Village Plan Introduction Village Renewal Measure

Straid 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 village plan is a working document that has the support of the community. It should provide Opportunities Within South Antrim) has been set up to manage and deliver LEADER a needs based strategic framework to co-ordinate specific development actions. Support for Priority 6 of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 across the Village Renewal must fit with the Council Community Plans and integrate with the Village Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council area. Within the South Antrim area, LEADER Renewal plans supported under the 2007 – 2013 Rural Development Programme. Priority 6 of the programme provides provision for the following schemes: The measure will aim to build on the overarching fabric of a village / town integrating with other funding from other government departments and agencies. The measure will aim to • Rural Business Investment Scheme address rural dereliction and prioritise the reuse of existing derelict buildings, particularly to • Rural Basic Services Scheme provide community infrastructure. Support is limited to within the “village” development • Village Renewal Scheme limits or in simple terms 30 miles per hour zone and may include: • Co-Operation Scheme • Development or updating of integrated village plans for Local Government Districts The GROW South Antrim Strategic Vision identifies “South Antrim as a vibrant, prosperous • Village investment emanating from the integrated village plans such as: and inclusive region whose roots are locally grown but whose focus is, at the same time, outward looking and expansive.” > Derelict and vacant site enhancement > 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 published the draft Community Plan for Community Planning Context the Borough covering the period to 2030 in early 2017. It details 4 outcome statements for the Borough: Community planning is the responsibility of local authorities since local government reform was introduced in April 2015. Councils will work with statutory bodies and their communi- • Our citizens enjoy good health and well being ties to develop and implement a shared vision for promoting the well being of an area, community cohesion and improving the quality of life of its citizens. • Our citizens live in connected, safe and vibrant places The village plan for Straid has been developed using a community led approach, with • Our citizens benefit from economic prosperity consultation with residents on key issues, priorities and projects for development forming the central elements of the planning process. The approach taken to develop the village plan • Our citizens achieve their full potential is therefore reflective of the principles of community planning.

The village plan incorporates a broad range of issues and initiatives across many aspects of village life from day to day issues such as litter to traffic and speeding related issues to recreation and well being issues. The proposed projects and initiatives to improve these aspects of life within the village therefore correlate directly to these issues and also align to the outcome statements detailed within the draft Community Plan.

Village issues and proposed projects relate to various local government and NI Executive policies and strategies and responsibilities. The village plan therefore can help to inform community planning at a local level and direct resources from the process to develop positive outcomes for the residents of Straid.

4 5 Village Overview

Straid is located approximately 15 miles north east of Belfast, and is linked by the A8 Ball- yclare/Larne dual carriageway. The small rural settlement at the centre of the townland of Straidlands, in the Civil Parish of Ballynure within the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area. Straid is located 3.5 miles from Ballyclare which provides a service centre to the village and other small settlements in the surrounding rural hinterland. The settlement limit of Straid as defined by the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (2015) focuses on Main Street and part of Seskin Road, Irish Hill Road and Ballylagan Road. Straid has historically developed along Main Street in a linear fashion and contains a mix of community buildings of note to include Straid Congregational Church, Straid Orange Hall as well as older residential properties, some of which are currently vacant and in poor condition.

The built form which fronts on to Main Street is designated as an Area of Village Character given its distinctive historical features. Within the settlement limit 1.07 hectares of land at Irish Hill Road is identified for the provision of Open Space. This site adjoining Straid Prima- ry School is at present partially used as an extension to the school playground. Much of the land surrounding the village settlement limit is identified as Local Landscape Policy Area to safeguard a combination of features that contribute to the environmental quality, integrity or character of rural hinterland.

There are a number of active businesses in the village and within its natural catchment, including R & K Blair General Merchants, Whiteford Geoservices and Ballylagan Organic Farm. Each makes a considerable contribution to the local economy and this economic activity has the potential to provide a platform for attracting additional businesses to locate or start up in the area. Ballylagan Organic Farm has also become a popular day visitor and tourist attrac- tion, with guest house, tea room and shop facilities on site.

Straid also hosts a well-developed and vibrant community infrastructure. The recently re- furbished Orange Hall is a valuable community asset which is used by a vast array of groups operating in the village to include Straid Young Farmers Society, Straid Village and District Community Group, Straid Historical Society and Straid Women’s Institute. The village notice board located outside the Orange Hall on Main Street and the Friends of Straid Facebook page inform residents of local news and up and coming events taking place in the village.

