Groggan Village Plan Introduction Village Renewal Measure

The Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 is part financed by the European The Village Renewal Scheme will provide financial support primarily for the drafting of Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Department of Agriculture, integrated village plans and also for the renewal of rural villages through Village Plans. The Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). GROW South (Generating Rural Opportunities village plan is a working document that has the support of the community. It should provide Within South Antrim) has been set up to manage and deliver LEADER Priority 6 of the Northern a needs based strategic framework to co-ordinate specific development actions. Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 across the Antrim & Borough Council area. Support for Village Renewal must fit with the Council Community Plans and integrate with the Village Renewal plans supported under the 2007 – 2013 Rural Development Programme. The GROW South Antrim Strategic Vision is: “South Antrim as a vibrant, prosperous and The measure will aim to build on the overarching fabric of a village / town integrating with inclusive region whose roots are locally grown but whose focus is, at the same time, outward other funding from other government departments and agencies. The measure will aim to looking and expansive.” address rural dereliction and prioritise the reuse of existing derelict buildings, particularly to provide community infrastructure. Within the South Antrim area, LEADER Priority 6 of the programme provides provision for the following Schemes: Support is limited to within the “village” development limits or in simple terms 30 miles per hour zone and may include: • Rural Business Investment Scheme • Development or updating of integrated village plans for Local Government • Rural Basic Services Scheme Districts

• Village investment emanating from the integrated village plans such as: • Village Renewal Scheme

> Derelict and vacant site enhancement • Co-Operation Scheme > Environmental improvements > Shop frontage enhancements > Conservation and upgrading of rural culture and heritage (natural and built), except monuments and wall murals which will not be considered eligible for funding > Gateway projects

The beneficiaries of the Village Renewal Scheme are local authorities and community groups. Local authorities must work in partnership with the rural community to roll out the village plans.

2 3 Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Community Planning Context published the draft Community Plan for the Borough covering the period to 2030 in early 2017. It details 4 Community planning is the responsibility of local authorities since local government reform outcome statements for the Borough: was introduced in April 2015. Councils will work with statutory bodies and their communities to develop and implement a shared vision for promoting the well being of an • Our citizens enjoy good health and well being area, community cohesion and improving the quality of life of its citizens. • Our citizens live in connected, safe and vibrant The plan for Groggan has been developed using a community led approach, with places consultation with residents on key issues, priorities and projects for development forming Our citizens benefit from economic prosperity the central elements of the planning process. The approach taken to develop the village plan • is therefore reflective of the principles of community planning. • Our citizens achieve their full potential

The plan for Groggan incorporates a broad range of issues and initiatives across many aspects of life from day- to-day issues such as litter to traffic and speeding related issues to recreation and wellbeing issues. The proposed projects and initiatives to improve these aspects of life within Groggan therefore correlate directly to these issues and also align to the outcome statements detailed within the draft Community Plan. Issues and proposed projects for Groggan relate to various local gov- ernment and NI Executive policies and strategies and responsibilities. The plan therefore can help to inform commu- nity planning at a local level and direct resources from the process to develop positive outcomes for the residents of Groggan.

4 5 Groggan Overview Planning Process

In order to develop the plan for Groggan a number of key steps have been completed, Groggan is located less than three miles outside and is in the Dunsilly District including: Electoral Area (DEA) within Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. The majority of • Area walkabout – a representative from the Groggan Steering Committee along homes are located along the Road, Groggan Road and Coolysthe Road. with the consultant team identified and discussed key are as and issues for the area during a site visit. This was an opportunity to highlight areas of noted concern in There is limited infrastructure in the area, with Groggan Primary School being the cen- Groggan and to explore initial ideas or proposed plans for improvement. tral point for any local activity. There are no community facilities and due to the nature of • Hosting a public meeting for all local residents and stakeholders to engage in the the area, no clear opportunities for future development of facilities outside of a number of planning process and offer their views in terms of key issues and priorities for Groggan and development proposals for the next 3-5 year period. small areas that could be used to create general improvements. There is potential for future development of facilities within Groggan Primary School if suitable access arrangements • Distribution of a questionnaire to local residents to obtain feedback on an individual can be achieved for both school and community usage. There is a grass playing area which basis from as many local residents as possible. is used as the school sports field which could be enhanced to create improved facilities and this could be complemented with an outdoor community or play area. This consultation process with local residents and stakeholders has been a central element of the planning process. The plan has been finalised post the consultation process following engagement with the Groggan Steering Committee to feedback key findings from the con- The planning process has been a new experience for residents in the Groggan area, there- sultation process, agree priority projects to be advanced for Groggan and identify key actions by providing an opportunity to build on some initial momentum generated through the required to advance priorities. consultation process and production of the village plan to take forward some positive initiatives. The village plan should be viewed as the start of a process and central to taking forward actions detailed within, will be the establishment of a local community organisation Consultation Findings & Analysis which can be a place for residents to come together and try to address issues and priorities as a collective. The consultation process undertaken should also be viewed as the start of a Public Meeting process, with the potential for further input and involvement from residents of the area to support the delivery of actions within this document. A public meeting was held in Groggan Primary School on the 6th June 2017, with a total of 19 people in attendance. The meeting was publicised through notices distributed to local homes (along with the community questionnaire) and via school networks. Details of the public meeting were also distributed to local elected representatives.

