The Community Plan is the result of two years’ hard Contents work by a team of dedicated volunteers. It follows extensive community consultation, four Open Day Foreword 2 information sessions, a household survey and a Environment & Resources 2 detailed review of existing data sources.

Economy 4 Many thanks to the residents of Winkleigh who Housing 4 contributed to making the Plan possible and to all Community 5 who got involved and helped produce or deliver this Transport & Traffic 7 Plan, they can be extremely proud of their efforts. A Resilient Community 7 We hope this Community Plan will help Winkleigh Acknowledgements 8 thrive and continue to be a wonderful place to live! Action Plan 9 Key 11

Foreword

The Winkleigh Community Plan is a plan by the community, for the community. It is an important step towards helping the community take ownership of its future, offering an opportunity to represent and strengthen the local view to agencies that affect change.

The Community Plan sets out a sustainable and resilient vision for the future and the principles and actions that will help us get there. Together with the supporting Action Plan, the Plan will help us prioritise what is important locally, capturing key issues and, crucially, provide evidence to help bring in funding.

This Plan Summary including the Action Plan, is being delivered to every household in Winkleigh Parish, with the full Community Plan available online (at www. winkleighplan.co.uk) or on request at Winkleigh Post Office. Copies will be sent to key decision makers, such as Devon County Council (DCC), Torridge District Environment & Council (TDC) and Winkleigh Parish Council (WPC). Resources During the process of developing this Community Plan, North Devon and Torridge District Council The community shows a high level of concern for the have revised their own Local Plan, so as new policies environment: emerge these may impact our Parish. The Community Plan clearly articulates the community’s preferences. • 73% agree wildlife should be supported Where these differ from local government objectives, by local planning policies the Plan supports actions to secure the best possible outcomes for Winkleigh. • 62% agree more trees and hedges should be planted for wildlife habitats • 61% agree more areas should be ‘The new Community Plan is being undertaken to designated for wildlife protection reflect local aspirations for decision makers [and] support Winkleigh’s vision.’ • 59% would like more information about wildlife in the parish

Page 2 • 23% are in favour of wind energy (48% ‘Hedges should be allowed oppose) to grow more ... they are cut back too hard ...’ Just over half of respondents (53%) are in favour of community schemes for renewable energy. Only 11% are actively against the idea, suggesting that where there are local benefits to energy generation people are receptive to the idea. ‘I have been impressed by the energy and enthusiasm of the local Green Group.’ There is considerable satisfaction with the regular collection of household waste (85%) and with the Green Box recycling (75%), including paper, cardboard and the garden recycling. There remains dissatisfaction with the restricted range of items collected by South Molton Recycling.

‘More plastic recycling - where do you store a month’s worth of plastic?’

Respondents would like to see the collection of plastic waste on a more frequent basis. The opening of a recycling facility at D & S Supplies on the Airfield, seeks to address this need.

The PROPOSALS in the plan support:

• Habitat creation, restoration and measures to connect wildlife corridors • Planting of native plants and trees and traditional management of hedgerows • Development that respects the character : and form of Winkleigh • Development reflecting the traditional People are worried about the cost of energy and heritage of buildings and the wider the need for homes that are energy efficient and Economylandscape sustainable. Many people have taken steps to • The use of local building materials and improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Residentsfinishes want Winkleigh to remain a working, people-focused• Measures village: to extend the footpath Popular measures include loft insulation (89%), network, bridleways and cycle-paths double-glazing (87%) and energy-saving lighting • 78% support more economic growth (85%). Some form of renewable energy is used by •• AnMeasur overwhelminges to improve consensus mobility (83%) wantand 27% of the community; wood is the principal source. commercialpedestrian accessdevelopment to be located Solar and wind sources are used by just over 4% of • inAction the to existing create new employment routes and areas, make as the population. identifiedroads safer for by pedestrians/riders/cyclists Torridge District Council in the Local Plan Residents are more receptive to some forms of • Greater energy efficiency and renewable renewable energy than others: energy installations in homes • 52% are in favour of solar energy (16% • Measures to secure and improve waste oppose) management, composting and recycling • 29% are in favour of biomass, such as • The management of community assets in wood pellets (28% oppose) a way that reflects these principles

