opinion Opinion
100 number of persons Number of Persons
50 29
0 1 Opinions
8 9 DoDo you you have have a aparking Parking permit permit to to use use the the mainmain car parkpark inin thethe centre centre of of the the village?village?
500 463
450
400
350
300 Yes 250 No 200
150 Number of persons of Number number of persons 100 81
50
0 1 Do you feel that, as a pedestrian, you are adequately provided for?
No, for the following 3 reasons • Should be a zebra crossing on A170 • No footpath on Roxby Road between The Rise and Maltongate • A170 pavement is too narrow outside the New Inn
Do you feel that, as a pedestrian, you are adequately Do you feel that, as a pedestrian,provided for? you are adequately provided for?
300 276
250 238
200 Yes 150 No No Opinion 100 number of persons number of persons 50 34
0 1 Opinions DoDo you you feel feel the that police police action action to toenforce Enforce ‘No 'No Parking’ parking' is ais a goodgood idea? idea?
350 324
300
250
200 Yes 156 No 150 No Opinion
100 Number of Persons number of persons 59 50
0 1 Opinions 10 Environmental Issues and Refuse Collection
Do you feel strongly about green We asked questions regarding the issues? following: • Concern was raised about protecting Specific issues hedgerows and wildlife Green issues Refuse collection • Other issues include encouraging buying of local produce, thus reducing transport costs and emissions Some statistics • A suggestion was made about harnessing Complaints about dog fouling 49% the beck’s energy Concerns about beck maintenance 45% • Less use of cars around the village Concerns about street cleaning 34% should be encouraged, eg not taking children to school by car Concerns about grass cutting 23% • Traffic fumes, noise pollution and air Lack of litter bins 24% pollution generally were highlighted More collection of recyclables • Litter problem, especially around the wanted 63% pond area was highlighted
Refuse Collection The Environment • Plastic, cardboard, aluminium foil and • Dog fouling was a particular concern in metals collections should be made by the the following areas Maltongate, Archway Council Lane and Dog Kennel Lane. It is also a problem outside the New Inn and along • Amenity skips should be installed in Roxby Road. More dog bins are required the village car park and numerous suggestions were made that the TLD tip • Grass and verge maintenance: shop should be re-instated areas specifically mentioned include Maltongate, the area around the church • Collection of rubbish on a fortnightly and grass verges in Main Street basis was generally well supported, though not by all residents • Beck maintenance was a concern. A suggestion was made to raise the height of some of the bridges crossing the beck from Maltongate
• Street and footpath cleaning needs attention
• Inadequate street lighting in certain areas
• Low flying aircraft noise was commented upon
• More litter bins are required around the village
11 The number of respondents who expressed concern on Are the following issues of particular concern to you? these specific issues. 300 280
255 250
Dog fouling
200 195 Provision of litter bins DogStreet fouling cleaning Provison of litter bins StreetAircraft Cleaning noise 150 Aircraft noise 137 Verge cutting 135 Verge cutting StreetStreet Lighting lighting number of persons BeckBeck maintenance maintenance 100 94 95 number of persons
50
0 1 WouldWould youyou likelike toto seesee moremore provisionprovision mademade byby thethe locallocal councilcouncil to to collect collect other other types types of ofrecyceable recyclable material material from fromyour your home? home?
400 357 350
300
250 YesYes 200 NoNo No Opinion 150 No Opinion 101 number of persons number of persons 100 80
50
0 1 opinions DoDo you Y oufeel feel strongly strongly about aboutgreen issues? green issues?
300 265
250
200 YesYes 150 NoNo 127 110 NoNo OpinionOpinion
100 Number of persons of Number number of persons
50
0 1 Opinions 12 Communication
We asked how people felt that information should be communicated around the parish and asked specifically about whether a parish newsletter should be published. If so, how often should it be issued and what should be included. Could this be linked to a parish website?