The public meeting allowed for group discussion and also individual comment based on the following key questions:

• What are the key priorities and issues for Groggan in your view?

• What physical improvements would you like to see taken forward for Groggan?

• What community activities or events would you like to see continued, developed or expanded in the area?

6 7 Some of the key points noted from the public meeting were as follows: Potential Physical Improvements The following list of potential physical improvements was noted from the public meeting: Issues and Priorities

• Issues with the lack of footpath and street light provision in Groggan; • Construction of footpaths and street lighting along the Coolsythe Road and on the • Specific concern was noted in relation to the Coolsythe Road – it is the main Portglenone Road leading to Groggan Primary School ; road for children to walk to the bus stop for school buses. There is no footpath on the road and therefore safety is an issue; • Development of an outdoor community area / play park within the grounds of Groggan Primary School with appropriate access for school and community use; • No footpath provision leading to Groggan Primary School – safety and access concern for residents. This should be addressed if the school is to be developed as a hub for community activity and facilities are to be enhanced • Installation of additional communal bins in the area to help address issues such as in the school grounds; dog fouling;

• There is a 40 mph speed limit currently on the Portglenone Road, however residents • Installation of additional signage for entering and leaving the area – to enhance the do not feel that this is adhered to. Additionally, the speed limit then rises to 60 mph appearance of the area and to also make people more aware of Groggan and to help on the Portglenone Road to include the stretch of road that Groggan Primary School address issues such as speeding along the Portglenone Road; is located on. There are major safety concerns at the school as a result and for local residents as pedestrians. There was strong support for reducing the speed limit along the road and for traffic calming measures to also be introduced; • Flowerbeds and more green space to enhance attractiveness of the area – along with additional maintenance of existing green space and roads throughout the Groggan • Not enough parking at Groggan Primary School with cars forced to sit on the road area. outside the school – this is extremely dangerous for pupils especially with fast moving traffic along the Portglenone Road;

• Groggan Primary school is the only facilitty in the area - there are no other facilities Community Activities & Events in the area

• There is no public transport provision within the area (other than school buses); • Explore the establishment of a community group / organisation for Groggan;

• The area used for the annual bonfire has become an eyesore and dumping ground • Creation of a community notice board – to help greater awareness of activities and in the view of some residents who would like to see some positive action in this events planned in the area; regard; Provision of training courses or other relevant activities for residents – may include • No provision in the area for children and young people. A positive development • would be a safe space to access for play; topics such as First Aid or other areas of interest for residents;

• A number of residents noted issues with broadband coverage and speeds in the • Explore the potential for Groggan Primary School to become a hub for community area and poor water pressure levels within their homes; activity.

• Concern was noted in relation to a site passed for development in the area which has become run down and an eyesore within Groggan – would like to see appropriate action by relevant agencies taken to encourage the landowner to address the situation.

8 9 Community Questionnaire Respondents were asked to rate a list of issues relating to health, well being and A total of 11 responses were received to the questionnaire distributed to local residents and environment as “major issues”, “of some concern” and “no concern” based upon their views some of the key findings include: and experience living in Parkgate: The following responses were received:

• 73% of respondents (8 respondents) indicated that they have been living in Groggan for at least 5 years Issues deemed to be • Traffic 6= responses “major concerns” • Broadband Provision or coverage = 6 responses • When asked to rate quality of life within Groggan, 50% of respondents (5 respondents) stated quality of life is good or very good Issues deemed to be • Access to services = 10 responses When asked to identify issues that affect quality of life within Groggan, the following were the “major” or of “some • Broadband Provision or coverage = 6 responses top 2 responses received (respondents were asked to mark all relevant issues from a provided concern” list): • Transport issues e.g. road safety, parking, roads condition = 10 respondents (91%) When asked to identify community services, activities or events people would like to see prioritised for the area, the most popular response was: • Community Safety Issues= 6 respondents (55%)