Page 3 • Higher speed broadband was identified Economy as a priority to promote existing and new businesses Residents want Winkleigh to remain a working, people-focused village: ‘If there were affordable units for small businesses • 78% support more economic growth I would definitely relocate to Winkleigh.’ • An overwhelming consensus (83%) want commercial development to be located in the four existing employment areas The PROPOSALS in the plan support: (Airfield, Western Barn, Rangemoors and Seckington)

• The location of new business at the four designated employment areas • Promoting the use of local shops, facilities and businesses, to secure their viability • Greater flexibility in the use of the Airfield, while respecting its environmental setting • Efforts to improve transportation and communication links

Housing

The Community is somewhat divided in its support for housing:

• 47% support new housing, but 43% oppose • Of those supporting new housing, 50% feel it should be located in Winkleigh village • Only 3% of residents support large-scale development (sites of 15 or more homes) • Over 30% are affected by noise • The majority (88%) favour small-scale or pollution, with a number citing sites, infill, single-plot developments and commercial noise, light pollution, odours conversions and air pollution • There is considerable support for new development to use sustainable building ‘The most recent development materials and promote energy efficiency was too overcrowded.’ (80%) • 8% indicated a wish to start a business in Winkleigh with more than half of • 1 in 12 of the population feel they will these stating they needed storage and require affordable housing in the next workshop facilities 5 years. Almost half would prefer a • There was also considerable feedback property to rent specific to the future development of the • A Housing Needs Survey was undertaken former Airfield (June 2014)

Page 4 There is considerable concern that the scale of development in recent years has eroded the Community distinctive quality of Winkleigh and introduced design that is more urban than rural in character. The importance of Winkleigh Fair was highlighted by 82% of survey respondents. There is also concern about pressure on key facilities in Winkleigh such as roads, sewers, parking, the school and the branch surgery. ‘Hope to see the fair continue.’

‘No more housing without jobs to go with it.’ Other recreation and leisure activities receiving strong approval include: quiz nights, the over 60s drop-in centre, concerts, dances and adult education classes.

Over 80% value the community magazine Distinctly Winkleigh as a source of village news and information.

Over 55% feel community activities and facilities for young people need improvement. A lack of adequately trained volunteers was often cited as an issue. 65% agree with a need for adult education.

The PROPOSALS in the plan support:

• Initiatives to sustain and diversify the range of community activities The PROPOSALS in the plan support: • Measures to secure a sustainable future for community buildings • Effective on-going communication • Up to 5% growth during the current between the Parish Council, community (Torridge District) planning cycle to 2031 groups and residents • Working with developers to secure the • Measures to improve the resilience of best outcome for the people of Winkleigh Winkleigh and its ability to adapt and • Building on small plots and infill sites cope with change where appropriate • Promotion of local information through • A mix of housing types matched to the Distinctly Winkleigh magazine and public needs of the community websites • Community benefits linked to • The retention of traditional events, such development to support upgrading of as Winkleigh Fair infrastructure • Lifelong learning

Page 5 Imagery copyright 2014 DigitalGlobe, Getmapping plc, Map data copyright 2014 Google

Page 6 • HGVs disregarding weight and size Transport & Traffic restrictions and using minor roads • Poor road surfaces both in the village and In a survey conducted in 2005, traffic issues were a locally major concern for many in the community. Although improvements have been made to signage and traffic calming, this worry has continued: ‘Recently Exeter Road was so congested a bus could not drive through ... what would have • 65% feel traffic is a problem, especially in happened if it were a fire engine?’ the locations of the A3124, the Square, Exeter Road, Townsend Hill and Torrington The PROPOSALS in the plan support: Road • Problems relate primarily to speed, parking, traffic volume and size/weight of • Development that improves traffic flow vehicles and does not add to traffic issues in Winkleigh village • 57% of people are dissatisfied with the condition of minor roads • Provision of additional car parking • 19% think that the main roads need • Attention to pedestrian needs improvement • The creation of more footpaths and cycle routes