Some Statistics - What would you like to see in a Community Newsletter? News 37% - Local issues Information 36% -Forthcoming events, planning and contacts for clubs etc. Features 26%-Club/shows/sports fixtures.
If yes to a newsletter, how often should it be circulated?
250 222
200
150 Yearly Twice yearly Quarterly 100 Monthly 62 number of persons 58 number of persons 50
4 0 1 opinions What would you like to see included in it?
350
305 300
257 252 250 213 Club Newsnews 200 Diary Datesdates 166 Parish Councilcouncil newsNews 150 Activity reportsreports Police reportsReports 100 Number of persons number of persons
50
0 1 Articles 13 Which village shops do you use? Which of the following do you use regularly?
600
501 520
500 420
400
PostPost Office office Chemist 300 Chemist MobileMobile library library VillageVillage Shops shops number of persons 200
100 25
0 1 Other suggestions for new shops were: Fruit and veg/local produce Bank The Post Office and chemist should certainly be maintained with some calls for the chemist to be open on Saturdays.
Crime and Policing
What questions did we ask?
Is crime a concern for you? If so, what are the specific issues? Is there a need for Neighbourhood Watch?
The majority said that crime was not a concern, but those who saw it as a problem raised the following issues.
• A greater Police presence is needed • Vandalism • Damage to gardens • Shed break-ins • Vehicle thefts • Rowdy youths around the car park - including the racing of cars • Youths drinking and causing trouble around the pond • Under-age drinking • Occasional incidents of house burglary
Of those that thought crime was a concern a slight majority would favour a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.
14 Amenities and Facilities
What questions did we ask? We asked residents what recreational clubs and sporting activities they supported and which new ones they would like to see. Those were: tennis, keep fit, table tennis, badminton, basketball and netball.
Play area Roxby Road Most see this as a useful amenity, with concerns that if it is lost then it might be used for building development. However, the majority view is that those facilities and the area’s appearance have declined, therefore becoming outdated and untidy. There should be more facilities for younger children and the park needs to be better maintained. It has become scruffy, the grass needs cutting more often and there is too much litter. There should also be more seating for those adults taking children to the park.
Are you a member of a sporting or recreational club in Of which sporting or recreationalthe parish clubs in the parish are you a member? 50 46 45
40 Football
35 Cricket
30 Squash Bowls 25 20 Indoor Bowls 20 18 Snooker 15 14
Number of persons of Number Darts 9 9 10 Other 5 5 4
0 1 types of Activities 15 We asked questions regarding the following: Attendance or participation in village hall activities Participation in parish activities Focal points for community activities
The charts below indicate the responses.
WhichWhichWhich of of the the offollowing thefollowing following Parish parish Parish activities activities Activities did you did do supportyou you support take or take or part take in part overin over thepart pastthe in ? last12 months? 12 months?
