Cornwood and Lutton Community Plan 2019 Our Community The parish of Cornwood consists of two villages, Cornwood and Lutton, plus several hamlets and estates. Situated in the South Hams, the parish is bisected by the Dartmoor National Park boundary, with Lutton just outside and Cornwood just inside the park. With a current population of around 1100 (from the 2011 census) the villages grew up around agriculture and the nearby mines. The current population is of mixed incomes and a middling to aging demographic. The parish has a school and pre-school, church, pub, shop, post office and village hall, all of which are highly valued. There are many well attended social events scattered through the year including the 10k Run, Flower Festival and Fair in the Square all organised by the church, the Cornwood Show, Christmas Lights illumination along with Big Breakfasts, Orchard events, Coffee Mornings, Luncheon Club and many more excuses to meet up with each other. There are also many thriving clubs and organisations including Bowling, Cricket and Camera clubs, the WI, Brownies and Rainbows. What is a A Community Plan sets out to: Community Plan? • Assess what we value about our Community, • Find areas that can be improved, • Identify how to make the changes, A Community Plan acts as valuable evidence when we approach local authorities to demonstrate the need for improvements. It can be used to initiate changes, from the simple forming of a local interest group, to major changes concerning road traffic and public transport and it provides focus for money raising through grants and donations. Where did this A group of volunteers stepped up to develop a plan for the parish of Cornwood following an introductory talk on Community plan come from? Plans organised by the Parish Council. We named the project FOCAL; short for the Future of Cornwood and Lutton. The team followed a format of gathering thoughts and ideas from local people and organisations then used these to formulate a questionnaire which was distributed to every household in the parish. People from almost 70% of homes completed it, which is an amazing result, and this plan is built on what they told us. Everyone who has contributed with ideas or filled in the questionnaire has helped shape the outcomes, ensuring that this finished work is a representation of the wishes of the whole community. The findings from this plan have already helped to secure the long term future of the Cornwood Inn by providing evidence to get it listed as an Asset of Community Value, to get WiFi installed in the Village Hall and set-up cycling and running groups.
About the The plan is divided into sections such as Transport, Outdoor Leisure and Village Environment. Each Community Plan section includes a summary of the questionnaire responses, what we want to achieve, what has been done so far to meet the objectives, and what has to happen next. If you would like to get involved in any of these initiatives, please contact the Parish Clerk Maureen Haynes email: [email protected] or phone 01752 878927 Roads
The condition and use of local roads is a key priority. Of particular concern to people are speeding, flooding due to poor drainage, parking and the impact of agricultural vehicles on the roads.
State of roads • There were many comments regarding the state of the roads, with concerns about pot-holes, poor drainage and consequent flooding. Speeding • Speeding was a key issue, with the majority of residents having observed vehicles speeding in the villages and around the parish. • 223 responded that speeding traffic made them feel unsafe when driving in the parish, and speeding traffic was highlighted as a concern making other road users less likely to walk, cycle or ride in the parish. • 30 people would like more speed restrictions and 47 people were interested in forming a speed awareness group. • 153 people feel that parking is a problem with poorly parked cars causing concerns for safety. Particular areas mentioned were Yondertown Parking Square and Cornwood Square. • There were specific mentions of parked cars blocking emergency vehicles and parking on pavements forcing pedestrians into the road, particularly in Lutton and Bond Street. • The speed and size of agricultural vehicles were mentioned as concerns, particularly in New Road Lutton, Bond Street and Fore Street Cornwood, Other but also generally in narrow lanes. • The Ivybridge school bus was mentioned as occasionally causing gridlock in the square while picking up and dropping off in the mornings and afternoons.
What we want to • An environment where all road users can move around the parish safely. achieve • Well maintained roads including hedges, verges, gullies and pavements. • Careful and considerate driving and parking throughout the parish
Action to date • The Parish now has four volunteers for the Devon County Council Road Warden scheme. This allows them to complete basic maintenance tasks: mend potholes (that do not meet the Highways Authority intervention criteria); clear weeds; clean signs; clear drainage; cut grass; repair finger posts; cut hedges and set up road closures for special events. • The Parish Council has engaged with DCC highways to improve signage and to raise awareness of speed limits.