Straid has become a popular place to live and visit, with a mix of long time residents and commuters settled in the village. Unlike other villages located within the Antrim and New- townabbey Borough Council Area who prepared village plans under the previous Rural De- velopment Programme (2007-2013), Straid embarks on this process for the first time. To fa- cilitate this process the Straid Village and District Community Association was established in June 2016. A public meeting was called and the 48 residents in attendance subsequently elected a new formally constituted committee.

6 5 Village Planning Process Consultation Findings & Analysis In order to develop the village plan for Straid, a number of key steps have been completed, Village Walkabout including: A site visit was undertaken with four members of the Straid Village and • Village walkabout – representatives from Sraid Village and District Community District Community Association on the afternoon of Friday 18th November 2016. On foot the group Association (SVDCA) along with the consultant team identified and discussed key commenced the site visit at the Calhame Road entrance of the village and proceeded to move areas and issues for the village during a site visit. This was an opportunity to high through the village, visiting all areas contained within the settlement limit. A synopsis of the key light areas of noted concern in the village and to explore initial ideas or proposed observations noted were subsequently considered alongside other consultation feedback, in the plans for improvement development of priority projects to be taken forward for Straid in the next 3-5 year period.

• Hosting a public meeting for all local residents and stakeholders to engage in the planning process and offer their views in terms of key issues and priorities for the village and development proposals for the next 3-5 year period

• Distribution of a questionnaire to local residents to obtain feedback on an individual basis from as many local residents as possible

This consultation process with local residents and stakeholders has been a central element of the village planning process. The plan has been finalised post the consultation process with a number of planning meetings with the SVDCA to feedback key findings from the consultation process, agree priority projects to be advanced for Straid and identify key actions required to advance priorities.

Calhame Road Entrance

The village entrance on approach from the Calhame Road features “Welcome to Straid” signage and the beginning of the 30mph speed zone. Grass verges on either side of this signage are deep, with broken fencing providing a boundary with adjacent agricultural fields. The grass verges are in a poor state of repair because of informal parking by utility vehicles and the passage of large lorries. The entrance was highlighted as an important gateway to the village and as such should highlight a more vibrant sense of place upon arrival to the village, similar to that of other villages throughout the Borough. The opportunity to upgrade this area with new signage, fencing, kerbing and landscaping was noted.

8 9 Footpath Provision Upgrade/Deep Clean

Footpaths and paving beyond the Calhame Road village entrance were noted as dated, unsafe and in some instances in a very poor state of physical repair due to overgrown vegetation and general wear and tear. The need for an initial “deep clean” of the footpaths and paving was highlighted along with the suggestion that Transport NI should be maintaining the footpath provision as an ongoing concern. The potential for a “community clean-up” was also suggested.

Spring Lane Historic Pump Enhancement

The presence of a small understated pump located on the corner of where Spring Lane meets Calhame Road/Main Street was noted as an important historical feature of the village. It was suggested that the pump should be restored alongside the stone work of the raised tree planter beside it and potentially some interpretive signage installed to note the historical significance of the Spring Lane pump.

“Village Square” Christmas Tree Venue

Given that the walkabout was undertaken in late November, Straid’s Christmas tree was noted in a corner site of Main Street. The tree was positioned in quite understated surroundings and discussion focused on how a more formalised civic /public realm space could be created to provide an attractive Christmas tree setting and focal point for other village events and activities.

Main Street Derelict Buildings

Several buildings along Main Street were noted as being in a poor state of physical repair. Whilst some were confirmed as being derelict for a number of years, clarity was required on the status of others. The potential to work with owners to improve the general appearance given their significant impact on the aesthetics of Main Street was suggested.

10 11 Main Street Gap Site Village Play Area

A gap site at no.5 Main Street with overgrown and As the group proceeded up Irish Hill Road, the location of Straid Primary School was noted unsightly vegetation was noted as a major concern. beside a large agricultural field which has been zoned by the Area Plan for the provision of There was also uncertainty around ownership of the open space. The primary school currently has partial use of this field to accommodate their site. The potential to clear the site and install hoarding extended playground space. Discussion then turned to the fact that Straid is one of the few to enclose it and reinstate a more desirable frontage villages in the Borough that does not have a dedicated play area for children. was discussed.

Main Street Traffic Calming Upgrade of Street Furniture

Reference was made to the volume of traffic going through the village and the issue with Village street furniture (bins, benches and raised bed planters) was highlighted as being in a speeding given the extended straight of Main Street. The need for traffic calming measures very poor state of repair and due an upgrade. was suggested.