80 73 70 65
60 Line dancingdancing Playgroup 50 TLDTAG Activity Group 40 Womens Institute institute
30 IndoorIndoor bowling 23 Drama prodprod
Number of Persons 20 16
number of persons 14 Otherother
10 5 7
0 1 WhichWhich of the of thefollowing following do doyou you consider consider toParish to be Activities be the the focal points focal pointsfor thefor the community community in inThornton-le-Dale Thornton Le Dale
300 276 266 265
250
200 Church/ChapelChurch/ Chapel VVillageillage HallHall 150 LocalVillage Pubs Pubs
100 Other 72 Number of persons number of persons
50
0 1 Focal points of the community
16 Housing
We asked residents for their views and about the type of housing they lived in When asked if there was a need for more housing. Of the 113 responses, 23 were in We asked questions regarding the favour and 90 against. following: Of the 90 responses which clearly showed lack of favour for more housing in the Parish; Type of house lived in Housing suitability • By far the largest number of responses Housing preference - 29 – referred to the size of the village Housing expansion/development of Thornton-le-Dale by using terms such as ’big enough’ and ’space to breathe’. Several referred to the danger of spoiling the village character or atmosphere as a result of possible future housing development
• 10 specifically mentioned the possible strain which would be put on the local services infrastructure (sewerage, water, schools, doctors) What typeWhat of house type of do House you dolive you in? live in? • 9 specifically mentioned ‘infilling’ and how 600 this is causing the village of Thornton-le- 510 Dale to lose available green space. One 500 respondent stated that this spoiled ‘the Owner villageoccupied charm’; another said that infilling 400 Privatewould rented lead to more ‘cars and traffic’ Council rented 300 Sheltered• 8 specifically housing mentioned the large number Tied accomof holiday ‘lets’ or second homes 200
Number of persons of Number Housing assoc number of persons • 7 specifically mentioned either 100 34 claustrophobia, lack of space or 2 10 1 8 congestion as factors associated with 0 1 increased housing provision Owner occupied Type of HousingSheltered housing Private rented Tied accommodation Council rented Housing Association • Only 4 respondents referred to the problems faced by young people in finding suitable housing in the parish; only 1 respondent linked this to a need for more Housing Association stock
• 1 respondent had trawled the internet and calculated that there were 32 houses for sale on the market at the time of the survey. He/she concluded that there were plenty available thus there was no need for any more to be built. However he/she felt that most were not affordable for local families.
17 If more housing was needed or required the following graphs identify the need.
300 269
250
Housing for young 200 people Large familiesFamilies
150 Elderly 104 100 WardenedWardened for elderly number of persons of number number of persons 62
50 21
0 What type of home would you prefer? 1 Housing needs 120
104 100
80 77 Detached house Bungalow 60 Flat Semi Terraced 40 Number of persons number of persons
20 10 3 3 0 1 During the next 10-15 years would you like to see the Prefered housing number of dwellings in the village Increase by
250
213
200
150 10%By 10% 20%By 20% 50%By 50% 100 Double in Numbernumber
number of persons 60 Number of persons of Number 50
7 4 0 1 An Increase of
18 Parish / Village Design Areas which residents would not wish We asked residents to identify areas that to be developed they would not wish to be developed and asked for their views on areas, which enhanced or detracted from the village/ • 120 responses to this question were parish analysed.
Some of the questions that were asked • The largest number of responses – 38 concerned – indicated a wish to retain existing fields, woodlands and allotments, most Types of new housing and their enclosure of which were identified as being within Heritage features of the village/parish the village of Thornton-le-Dale. Phrases commonly used in respect of such areas were ‘paddocks’, ‘open farmland’, ’green areas’ and ‘green belt/National Park/ conservation areas’.
• The second largest number of responses – 24 – was in respect of the existing playground, sports field and bowling green areas within the village of Thornton-le-Dale.
• A total of 15 respondents indicated that they did not wish to see further building development ‘anywhere’.
• A total of 7 respondents specifically mentioned a wish to see no more infilling.
• A total of 11 respondents indicated that they did not wish to see existing farmland or woodland outside the village of Thornton le Dale developed. Several of these mentioned the Ellerburn valley.
• A total of 3 respondents indicated a desire to see no further development along the A170 beyond the existing Thornton-le- Dale village boundaries because of traffic safety issues.
• In view of concerns about climate change and increased risks of flooding, 7 respondents stated that there should be no further development along the banks of the Thornton-le-Dale beck; 3 of these specifically mentioned low lying land.
19 Transport
We asked residents about local transport issues.
The questions that were asked were
Do you use local transport? Are you happy with local transport provision?
Do you use local bus transport?
300
250 245
212 200 Daily Weekly 150 Monthly Sometimes 100 Never Number of persons number of persons 54 50 30 13
0 1 Frequency of usage Are you happy with the bus services currently provided?
350
295 300
250
200 Yes 160 No 150 No opinion
100 Number of persons of Number number of persons 54 50
0 1 Opinions 20 Comments on Dalby
We examined 302 comments from 284 returns.