Next Steps • Encourage residents to communicate concerns to the Parish Council – develop website tool to facilitate this. • Develop existing links with Highway authorities to find ways to address priority concerns - especially speeding and possible traffic calming measures. • Set up a Speed Awareness group of volunteers. • Promote awareness of DCC online system for reporting potholes and other road problems via the Parish Council website • Work with residents to find solutions to parking concerns. TRANSPORT and HOUSING
The vast majority of people in the parish own or have use of a vehicle and drive rather than use public transport. A bus link to Ivybridge was a popular request, particularly among young people, and there was interest in the idea of a car share scheme to reduce volume of traffic and commuting costs.
Use of our public • Only 5 people said they use the Plymouth bus daily, 14 use it weekly and 15 monthly. transport links • Those who don’t use the bus say they are happy to drive themselves or don’t use it due to poor timetabling, irregular service or because the bus doesn’t go to where they need. • It was noted that a link to Ivybridge would open up access to many ongoing connections by both bus and rail.
What we want to • To enable every member of the community to travel with the least difficulty. achieve • A community that is not so reliant on private transport - to reduce car journeys to benefit the local environment and reduce emissions • Improved public transport or sharing schemes, particularly at peak times to enable this.
Action to date • The ‘Ring and Ride’ service travels to Ivybridge, Tesco and other areas for those unable to use public transport due to age or reduced mobility.
Next Steps • Establish a ‘transport committee’ to better understand local transport needs and liaise with transport providers about possible improvements such as alternative destinations or timetabling. • Establish a steering group to investigate interest in and feasibility of car share/shared transport scheme. • Develop Parish Council website to share information about existing public transport and the ring and ride service.
• A housing needs survey was conducted in December 2017. This identified a need for 8 affordable homes and 8 open market homes in the next 5 Housing years. • 14 respondents stated that they knew of people that had left the parish in the last 5 years due to a lack of suitable housing provision. There were others who felt that they would have to move in the next 5 years due to changing circumstances. • 75% of respondents to the question stated that they were in favour of a small development of affordable housing for local people.
What we want to • That everyone in the parish has a good home and that no one is forced to leave the parish due to a lack of suitable housing achieve • That any new development should make a positive contribution to the village and should set high standards in terms of energy use, design and public space. Where possible any development should look to address other concerns or aspirations identified by this Community Plan.
Action to date • A review of suitable housing sites has been undertaken within Cornwood (Dartmoor NP planning authority) (note: there are no sites in Lutton identified in the South Hams DC Local Plan) • Discussions have taken place with landowners and the Parish Council is working on funding and delivery models for affordable housing.
Next Steps • Continue to work with landowners, Planning authorities and other stakeholders to explore the potential for a small development of new housing to serve the needs of the local community. OUTDOOR LEISURE
The majority of people in the Parish enjoy accessing the great outdoors. This could be made easier by improving maintenance and signposting of public rights of way and improving access to the moor, particularly parking at moor gates.
Walking • 164 walk daily in the parish, 101 weekly, 25 monthly, and 74 occasionally • 137 people say that they are put off walking because of the speed of traffic and farm machinery on the roads • 73 people say that there are not enough footpaths • The upkeep of footpaths and dog fouling were noted as a concern by a large number of people • It was also noted that game shoots and livestock occasionally make walking less desirable. Cycling • 60 people cycle in and around the Parish at least monthly and over 100 people are interested in a cycling club Horse Riding • 33 people responded that they ride in the area at least monthly and a further 16 less regularly • Additional bridle paths and access to the moor would be welcomed, and 22 riders would like organised rides on the moor. Heathfield & • Heathfield and the community orchard are visited by 95 people at least monthly and 85 people have attended an organised orchard event Community • People said that they would go more often if there were easier access by foot from both villages, somewhere to sit, more parking and improved Orchard maintenance including reduced dog fouling • Over 200 people go on the moor at least weekly, 65 monthly and 117 occasionally. Access to Moor • 164 people said that they would go onto the moor more often if there was improved parking at the moor gates • 102 say that they would like guided walks, and improved signage was also suggested.