‘Crossing the main road to the Sports Centre can • Improved signage to inform through be difficult due to vehicle speed.’ traffic and visitors • Work to resolve congestion and safety issues • Car sharing, use of public transport and a Park & Change facility

A Resilient Community

Concern focuses on: • Health Services: The quality of surgery facilities at Southernhay and the restricted hours and range of services available, are inadequate. There are fears the predicted increase in our elderly population, coupled Issues raised by residents can be summarised as: with further housing development, will place additional pressure on facilities that • Speed - the A3124, Barnstaple Street, many feel are not operating effectively. Torrington Road, Townsend Hill and Exeter Road are all frequently mentioned ‘The health centre is far too small • Danger to school children and residents for the size of the village.’ along Townsend Hill and Torrington Road due to the excessive speed and volume of • Access to healthcare services at traffic using the route as a ‘rat run’ Chulmleigh can be very difficult without • Lack of adequate parking in the Square a car as there is no bus service and and along Exeter Road community transport schemes often struggle for funding.

Page 7 The recent update to Winkleigh’s Emergency Advice provides an opportunity to publicise and refresh ‘Winkleigh needs a full time doctors’ surgery’ information about vulnerable individuals and key emergency and volunteer contacts (see Parish Notice Boards in Winkleigh Square and Hollocombe).

• Education: The main issue regarding Regards communications, 52% are dissatisfied with the schools is the potential impact of mobile coverage and 83% of the community support further housing development. Residents enhanced broadband services. are generally satisfied with the quality of education provided at pre-school, primary The PROPOSALS in the plan support: and secondary level. • There is some concern about the safety of children walking to school. • Continued liaison with public service providers to maintain and improve service levels • Interaction and community involvement in local education and health services • Community awareness of emergency planning

Acknowledgements

The Winkleigh Community-Led Plan Group gratefully acknowledges the assistance and support provided by the following organisations during the preparation of this Community Plan:

• Community Council of Devon (CCD) • Devon County Council (DCC) • Distinctly Winkleigh (DW) magazine • Torridge District Council (TDC) • Winkleigh Parish Council (WPC)

• Emergency Services: There were a few comments about the emergency services; poor access for emergency vehicles, lack of police enforcement for inconsiderate or dangerous parking and speeding offences and a feeling that police presence is insufficient.

‘More police presence at sensible times to catch speeding vehicles.’

The impact of extreme weather events gave concern to 34% of respondents. Only 13% were aware that there was an Emergency Plan for Winkleigh.

Page 8 Action Plan

ITEM ACTION TERM RESPONSIBILITY FUNDING/COMMENTS ENVIRONMENT and RESOURCES Devon Wildlife Trust Survey the density of wildlife 1 Medium North Devon Biosphere To be investigated and condition of hedgerows Biodiversity Group Local funding opportunities; Establish tree-planting initiative Biodiversity Group free tree initiatives. (100 2 and wild flower area at the Short Sports Centre native trees planted in Dec recreation field Volunteers 2012 and a further 100 in Apr 2014) Explore possibility of green Links to be made with 3 corridors, wildlife networks, Long Volunteers farmers and landowners wilderness areas Respond to all planning applications on the WPC to consider nominated 4 Continual WPC character and design of new Councillor to lead on this development To be considered: TDC WPC cutback of Conservation Link with TDC to update TDC 5 Long resources for Appraisals. May Conservation Area Appraisal Winkleigh Society be achieved by using local Local volunteers expertise Update work identifying Winkleigh Society features of value in the built Some information held in TDC Conservation Officer 6 environment; update earlier Medium Winkleigh archive Local experts and work (1998) on Village Design volunteers Statement Bin is covered by TDC refuse Install larger litter bin at lay-by 7 Short WPC collection (replacement Berners Cross on the A3124 under review July 2014) Investigate installation of WPC 8 dog waste bin at entrance to Short To be investigated TDC Winkleigh Wood DCC Public Rights of Way Create dedicated footpath link Biodiversity Group Identified as a priority in 9 Long to Winkleigh Wood Sports Centre Plan; to be investigated Landowners Promote energy efficiency To be investigated; self- 10 schemes to help reduce energy Short Biodiversity Group financing under Gov’t Green consumption Deal Promote collective purchasing Distinctly Winkleigh 11 Short To be investigated of oil, propane CCD Community Recycling Investigate further recycling Group in liaison with TDC initiatives; establish plastics 12 Short D&S Supplies To be investigated recycling facility at D&S with a Peninsula Waste view to long term service South Molton Recycle

