V Illage Plan
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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 Antrim (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 & Newtownabbey 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 Randalstown 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 Portglenone 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