What we want to • To enable the community to access and enjoy the local environment through a safe and well maintained network of bridleways, public footpaths achieve and permissive paths for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. • Better use of the outdoor space at Heathfield and the Community Orchard • Easier local access to the moor including parking near moor gates and better signage for moor walks.
Action to date • The Parish Council regularly discusses matters concerning footpaths • A cycling Facebook page has been set up • A Cornwood and Lutton walking guide has been discussed in PC meetings • A steering group has been set up to investigate improving paths and access to both Heathfield and the moor (including parking), and more generally throughout the parish.
Next Steps • Develop the Parish council website to link to various organisations with information about routes for walks and rides • Develop a better process for reporting issues to the parish council, such as maintenance or livestock issues. • Establish a steering group to develop the proposed walking guide CURRENT FACILITIES & SERVICES
Cornwood Village is well served for facilities with a shop, Post Office, Church, Pub and public toilets plus 2 spaces that can be hired by the public. All the current facilities in the Parish are well used, but we need to ensure continued support for future viability.
Village Hall & • The Village Hall is owned and managed by its own charity. It is well used by clubs and for larger events with over 260 people saying they use it at Community Room least occasionally and almost 40 using it weekly. • It was noted that the hall would benefit from updating, with WiFi installation a priority. • The Community Room is owned by South Devon Rural Housing Association. 80 people use this smaller space at least occasionally. Cornwood Store & • 130 people said they use the shop at least weekly. The majority of people would like the shop to stock basics such as bread and milk. Tea Room Newspapers, local produce, eggs and meat were also popular. Most people are happy with weekday and Saturday morning opening times, although it was noted that times were not good for those at work. 110 asked for Sunday opening. • Almost 200 people wanted a café. Cornwood Inn • 94% of respondents believe that it is important to the community to keep the Cornwood Inn open. Most respondents use the pub occasionally - the majority of those are using it to eat out or meet friends. • 218 people added comments about the pub - half of these wanted better food. Post Office • The majority of people use the Post Office for posting letters and parcels although 97 people never used it. 257 people thought opening hours were adequate, but it was noted that the current times are not good for those at work. Requests were made for either later opening or Saturday mornings. Church • 36 people use the church at least monthly. There was a large number (194) who use the church occasionally. Public Toilets • Over 130 people said they use the public toilets at least occasionally, indicating that it is not just used by visitors.
What we want to • Maintain facilities and services in the villages that allow the community to function and to come together and thrive. achieve • Ensure that facilities and services meet the current and future needs of the people who use them. • The church is a valued asset in the community, both as a place of worship and also as a venue for other activities - we want to keep it alive.
Action to date • Cornwood Stores has set-up a small café within the shop, which is going well. All comments and requests have been passed to the shop owner. • The Parish Council took ownership of the public toilets in 2016. SHDC are funding this until 2021 • Cash can be withdrawn from the Post Office during opening hours. • At the time of writing, the Cornwood Inn is closed. The Cornwood Inn Action Group borrowed money to buy it and they will be selling community shares to repay the loan, provide funds for refurbishment and to get it it up and running again as a community owned pub. • The Village Hall has a new floor and has been decorated. WiFi will be available in the Village Hall from September 2019.
Next Steps • Communicate the questionnaire responses to all the service providers to allow them to make decisions as appropriate. • Encourage the Village Hall committee to consider improvements such as installing WiFi. • Establish a steering group to regularly monitor the Parish’s facilities and develop them according to the Parish’s needs. • Share information with the Parochial Church Council and look at ways that the church could be utilised for other activities SUGGESTIONS FOR NEW SERVICES
There was strong support for The Mountain Inn pub in Lutton to re-open. The majority of Lutton residents feel there is a need for a community / meeting space in Lutton, to host village events and meet friends. There is significant demand for new services in both villages including a visiting Doctor’s Surgery, Cashpoint and Library. There was interest in renting affordable business or art studio space.