Church Car Park Fencing Dog Fouling

Low level palisade fencing which encloses the Church carpark fronting on to Main Street Dog fouling was identified as a concern. was highlighted as being quite unsightly and out of character with the surrounding streetscape. The potential to replace with a more appropriate boundary treatment was discussed.

Community Events During the walkabout, reference was made to the successful village fete which had taken place in May 2016. This event was commended in bringing many groups and individuals Village Notice Board from the community together in a positive way. At this point the potential for more community led events and activities was discussed, as a means of helping established and new The merit of the village notice board residents meet and get to know one another. was commended as an important local community reference point and the possibility of upgrading the notice board was noted.

12 13 Consultation Findings and Analysis Public Meeting

A public meeting was held in Straid Orange Hall on the evening of Monday 28th Novem- ber 2016, with a total of 48 people in attendance. The meeting was publicised through no- tices distributed to local homes (along with the community questionnaire) and via local community networks. Details of the public meeting were also distributed to local elected representatives. The public meeting allowed for group discussion and individual comment based on the following key questions:

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

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

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

Village Physical Improvements Feedback from those in attendance fell under three general categories with some of the key points noted below. • Installation of new street furniture to include raised bed planters, benches, litter bins and an upgraded community notice board.

Road Safety Measures and Rural Transport Concerns • Concern was expressed around the presence of vacant and derelict properties in the village and in particular the gap site at no. 5 Main Street which has been attacked by • Speeding traffic along Main Street was highlighted as a serious concern, although invasive Giant Hog Weed. The need to identify and engage proactively with opinions differed in how best to deal with this situation- speed bumps were property owners was agreed. It was also suggested that legislation to address vacant suggested whilst others felt additional signage would be sufficient. properties be investigated.

• The need for traffic calming around the local primary school site on Irish Hill Road • Potential for a more formalised village entrance encompassing signage and was suggested as well as the introduction of a footpath between the school and church. landscaping to establish a strong sense of place upon arrival into Straid. This has been successfully initiated in other villages across the Borough. • The potential for additional designated parking spaces along Main Street was suggested as a way of mitigating for poorly parked vehicles which disrupt traffic flow. • The opportunity of the local community becoming more involved in the general upkeep and maintenance of the village was highlighted, but there was strong • Concern was expressed at the removal of the Translink bus service which previously opinion that Council and statutory authorities should still be delivering on their serviced the village. Whilst it was recognised that reinstating this would be unviable, responsibilities. potential for an “on call service” available for the elderly by request was suggested as a possible solution. • Dog fouling was highlighted as a major concern for many, particularly on the Ballylagan Road where bags of dog foul are disregarded and in some instances hanging from the branches of trees.

14 15 • Transport issues e.g. road safety, parking, roads condition = 33 respondents (86.8%) Community Events / Activities and Facilities • Community facilities = 25 respondents (65.8%)

• The need for events and activities which will foster a stronger sense of community • Facilities and services or opportunities for young people = 15 respondents (39.5%) was identified e.g. summer festival, children’s activities.

Respondents were also asked to identify the number one issue affecting quality of life • It was acknowledged that Straid is viewed by many as a commuter town and more in the village. Transport issues (including road safety, parking, roads condition) ranked effort should be made to encourage new members of the community to integrate. highest with 16 respondents (43.2%). The Friends of Straid Facebook page was identified as a valued resource in raising awareness on local matters. When asked to identify and rank priorities for physical improvements within the village, the top 2 priorities ranked by respondents were: • Straid has a diverse array of community groups to include the Young Farmers Group, Women’s Institute, Historical Society and primary school PTA. The potential for these • Improving the general appearance of the village groups to work more closely in securing funding and organising shared community events was identified. • Play park / playground for children

Respondents prioritised the following community services, events and activities in • Potential for participation in competitions such as Ulster In Bloom to encourage a order of preference: renewed interest in the community and its general appearance.