Road safety initiatives = 9 respondents (82%) Respondents were also asked to identify the number one issue affecting quality of life in • Groggan. The most popular response was:

• Transport issues e.g. road safety, parking, roads condition = 10 respondents (91%)

When asked to identify and rank priorities for physical improvements within Groggan, the top priorities ranked by respondents were:

• Environmental Improvements

• Play park / playground for children

• Facilities specifically for young people

Further information in relation to the questionnaire findings and analysis can be accessed in the appendix to this document.

10 11 Priority Projects for Groggan Actions to Progress Priorities Community Activity On the basis of the process undertaken, the potential projects and issues that were deemed most important for local people, the following key priorities have been identified for action • Establishment of community organisation for the Groggan area within Groggan over the next 3-5 year period: • Development of community activities and events for residents

Action Stakeholders Potential Resources Community Activity Funders required Invite local residents to attend a follow up Groggan Antrim and Volunteer time • Establishment of community organisation for the Groggan area meeting with a view to establishing a com- Committee Newtownabbey • Development of community activities and events for residents munity organisation for the area. The meet- Borough ing should be used to agree the role and Council objectives of the community organisation General Improvements Antrim and Antrim and Contact relevant Council Officers to explore Newtownabbey Newtownabbey any available support to establish the organ- • Installation of a community notice board Borough Borough isation and support its development • Improvements to enhance the appearance of the area such as installation of Council Council Officer communal bins and additional flowerbeds Time Constitute the organisation and host a • Installation of entrance / exit signage meeting to elect key officer positions Capital costs Work as a committee to agree key priorities Community Facilities to work on in the short, medium and long term (including how the committee can • Creation of an outdoor community space / play park support actions within this plan) Make a list of community activities, events Broader Issues to Address for Groggan or training that would be beneficial to resi- dents • Construction of footpaths and installation of street lighting on both Coolsythe Road and Portglenone Road Continue to liaise with Council Officers and any other potential funders to help support • Seek improved broadband provision in the area the delivery of initiatives • Seek improved public transport provision in the area • Address issues residents face with low water pressure in their homes

12 13 General Improvements Community Facilities • Installation of a community notice board • Creation of an outdoor community space / play park in the grounds of Groggan Primary • Improvements to enhance the appearance of the area such as installation of School (for school and community usage communal bins and additional flowerbeds • Installation of entrance / exit signage Action Stakeholders Potential Resources Action Stakeholders Potential Resources Funders required Funders required Discuss the idea of a community space / Groggan GROW Volunteer Engage with Antrim and New- Groggan GROW Volunteer time play park for the area and the type of Committee time townabbey Borough Council Officers Committee facility residents would like to see and public representatives to agree developed key milestones to take each project Complete an initial meeting with relevant forward. To include: Council Officers regarding the potential Antrim and Antrim and Antrim and to develop the facilities and to identify any Antrim and Antrim and Antrim and • Potential costs of each project Newtownabbey Newtownabbey Newtownabbey issues that would need to be addressed to Newtownabbey Newtownab- Newtownabbey • Any Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Borough Borough advance a project Borough bey Borough Borough Coun- Borough Council funding Council Council Council Council Council cil Officer time opportunities for each project Officer time Identify potential funders to secure tech- • Any permissions that are required nical assistance to develop design plans in order to complete Public Public for the facility Groggan Big Capital costs • Process to be completed to Representatives representative Primary Lottery time School advance each of the improvements Appoint suitably qualified architect / de- sign professional to develop design plans Participate in any related Council Capital Costs consultation exercises such as: for: • Community Planning • Notice Board Consult with local residents and Groggan Work with Council Officers to • Signage Primary School on any proposed plan / complete necessary design and cost • Bins and design and seek agreement on taking the exercises Flowerbeds project forward (ensuring that any issues are addressed) Work with Antrim and Newtownabbey Once agreement on the plans are Borough Council Officers to identify reached, identify potential funders and potential funders for each project on complete applications for the construc- an ongoing basis and make tion works applications where appropriate and eligible Complete procurement as per funder guidelines and appoint contractor to Liaise with Council Officers and pub- complete the works lic representatives to ensure residents are consulted as / when any works Hold a launch event in the local are completed community upon project completion

Raise awareness of any complet- ed improvements within the local community and promote the work of the Groggan Committee / funders to secure improvements for the area