Lutton Pub & • It is a widely held view that the loss of the Mountain Inn has been detrimental to the life of Lutton and the parish more widely. Lutton lost its Community Space main meeting place and the heart of the village, which has especially affected the elderly people of the village. • 84 Lutton residents responded that they would use the pub at least monthly to meet friends and 68 responded that they would eat at the pub at least monthly if it were reopened. • 40 people said they would use a community space in Lutton at least monthly to meet friends, for club meetings or for village events. Doctor; Cashpoint; • More than 50 people said they would use a Doctor’s Surgery at least monthly in the Parish and over 200 said they would use it occasionally. café; library • Over 80 people said they would use a library monthly or more often • Over 100 people said they would use a Cashpoint weekly • More than 90 people said they would use a café at least monthly. Office Space • 23 people said they would like an affordable office or studio to run a small business and 40 said they might be interested. • Art studios, cafe facilities and small business units were also mentioned Allotments • 60 people said they would use an allotment. A community allotment was mentioned with shared produce.
What we want to • To develop services and facilities to allow the villages to thrive and grow as communities. achieve • To develop facilities in Lutton to provide a space for the community to meet and to hold functions and to provide space for clubs to develop. • To support the community in their endeavours to reopen the Mountain Inn
Action to date • The Mountain Inn is listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) • A steering group has been set up to investigate the possibility of purchasing and re-opening the Mountain Inn as a community venture. All information gathered from the questionnaire has been passed to the group. • There is now a small café within the Cornwood Store • Cash can be withdrawn from the post office on the days it is open.
Next Steps • Establish steering groups to look into the provision of additional services in the parish: Doctor’s surgery, mobile library, cashpoint, affordable office/studio space, allotments SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
There is a great selection of activities and clubs in the parish. There is also enthusiasm for more, ranging from running and cycling clubs to singing and BBQs.
Current Social & • The current clubs are relatively well supported but there are many people in the parish that do not attend regular activities. Activity Clubs • The most popular events are the luncheon club and coffee stop, with many also attending events at the orchard. Cricket Club • Cornwood cricket club is situated between the villages of Cornwood and Lutton. 4 men’s teams, a ladies’ team and a number of colts and junior sides play regularly in local leagues. The club has two pitches and a licensed clubhouse. • Only around 30 people who completed the questionnaire attend the club at least weekly. Two thirds of respondents never go to the club. • Entertainment events at the club are better attended with approximately half of respondents attending. Activities for the • There is a lot of enthusiasm for new clubs: 80 people are interested in a running club, 90 in a gardening club and 100 would like to see a repair Future cafe. About 150 would like to see more live music events, 80 would join a community choir and 120 would attend a community BBQ • Other ideas for events and groups were: Keep fit sessions, table tennis tournament, cinema in the village hall, local history club, book club, craft group, wildlife/environment club, floristry classes, “Fun Days”, and a group to keep an eye on vulnerable people in the community. • Many people would use the facilities at the school, such as the swimming pool and Multi Use Games Area (MUGA), if they were made available.
What we want to • To maintain a vibrant and active community with opportunities for people to engage in activities and clubs, and to create an environment in which achieve new groups can come to fruition if there is enough demand. • To increase the use of facilities such as the school playground, swimming pool and field, by exploring out of hours community use. • To widen participation in the cricket club among the local community, both as playing members but also to use and enjoy the asset of the ground.
Action to date • A tennis club has been established that will use the school playground. • The Village Hall has bought two table tennis tables • A Cornwood cyclists Facebook page has been created and a running group now meets regularly on Monday evenings • The cricket club has hosted a Friends of Cornwood School fundraising event, a community plan consultation and an exhibition for thr Cornwood Inn Action Group
Next Steps • Provide information about local clubs and activities on the parish council website to help widen participation • Encourage volunteers to come forward to establish and lead new groups through the Village Magazine and Facebook. • Provide support to potential leaders with a structure and timeframe for assessing true interest. • Use the tennis club as a test for the use of school facilities to establish a framework for other groups. CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE
There are a number of facilities for children in the villages. Cornwood school provides primary education, and the pre-school provides care for 2-4 year olds. There are playgrounds in both Cornwood and Lutton. There is opportunity to improve provision for older children and teenagers, which is currently less well established.