Page 9 ITEM ACTION TERM RESPONSIBILITY FUNDING/COMMENTS ECONOMY Engage businesses and TDC in WPC discussion to allow business to Short To be progressed 13 Business Reps thrive Negotiate with TDC for greater Representations made to flexibility in the Airfield TDC on content of draft Local WPC 14 development brief to allow Short Plan; await reply on adding Business Reps new and existing business an ‘Appendix’ to the Airfield development Site Development Brief (SDB) Investigate options for themed Winkleigh Society (to Further actions to be business promotion eg local initiate) 15 Short developed after initial food, initially by convening a Business community meeting 'Winkleigh Together' event North Devon Plus Monitor roll out of WPC Fibre-optic connections ‘Connecting Devon and 16 Medium Business community for Winkleigh due to begin Somerset’ programme and its British Telecom installation Sept 2014 effectiveness Promote environmental Possible conditions on protection; review planning WPC types/amount of lighting to applications for environmental TDC Environmental Health 17 Continual preserve ‘dark skies’; use of impact (light, noise, odour, & Planning Dept’s ‘silent’ reverse alarms (eg as traffic); encourage mitigation Business leaders at Forthglade) measures HOUSING WPC In progress; survey Undertake Housing Needs TDC 18 Short commissioned for June 2014 Survey CCD Rural Housing (report expected Autumn) Enabler Make formal representations In progress; timescale to TDC on draft Local Plan; Short WPC conditioned by Local Plan 19 continued input to process, timetable including Examination in Public Explore issues associated with Community Land Trust (CLT) WPC development for housing to Long To be investigated 20 Volunteers meet local need via Working Group COMMUNITY LIFE Explore integrated management & efficiency in use of assets via meeting Winkleigh Society Winkleigh Society to 21 between community buildings Short Community building facilitate committees (Village Hall, management committees Community Centre & Sports Centre)

Page 10 Re

ITEM ACTION TERM RESPONSIBILITY FUNDING/COMMENTS Conduct awareness campaign Winkleigh Society for volunteers and support for Distinctly Winkleigh Winkleigh Society to 22 community buildings/activities; Short Community building facilitate identification of new activities management committees in community buildings TRANSPORT & TRAFFIC Meet with DCC to discuss WPC WPC await a response from options for parking, vehicle DCC Highways/Police DCC Highways (wrote April 23 speed, signage, congestion, Short Volunteers 2014) to review the traffic safety and issues on Townsend Speedwatch situation Hill Identify options to address WPC problems and detailed work to Medium DCC Highways To be investigated 24 establish viable schemes Volunteers Conduct community WPC consultation on options for 25 Medium DCC Highways To be investigated future traffic management and Volunteers funding implications WPC Implement preferred traffic 26 Long DCC Highways To be investigated management schemes Volunteers Promote bus services and car Investigate Park & Change share websites; investigate Park Distinctly Winkleigh facility on Council land & Change facility; undertake Bus service company at Airfield (or new village 27 Medium a Transport Needs Survey; DCC Highways car park if/when built); investigate scope for cycling Volunteers investigate asking buses to routes stop there A RESILIENT COMMUNITY Encourage representation on consultative and liaison groups eg: healthcare Community Reps (Patient Participation Group), 28 Continual Volunteers To be considered/progressed champions for broadband, WPC mobile library service, etc; increase WPC public communication and PR Updated Emergency Maintain up-to-date Emergency Advice (April 2014) to be WPC 29 Advice; publicise availability Continual reviewed/updated each year; Distinctly Winkleigh and the key messages promotion of plan and key messages

Key: SHORT TERM: 6 – 24 months MEDIUM TERM: 2 – 5 years LONG TERM: 5 years + CONTINUAL: Ongoing

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