Mid Durham Rural West

Home , Brancepeth, Brandon and Byshottles, Cornsay, Healeyfield

County Durham Open Space, Sport and Recreation Needs Assessment

Area Profile: Mid Durham Rural West

CONTENTS

Page (s)

1.0 Sub Area Map 3

2.0 Description of Sub Area 4

3.0 Local consultation findings 5 - 12

4.0 Quantity of provision 13 - 14

5.0 Access to facilities 15 - 19

6.0 Quality of facilities 19 - 21

7.0 Analysis and Recommendations 22 - 24

1.0 Sub Area Map

2.0 Description of Mid Durham Rural West Area Action Partnership

Population 31,033

Location & Demographics

The Mid Durham Rural West Area Action Partnership (AAP) area stretches from Healeyfield in the North West to Meadowfield in the South East. It includes the villages of Lanchester, Brandon, Castleside, Ushaw Moor, Esh Winning, New Brancepeth along with the minor settlements of Cornsay, Quebec, Satley, West Butsfield, Burnhope, Esh and many other tiny settlements. The area is mainly rural but shares a mix of agricultural and former mining heritage, many of the villages are steeped in interesting history.

Stretching from the southern borders of Consett to the edge of the Durham City boundary, Mid-Durham Rural West AAP is mainly rural in character. The valleys of the Browney and Deerness flow eastwards from the moors of the west, joining the River Wear south of Durham City. In the valleys and lower areas, arable farms predominate whilst higher up sheep, cattle and dairy cows are to be seen interspersed with woods and natural land-use.

Lanchester is the largest settlement with a population of 4,382 and has a market town feel. Following the creation of the coal mines towards the end of the19th century, the important villages of Langley Park, Brandon, Esh Winning, Ushaw Moor and Burnhope were established. Since the closure of the mines, many of the villages have suffered economic decline although some have also benefited from successful regeneration and renewal initiatives. The AAP area contains the following town and parish councils; Brancepeth, Brandon and Byshottles, Healeyfield, Lanchester, Greencroft, Burnhope, Esh, Hedleyhope, Cornsay, Satley.

The area of Mid Durham Rural West contains the following parishes: Ushaw Moor, Allensford, West Butsfiels, Brandon, Cornsay Colliery, Cornsay, Meadowfield, Ornsby Hill, Castleside, Maiden Law, Waterhouses, Langley Moor, Rowley, Brancepeth, East Hedleyhope, Quebec, Broom, High Stoop, Healeyfield, East Butsfield, Esh, Satley, Lanchester, Burnhope, New Brancepeth, Greencroft Hall, Langley Park, Esh Winning, Knitsley, Newbiggin

Further information on this area can be found at http://www.durham.gov.uk/PDFApproved/Profile_Mid_Durham_Rural.pdf and http://www.durham.gov.uk/PDFApproved/MidDurhamRuralWestAAPProfile.pdf

3.0 Local Consultation Findings

The following is a summary the main local findings of relevance from local consultations which are described in full in the Needs Assessment Report (Appendix 1 to the Main Report).

3.1 Detailed comments from web survey

Postcode Comment I would like to see facilities at local schools opened to the wider community in particular those at St.Bedes School. I would also like to see the Bowling Alley in Durham which has been closed down replaced and I would also like to see an Ice Rink in the City. I feel that a lot more recreational facilities need to be available and attractive to young people to combat anti- social behaviour emanating from boredom, lack of direction and support. My daughter rows at Chester-Le-Street Amateur Rowing Club for which we pay - this is a fabulous club which should receive more support from the County Council than it DH7 0HR does. It is an excellent facility but sadly only available because of Volunteer Coaches and Members. DH7 7LS Improved facilities for the elderly and more activities aimed at teenagers. DH7 8UP Childrens play area aimed at pre-school age. The nearest, safest and most reasonable areas are driving distance. I would like a proper fenced well lit children's park where dogs cannot roam into instead of the very poor excuse for a DH7 9QQ childrens park that we have now. Combined use centre which can be used as a drop in facility, community centre, meeting area - residents associations etc, cafe serving meals to elderly etc. Play area for children and separate area for teenagers which has some usable facilities. The play facilities at Ushaw Moor were removed when the Hunters Gate development took place - residents were promised small pocket parks within that development - needless to say they never materialised. The facilities near Deerness Sports Centre have been eroded to the point they are not worth visiting. If you want decent play facilities for primary school children you have to go by car to Quebec or Wharton Park. This is not acceptable to a large community such as Ushaw DH7 7PZ Moor. More cycle paths/lanes along main roads for safe travelling t o work/school! My son was involved in an accident last week as he cycled to school in Durham along the A691. if he and others have the motivation to cycle, the routes should be safer for DH7 9FJ them to do so! DH8 9QF I think they are all covered above. DH7 0SE An indoor skate / bike park. DH7 8BH Secure, high quality children's play areas. Extended services and higher quality facilities for teenagers. DH7 9DF Pavements which are also cycle paths adjacent to every local road. Not off road routes. These routes can then be lit used