School • Of 36 responses from people with primary school age children, 22 respondents send their children to Cornwood School, 8 had children attending schools in Ivybridge, 4 chose Sparkwell with others home schooled or attending specialist provision. • Of 6 pre-school responses, 3 attended Cornwood and 3 attended Sparkwell. • Convenience was the main reason for choosing a school. Other factors included the size of school, available facilities/buildings, “school ethos” and “sense of community”. Play Areas • The Cornwood play area is well used with 17 people using it at least monthly. The majority of people were positive about the Cornwood play area. • The Lutton play area is only used by 3 people at least monthly. The majority felt that the Lutton play area was poor. It was noted that it needs renovating and there were safety concerns about the slippery play surface. 11-18 year olds • Of the 46 young people who responded 40 felt the Parish was a nice place to live and 31 enjoy village events. • There was strong support for a transport link to Ivybridge, with 29 people highlighting this. • There is interest in having access to the primary school facilities, particularly the swimming pool, but also the sports field and playground. • There was support for a youth club/common room to provide comfy seating, table tennis, pool and a café. 24 requested more live music/events • When asked if friends live in the village 34 out of 45 responded yes.
What we want to • To maintain a viable and successful school and pre-school as providers of educational, social and employment opportunities. achieve • To have education and childcare provision that meets the needs and preferences of parents and children in the parish. • To maintain well used and fit for purpose play facilities that provide a stimulating, safe environment for the young people of the parish • To develop opportunities for young people to congregate in a safe environment, which integrates them into the community and avoids isolation.
Action to date • The Friends of Cornwood School have organised a number of fundraising and charity events, which have fostered greater social links between the school and wider community. • The Village Hall has bought two table tennis tables • A steering group has been set up to renovate Lutton’s play area. Some basic maintenance tasks have been undertaken.
Next Steps • Share information with school and pre-school to help inform their strategy for maintaining numbers and tailoring what they offer to meet the needs and aspirations of the community. • Liaise with wider community to help the school and pre-school foster links with the community – so that all groups may benefit from mutual support. • Establish a Youth Council to identify and report on the needs of the young people in the parish to the Parish Council. • Identify groups for young people in the wider area and provide information in the village magazine and on the Parish Council Website. COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The majority of people feel well informed, but noticeboards need improvement. Most people think the Parish Council helps to make the parish a better place to live but not everyone feels well-represented. Broadband and mobile connectivity needs improvement.
Feeling Informed • Over 300 people feel well informed about what’s on in the parish. • 332 people get their information from the village magazine; 290 from word of mouth; 181 from posters and signs and 139 from the village noticeboards which many people say need improving. • Only 76 people said they use the parish Facebook page set-up in May 2018. Representation • 110 people said that they feel very well represented by the Parish Council and 134 said they felt somewhat represented. • 240 people said the Parish Council helps to make this a better place to live and 119 said that maybe it helps. • 65 people said they attended a Parish Council meeting in the last 5 years and over 100 people said they might like to get more involved with Parish Council activities. Broadband & • 224 people are happy with their broadband connection but 162 are not. mobile connections • 200 people are happy with their mobile phone service but 189 are not. • Several people would like free WiFi in the village hall and Cornwood Square.
What we want to • For everybody in the parish to know about activities and events taking place. achieve • A Parish Council that reflects and represents the community, that fosters discussion with local people and that clearly communicates its responsibilities, actions and intentions. • To reduce the number of people unhappy with their broadband and mobile phone service in the area.
Action to date • The Cornwood & Lutton Facebook page now has over 400 followers and a new Facebook Group has been set up. • The Parish Council publishes a summary of its meetings in the Village Magazine • The Parish Council has a website which includes all meeting Minutes and key information about the Parish. • The Parish Council now has 3 new councillors from Lutton • Fibre has been installed to the Cornwood telephone exchange offering superfast broadband speeds. • The Parish council has introduced a role focused on improving, broadening and updating the Parish Council website • WiFi is now available in the Village Hall.
Next Steps • Improve the noticeboards in the villages and ensure that content is up to date • Discuss how to increase the circulation of the Village Magazine with the magazine committee and the Parish Council • Improve the information available on the Parish Council website – establish a role to take on this responsibility. • Investigate with the Parish Council ways to improve mechanisms for people to have their say in Parish matters • Develop the Parish council website to link to various guides and services in relation to broadband and mobile choices. VILLAGE ENVIRONMENT
The villages are generally considered to be well kept, but could be improved with better public spaces and general maintenance. Accessibility to all public buildings in the Parish should be assessed and improved where possible.