• Road safety initiatives 57.9% (22 respondents) • There was recognition that a lot of villages in the council area have benefited from the creation of a village plan to focus their efforts e.g. Burnside started their group in • Community events 50% (19 respondents) 1997 and this acted as a real catalyst for the village. • Environmental initiatives 28.9% (11 respondents)

• The need for a local shop and dedicated children’s play area was raised. Priority Projects for the Village Questionnaire Findings Following the consultation process with local residents, the following priority projects were identified for action over the next 3-5 year period: A total of 38 questionnaire responses were received and some of the key findings include: Village Entrance Improvement Scheme 82% of respondents indicated that they have been living in the village for 10 years or more; Streetscape Improvements When asked to rate quality of life within the village, 65% of respondents stated quality of life in the village is good or very good Community Building Events and Activities When asked to identify issues that affect quality of life within the village, the following were the top 3 responses received (respondents were asked to mark all relevant issues from a Road Safety/Traffic Calming Measures provided list): Miscellaneous

16 17 Village Entrance Improvement Scheme Streetscape Improvements Action Stakeholders Potential Resources Funders required Action Stakeholders Potential Resources Funders required Installation of new street furniture Antrim and Antrim and Capital (bins, benches, notice board, Newtownabbey Newtownabbey Costs Liaise with Antrim and SVDCA GROW Volunteer flower bed planters). Borough Borough Newtonabbey Borough Council committee time Council Council to advocate for the project and Antrim and secure necessary funding to Newtownabbey Upgrading of church carpark SVDCA Local Capital Costs progress. Works to include new Borough fencing- replace existing palisade fundraising signage, fencing and Council fencing with new fencing/wall Straid landscaping Congregational Volunteer Antrim and Antrim and Church Time Newtownabbey Newtonabbey Borough Borough SVDCA and Council to work Council Council Address vacant and derelict Building Antrim and Volunteer collaboratively to Resources buildings along Main Street and Owners Newtownabbey time complete the following: encourage owners to enhance Borough their appearance SVDCA Council • Village Deep Clean focusing on pavements, footpaths, Local Antrim and for community to view emerging Publicity Newtownabbey proposals. planters, over grown Borough hedge rows etc No. 5 Main Street Gap Site Land Owner Antrim and Capital Costs • Clarification of ownership Newtownabbey required; SVDCA Borough • Increased emphasis on tackling • Clearing of overgrown Council the problem of dog vegetation and weeds fouling in the village • Installation of interpretive GROW hoarding detailing history of the village to • Community Event to mark pro- create a more attractive ject completion frontage

Spring lane pump restoration and SVDCA GROW Capital Costs installation of interpretative signage detailing history Heritage Graphic Design associated with the pump Lottery Funds Services

Develop new public realm space SVDCA Antrim and Capital Costs along Main Street which will host Newtownabbey the village Christmas tree. Antrim and Borough Landscape Newtownabbey Council design support Borough Council GROW

18 19 Community Building Events / Activities Road Safety / Traffic Calming Measures

Action Stakeholders Potential Resources Action Stakeholders Potential Resources Funders required Funders required

Antrim and Volunteer Establish an annual Community SVDCA Engage with Department for Infra- Department for Department Volunteer Time Newtownabbey time Clean Up Day aimed at improving structure to identify suitable traffic Infrastructure for Borough the quality of the physical calming options within the village. Infrastructure environment and facilitating local Council involvement and interaction Assess feasibility of traffic calming Elected Reps Public Live Here, Love In kind resources Local Residents options, potential costs associated Representative Here Fund provided by Antrim and with each and the Department Time Newtownabbey process to advance any option Borough Council Identify potential for additional road SVDCA Department for markings and formal parking spaces Infrastructure Collaboration between all village SVDCA and Antrim and Volunteer to be created along Main Street. Officials Time groups to identify suitable funding other local Newtownabbey time opportunities and subsequently groups such as Borough Lobbying by public representatives coordinate a programme of Young Framers, Council and SVDCA committee to ensure regular community events to include a WI, Small Grants delivery by Department for Capital summer festival, Christmas tree lights Straid Historical Scheme Infrastructure. Costs switch on and carol service etc. Society, School PTA Installation of additional speed related signage at the four entry points of the village

Improve community information SVDCA GROW Volunteer sharing mechanisms, to include time Engage with Department for Infrastruc- further development of the Friends Antrim and ture around the potential for an addi- of Straid Facebook page and instal- Newtownabbey Resource Costs tional footpath to be created between lation of an upgraded village notice Borough Straid Primary School and Straid board. Council Congregational Church. Small Grants Action Stakeholders Resources required

Work together as a village to design, SVDCA Antrim and Volunteer Time Volunteer Investigate potential for an “on Public Representatives develop and deliver an annual Newtownabbey time demand” rural transport service to be community festival Other local Borough introduced into the village for use by SVDCA Public Representative groups Council Time Festival Costs elderly residents. committee Small Grants Scheme Wider Community