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Broader Issues to Address • Seek improved broadband provision in the area Action Stakeholders Resources required for Groggan Engage with relevant Antrim and Groggan Volunteer • Construction of footpaths and installation of street lighting on both Coolsythe Newtownabbey Borough Council Committee time Road and Portglenone Road Officers and local public represent- atives to explain issues with broad- band coverage and speeds faced by Public Representatives Public Action Stakeholders Potential Resources residents Representative Funders required time Engage with Department for Groggan Department Volunteer Working with these stakeholders, Infrastructure officials and public Committee for time identify any potential solutions or Antrim and Newtownabbey Antrim and representatives to assess the po- Infrastructure actions that the local community Borough Council Newtownabbey tential for each of the projects to can support Borough Council be brought forward within Grog- Department for Public gan and discuss any key mile- Infrastructure Representative stones such as: time • Seek improved public transport provision in the area • Internal departmental process that must be completed Public Capital costs Action Stakeholders Resources required • Potential costs of each project Representatives to take forward • Any additional information that each project Engage with local public repre- Groggan Volunteer the Groggan Committee can sentatives and Translink officials to Committee time provide to support the process explain issues faced by residents in Work with public representatives relation to accessing public to lobby for the improvements transport Public Representatives Public through all available channels, Representative including: Working with these stakeholders, time identify any potential solutions or • Department for Infrastructure actions that can be brought forward Translink Translink official time

• Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council • MLAs and any other relevant political representatives • Address issues residents face with low water pressure in their homes

Liaise with Department for Action Stakeholders Resources required Infrastructure officials or relevant funder officers to ensure that Engage with local public repre- Groggan Volunteer the community is consulted as / sentatives and NI Water officials to Committee time when any works are to be explain issues faced by residents in completed relation to accessing public trans- port and identify actions that can Public Representatives Public be brought forward Representative time

NI Water NI Water official time

16 17 Next Steps and Delivering the Plan Project Overview The village plan was developed during May and June 217. A key element in the devel- Developing a plan for the area and having the opportunities to provide views on key issues and opment of the plan was identifying priority projects that could be brought forward to priorities for Groggan, has been a new experience for local residents. One long time resident of seek funding from the Rural Development Programme Village Renewal Measure. The the area commented that the public meeting was the first such meeting in his time living in the following is an overview of potential projects that have been identified for inclusion in area. Hopefully therefore the initial momentum generated through the planning process can an expression of interest for funding under the Village Renewal Measure (order does be taken forward by the local community to achieve positive benefits for the local community. not indicate priority): A crucial first step in taking forward the plan is the establishment of a community organisation to represent the area, with a clear role to represent the views of residents via • Creation of an outdoor community space / play park engagement with Council, statutory agency or local public representatives and to also organise positive activities and events that can strengthen the local community for Key Aims Key Benefits everyone living in the area. The establishment of this organisation can then allow its committee to work through the priorities and actions identified to secure investment in the area over the next 3-5 year period. • Create a safe space for local children and • Allow children and young people to play young people to play and socialise regularly in a safe space Groggan Primary School is an important stakeholder in the process to take forward the plan, given it is the only facility in the area and working in tandem with any established • Create an area for recreation for local • Create additional opportunities for local community organisation can be a hub for all types of community activity. The people people to become active and socialise Primary School has played a positive role in supporting the planning process and with others it is recommended that it has at least one representative within any community organisation established. Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and • Improve access to facilities for local people • Improve the quality of life and access to local public representatives are other key stakeholders and sources of services for all residents support that can also help to take forward actions identified for community benefit.

A number of potential funders have been noted in the document however this represents only a small selection of funding opportunities that are or will become available over the lifetime of the plan. It is recommended that • Groggan Improvement Project funding proposals are advanced in line with the projects identified and relevant funding opportunities as they become available. This may include opportunities such as: Key Aims Key Benefits • GROW funding programmes within the Rural Development Programme

• Create a central notice board in the area • Increase awareness of local community • Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council annual funding programmes with information on upcoming activities and events community activities • Big Lottery funding programmes • Enhance the sense of community within • Completion of improvements to enhance Groggan the appearance of the area such as • Department for Infrastructure funding programmes installation of communal bins and • Increase awareness of Groggan as an additional flowerbeds area and community • Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs funding programmes

• Installation of signage for the area at • Improve the general appearance of the • Public Health Agency or Northern Health and Social Care funding programmes appropriate entrance and exit points area • Funding opportunities through umbrella organisations such as South Antrim Community

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