Consultation Report Knutsford Neighbourhood Plan Knutsford Town Council October 2018 Project name and Number: 16-024_Knutsford Neighbourhood Plan Document Name and Revision: Consultation Report_001 Prepared by: TR/JP/BP Reviewed By: BP/JP Date of Issue: October 2018 Contents 1. Introduction.................................................................................................................................................. 4 2. Initial Residents Survey ............................................................................................................................... 5 3. Informal Consultation ............................................................................................................................... 10 4. Emerging Policies Consultation ............................................................................................................... 11 5. Regulation 14 Consultation ...................................................................................................................... 16 6. Conclusion ................................................................................................................................................. 19 Appendix 1 – Initial Survey Age Gap Analysis ................................................................................................ 20 Appendix 2 – Initial Survey Gap Analysis (Location) ..................................................................................... 22 Appendix 3 – Informal Consultation Table ..................................................................................................... 24 Appendix 4 – Quantitative Data from Initial Survey ....................................................................................... 30 Appendix 5 – EPD Feedback: Three outstanding Issues ............................................................................... 32 Appendix 6 – Emerging Policies Document Age Analysis ............................................................................. 36 Appendix 7 – Emerging Policies Document Gap Analysis (Location) .......................................................... 38 Appendix 8 - Quantitative Regulation 14 Data ................................................................................................ 40 3 Consultation Report 1. Introduction and were formed mid-late 2015. The working groups would ultimately go on to facilitate the consultation events, 1.1. The following document forms the along with their consultants, Urban Consultation Report and seeks to Imprint. provide an overview of the consultation and engagement of stakeholders in Summary of Consultation preparation of the Knutsford Neighbourhood Plan. Informal Meetings undertaken by the individual working groups: 2015 - 2018 1.2. The document collates work sourced List available in Appendix 4 from a range of different types of events and methods for collecting the views of local residents, landowners and agents, businesses, statutory bodies, local groups to name a few. 1.3. Using such a range of methods aims to Initial Residents Survey – August 2016 ensure that all those that want to input into the project have the opportunity to, Gap Analysis available in Appendix 1 and 2 (age and location) and the plan seeks to represent all stakeholders. 1.4. Key findings from each form of consultation are recorded and summarised in order to draw out the key themes and concerns raised by Emerging Policies Document (EPD) – stakeholders. The comments will be November 2017 grouped and ranked according to the Emerging Policies document and other frequency that they are raised. consultation documents are available in the Core Documents library. 1.5. Part I explores and collates the consultation responses which refer to The Quantitative Data and Gap Analysis are general issues that the Neighbourhood available in Appendix 4, 6 and 7 (age and Plan should seek to address and location) naturally centres around core themes such as transport, recreation, and housing. The Neighbourhood Plan Working Groups: Regulation 14 Consultation – May and July 2018 1.6. The Town Council decided that several Working Groups offered the best means Quantitative and Qualitative data are both available in the Core Documents library. to produce a plan. The groups were made up from a number of resident A summary of the quantitative data is available volunteers and several town councillors in Appendix 6. 4 Consultation Report 2. Initial Residents Survey 2.7. Publicity was provided on the Town Council website, the local press and on posters around the town, promoted by The Survey the Town Mayor and the Chairman of the Neighbourhood Plan Committee. The 2.1. In summer 2016, a resident’s survey broad results are presented below, designed by the Town Council was sent however, full details are available as part out to homes in Knutsford. of spreadsheets submitted as part of the 2.2. The survey contained questions on the core documents with the Neighbourhood quality of Knutsford and the current way Plan. of life so that the Neighbourhood Plan 2.8. The key findings of the questionnaire are group could gain a better understanding set out below, by theme / topic. of the key issues which the Neighbourhood Plan could address. Community Places 2.3. The survey received a varied response 2.9. Most respondents have determined that with some questions receiving a higher the existing community places in number of responses than others. Knutsford are ‘good’ with regards to Notable responses were identified by the availability, quality, and location of higher number of respondents (which facilities. However, many commented on equate to approximately 250). the poor condition of the Leisure Centre and the lack of parking and variety the The Questionnaire Document services offer. 2.4. The survey questionnaire was divided in 2.10. There is a strong consensus that a new to 9 themes: Community Places, function hall is required in the town and Education, Employment, Environment the community agree that Knutsford is and Open Space, Getting Around, Health, missing a centrally located health centre Heritage, Housing, and Town Centre. and facilities for the youth. 2.5. The survey questionnaire was developed Education by the Neighbourhood Plan Committee, with inputs from a number of working 2.11. The survey revealed that the current groups. Each section was specifically primary school, adult education and targeted towards key issues or questions special education needs were viewed as on a particular theme. The sections were having significantly inadequate provision grouped together in an A5 booklet that and will not be able to support additional was distributed. A copy is contained with growth. the core documents submitted with this plan. 2.12. Reponses highlighted that close to/in the middle of any new housing development 2.6. A copy of the questionnaire issued to all would be the ideal location for a new households was available online for primary school. completion using a survey monkey. Nearly 750 completed questionnaires 5 Consultation Report 2.13. 63% of residents revealed that they will 2.19. 28 respondents highlighted that the not support any housing development on Leisure Centre required further school playing fields and 49% support investment and improvements and a the retention of these spaces for better-quality swimming pool is needed. community purposes. Getting Around Employment 2.20. It was highlighted in the survey that the 2.14. Several residents highlighted that the existing narrow and poor-quality questions in this section were leading pavements were a significant issue in and were not sure what the approach Knutsford. Alongside on-street car behind them was. parking on the busier streets meant that those with wheelchairs and prams found 2.15. However, 48% of respondents to the it difficult to navigate the town. This is survey highlighted that improvements to exacerbated by the poor quality public the public transport network and access transport network and the lack of will support employment opportunities in provision of parking facilities. the town. 61% would only support employment development in the town 2.21. The survey revealed that many where they contribute to the character of respondents believe that all development Knutsford. in Knutsford should contribute to improvement in the efficiency and safety 2.16. It was also identified that the community of the transport network (67%), should will not support the development of any aim to reduce congestion (67%) and shops in residential areas (110 improve and develop both pedestrian responses) and large retail/ super stores and cycle networks (61% and 48%). in both residential and edge of town areas (45 responses). Health Environment, Open Spaces, Leisure, and Sport 2.22. 74% of the total respondents to the initial survey revealed that the current 2.17. It was revealed that the Health, the Moor, provision of healthcare facilities was Tatton Park, the surrounding sufficient to accommodate the increase countryside, and the quality parks are in growth. 64% of respondents stated aspects of Knutsford that are most that better accessibility to these facilities important to the community. via walking and cycling and the public transport network need to be a priority. 2.18. Respondents also highlighted that the ‘bad’ elements of the town were the 2.23. 54% consider existing air and noise Manchester Airport flight path and the pollution (likely from Manchester Airport subsequent air pollution,