Village Upkeep • While most people feel the villages are generally well kept, there is concern about dog fouling and weeds. • There is also concern about the state of the roads with potholes, drainage and overgrown hedges being the main concerns. • Comments about Crossways Green highlighted that the area is poorly maintained and that children playing there could be in danger from passing traffic. It was also noted that elderly people no longer congregate there. Village Centres • Cornwood has a clear centre, which almost everybody said is the Square. • For Lutton 120 people felt that Yondertown Square was the centre, 78 thought it was the Old road/ New road junction and 58 Old road/ The Mountain. • Suggestions for improvement include better pedestrian access, more or better seating and improved information boards. Better planting was a popular suggestion along with fewer cars and bike racks / horse rails. Recycling • 315 people said that they would use glass recycling facilities at least monthly. 201 would use garden waste monthly or more regularly and 152 would recycle clothing at least monthly Accessibility • 13 people said they had problems accessing and using the church, 7 the pub, 12 the Village Hall and 10 the Post Office and shop. • Several people commented that the dropped kerb to the church is often inaccessible due to parked cars.
What we want to • A well maintained parish. achieve • Public space that allows and encourages the community to thrive, come together and take pride in the place that they live, especially in the village centres and Crossways Green. • The opportunity for our communities to recycle as much as possible • For the Parish to be an inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to join in with social events and to access local facilities Action to date • We have volunteers training to be ‘Road Wardens’ who will be able to assist in the maintenance of basic highway matters such as drainage and general upkeep of signs. • The Annual Parish Spring Clean is well supported. • A number of planters have been installed around Lutton over the last year. • The school has regular ‘bags for schools’ collections for recycling clothing and textiles, which in turn benefits the school financially. • The Parochial Church Council has developed plans for an accessible WC facility in the Church, but this has stalled at the time of writing. Next Steps • Share this plan information with the Parish Council and establish a steering group to look into ways that our public spaces could be improved. • Build on the success of the spring clean – look into ‘weeding weekends’ • Share accessibility findings with the people who own and/or run the buildings used by the village. • Establish ways for the community to report issues of village maintenance. • Develop the Parish council website to share information about existing recycling facilities and look into combining potential recycling facilities with other activities and groups in the villages. Conclusion This plan is the result of a great deal of work engaging with the local community and gathering information about the parish and the people who live here. It tells us that Cornwood, Lutton and the wider parish are vibrant and thriving communities. It also shows that there are things that could be improved upon and developed to make this an even better place to live. A central theme throughout is communication: to ensure that everybody knows what is happening and has the opportunity to take part and to be engaged in the evolution of the parish, its facilities and activities. Another observation is that lots of things can be easily achieved just by getting involved and having a go! Since this process started we have already seen the creation of the Cornwood & Lutton Facebook page, a cycling community, steering groups for the Cornwood Inn, the Mountain Inn and the Lutton playground, and the creation of the Cornwood Tennis Club. This plan is not the end of the process. This document and the survey that created it are just a snapshot in time. Our community is constantly evolving and changing, and so should our priorities and plans. This document will be passed to the Parish Council to review; action those things within their power to do so and to keep it up to date. We have identified a number of areas for further work and this will require commitment from the Parish Council and other bodies, but most importantly from the community itself. A number of the action points will require volunteers to form focus groups to look further into the identified issues and develop strategies and solutions. We hope that you will engage with the actions that we have identified, and help to keep Cornwood and Lutton active, friendly and inclusive and a place where our communities can continue to thrive. We can do it if we all pull together! The Focal Team Julia Bertram, Louise Collins, Helena Costiff, Nick Downing, Tim Offer, Linda Osman, Bryan Truscott, Kate Wotton Acknowledgements We would like to thank everyone who made this plan possible: those who gave up their time to process data; distribute and collect questionnaires; to the Parish Council for providing the funding; to those who provided photographs; and of course to all in the community who happily and readily shared their thoughts with us! Thank You.