20 21 Miscellaneous Project Overview Action Stakeholders Potential Resources Following the village planning process, an expression of interest was submitted to the Funders required Village Renewal Measure for the following project:

The desire for a village shop is Wider Private Investor Community Village Entrance significant but will ultimately be community buy involvement and influenced by the perceived viability in to this project volunteer time Creation of a high quality, aesthetically pleasing entrance feature at the Calhame Road of such by a private investor. will be side of the village, from the beginning of the 30mph speed zone. Enhancement of the fundamental. village entrance will focus on the installation of new signage, fencing and landscaping. There is also potential to look at alternative business models which Potential private Social Enterprise Initial start up might support a limited service pro- investor funding funding and Spring Lane Historic Pump Enhancement vision within the village i.e. a com- support munity owned social enterprise. Upgrading of stonework planter enclosing mature tree at the entrance of Spring Lane and enhancement of historic village pump, alongside the installation of interpretive signage Potential to explore the initial feasibility Antrim and Antrim and Volunteer detailing the history of the pump. of creating a community play area on Newtownabbey Newtownabbey time open space lands zoned on Irish Hill Borough Council Borough Gap site on Main Street Road. This will involve: Council Antrim and Public Newtownabbey Installation of interpretive hoarding detailing the history of the village at the at the gap site • Initial engagement with the private Representatives Borough Council on Main Street. landowner Big Lottery officer time SVDCA • Consideration of alternative sites Committee Land acquisition Benefits within the village or suitable lease Private arrangement Benefits of the proposed project will include: • Engagement with Council officers to Landowner help assess the viability of a Design team fees • Environmental improvement of the three identified sites; development and any support available Capital costs • Reduction in the number of vehicles informally parking at the Calhame Road • Work to secure initial technical entrance; assistance to design a scheme once a suitable site has been identified • A reduction in speeding traffic going through the village as a result of new entrance signage; • Ongoing engagement with both the Council and local residents to consult on the proposed project • Greater awareness of local heritage as a result of interpretive signage and hoarding installations; • Identify suitable funding options and take forward applications as • Growing awareness and recognition of the work of Straid Village and District appropriate Community Association who will drive the project forward in partnership with Council; • Once capital funds have been secured, undertake procurement • Increased sense of village pride which will encourage increased wider community and complete the project involvement in similar future initiatives.

22 23 Project Overview Next Steps and Delivering the Plan

The village planning process has achieved a considerable amount of input from local community residents, with the process being supported by Straid Village and District Community Association. Importantly a series of potential projects have been identified that can be brought forward by the Association, local community stakeholders, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and statutory bodies. 250x125mm granite kerb Following its establishment in mid 2016 in response to a willingness from local residents upstand. Area behind to work together and drive positive change in the village, the Association is well placed backfilled with topsoil & STRAID ROAD to assume the lead community role in the delivery of this village plan over the next 3-5 planted with daffodils year period. A series of practical actions have been identified as a guide to follow and measure progress in line with priority projects identified and should be taken forward on this basis. Where possible “quick win” actions should be identified and taken forward in tandem with stakeholders such as Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council to help build momentum within the village and support the ongoing development of the Verges generally Combine village name Association. cultivated and reseeded & 30mph signs It is important that Straid Village and District Community Association and other relevant local community stakeholders continue to engage with Antrim and Newtownab- bey Borough Council structures such as Community Planning, to represent the needs and priorities for the area and where possible help to drive investment to the priorities CALHAME ROAD outlined in the village plan.

A number of potential funders have been noted however this represents only a small Remove post & rail fence. selection of funding opportunities that are or will become available over the lifetime of New stock proof fence the village plan. It is recommended that funding proposals are advanced in line with the fronted by beech hedging projects identified and relevant funding opportunities as they become available. This & feathered tree planting. Relocate direction may include opportunities such as: (Approx. 250m in total) sign at hedgeline • GROW funding programmes within the Rural Development Programme VILLAGE • Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council annual funding programmes ENTRANCE • Big Lottery funding programmes • Department for Infrastructure funding programmes IMPROVEMENT • Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs funding programmes • Public Health Agency or Northern Health and Social Care funding programmes SCHEME • Funding opportunities through umbrella organisations such as South Antrim Community Network and the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland

The village plan should be viewed as an exciting opportunity for local residents to advance positive change in Straid, based upon the needs and views of people living in the village.

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