• What do you like about Dalby? Generally favourable, ie, the qualities offered, space, walks, peace, easy access from Thornton le Dale.
• Comments on entry fee. Too expensive and unfair to local residents.
• Comments on Mountain Bikes. Trails being damaged, clash of interest with walkers and facilities for children.
• Comments on New Centre Some dislike style of buildings and comment on poor parking.
• Other Comments. There were adverse comments related to the motor rallies. Other comments related to enforcement of speed limits on the narow roads.
21 Comments on Health Provision in the Parish
80 comments were received
Of those comments which could be directly attributed to either of the two surgeries operating in Thornton-le-Dale, only positive comments (25) were recorded in relation to the Snainton based practice.
There were some adverse comments (22) about the Pickering based practice concerning:
• The length of waiting times • Slow reaction to home calls • Difficulty in contacting reception
There were some adverse comments (10) that could not be attributed to either practice.
Other responses commented on:
• Lack of dentists (2) • Long waiting time for chiropody (4) • The need for 6 day cover for prescriptions/pharmacy (6) • The need for improved medical cover at weekends (1)
22 ACTION PLAN
SECTION ACTION PARTNERS PRIORITY TIMESCALE RESULT
TRAFFIC Reduction of speed through NYCC HIGH Ongoing Work in village NYP 6 months Progress Pedestrian Crossing NYMNP Parking PC ENVIRONMENT Increase dog waste bins NYMNP HIGH Ongoing Improve grass cutting PC 12 months Beck maintenance EA Street cleaning RDC Amenity skips in village car park REFUSE Collection of plastic/ RDC MEDIUM 18 months COLLECTION cardboard, foil and metals
POLICE Neighbourhood Watch NYP HIGH Immediate Scheme PC 6 months Higher profile of local beat officer Enforcement of parking restrictions CLUBS/SPORTS/ Improvements to play park Play Park HIGH Ongoing ACTIVITES Committee 8 months RDC
Investigate other amenities Sports MEDIUM 12 months Committees Volunteer Groups HOUSING Investigate provision of PC HIGH Ongoing 60 affordable housing for local RDC months families NYMNP
VILLAGE DESIGN Prepare a village design PC HIGH 18 months statement for the parish NYMNP RDC
HEALTH Investigate improvement to PC HIGH 12 months all services PCT Doctors
COMMUNICATION Investigate possibility of PC MEDIUM 6 months continuing newsletter Volunteer Group
DALBY Forge better links between PC HIGH 12 months Village/FE FE Negotiate free passes to Dalby for Parish residents
KEY:- PC = Parish Council; PCT = Primary Care Trust; NYMNP = North Yorks Moors National Park; NYP = North Yorkshire Police; NYCC = North Yorkshire County Council; RDC = Ryedale District Council; FE = Forest Enterprise; EA = Environment Agency
23 Some of your other comments!
Footpaths – are for the safety of pedestrians and not for walking around advertising boards.
National Parks – Allow more conversions of redundant buildings to dwellings with less stringent rules.
Seat on Roxby Road for elderly residents to rest whilst carrying heavy shopping.
Would like bus to travel around village picking people up.
Ellerburn – Can no longer see the valley, all you can see is hedge from the footpath! Many commented on the hedge.
Cycle Paths – Extend cycle path all the way into village. Provide more paths to encourage walkers. Tourism – Christmas lights are too popular, no longer for villagers. We have too many tourists but we need them to keep village alive. Ensure there will always be shops and services for the local community as opposed to tourist focused. Holiday homes contribute little to economy, push house prices up and leave village deserted in winter months. We need homes for ‘locals.’ Village Pond & Beck – It needs cleaning more often. Tidy pond around edges, have more planting and have more seats.
Better signage for car park and also to inform visitors of short walk from car park to village.
Reintroduce use of stocks for punishment!!
More Police presence needed.
Employ a local caretaker/warden for village.
24
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