at all times of day and night, on route to schools, shops and local facilities and more importantly not isolated ie they follow a recognised route with houses and people about. Exercise and leisure should be able to be built in to everyday routine e.g cycling to school, cycling to local shops to pick up the odd item, walking in safety to the pub etc. Rather than concentrating on it being a separate event. As there are 2 large equestrian centres, 6 commercial livery yards and 10 private horse yards all within two miles of my address, there is a need for better maintenance of existing bridleways and UCRs already available and for links to be created with other off road tracks in order to keep horses off busy roads. Many riders won' t leave their stable yards because DH7 0DY of the risk from traffic. DH7 8TD Ice rink. Facilities for young people from the age of 11 upwards, both indoor and outdoor, structured and unstructured. I would like DH7 9BW to see facilities available that would normally be unaffordable, facilities to raise aspirations, expectations and self esteem. More Football pitches as there is only one pitch to service the whole village. The village is very large and I know of 3 football teams having to travel some distance to get a pitch to play on. Langley Park has never been blessed with these DH7 9XJ types of facilities in the last 10-15 years.

3.2 Best Value Survey by Action Area Partnerships

The results of the 2006/7 Best Value User Satisfaction Surveys for parks and open spaces in each of the districts have been disaggregated to AAP level as shown below.

Significant AAP % Very/fairly satisfied Rest of County Difference Bishop Auckland and Shildon 54.4 59.1 No Chester le Street 63.8 57.8 Yes Consett 59.0 58.5 No Crook Willington and Tow Law 56.6 58.6 No Durham City 59.6 57.9 No Easington 51.9 60.9 Yes East Durham rural corridor 62.3 58.3 No Ferryhill and Chilton 54.0 58.9 No Mid Durham rural west 59.3 58.5 No

Significant AAP % Very/fairly satisfied Rest of County Difference Newton Aycliffe 72.6 59.6 Yes Spennymoor 74.3 58.1 Yes Stanley 42.4 59.6 Yes Teesdale 65.6 58.4 Yes Weardale 71.0 58.5 Yes

3.3 Summary of Relevant Findings from the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Study

This area covers parts of the former Durham and Derwentside local authority areas, and the findings of two studies are relevant.

3.3.1 Former part Derwentside area.

• Residents generally rate it as 'about right'. However, both parks and sports facilities are most likely to be regarded as not having enough provision in Derwentside. There were also sizeable proportions of residents that consider there is insufficient provision of nature areas, civic spaces, foot/cycle paths and grassed areas on housing estates. Virtually no residents considered there to be too much provision.

• The use of off-road scrambler bikes on open spaces is a major issue across the District. Site assessments have identified the problem occurs more commonly on amenity greenspaces and allotments whereas consultation highlights the problem is more common on natural and semi natural greenspaces and parks and gardens. Consultation with community groups and youth groups highlights demand for a specific site to be designated for off-road use by motorbikes to help transfer this illegal use away from open spaces. • There are problems with illegal fires on open spaces in the District. Consultation highlights fly tipping also as a significant problem. Consultation has also identified that there is an opportunity to raise awareness through outreach work with children and young people to combat broken glass and littering from this group at night. • Dog fouling is also seen as a significant problem. Users express the need for increased enforcement and education regarding the associated health risks and potential penalties. The street survey also shows that the vast majority of respondents consider open spaces to be 'very' or 'quite important'. • Where parks are staffed quality and popularity tends to be higher.

3.3.2 Former part of Durham City Council area

General

A theme running throughout the consultation was a desire to see defined areas protected and improvements to existing provision. There was a general agreement that facilities for young children were inadequate both in terms of their quality and distribution. A wide range of views were secured and the following key points identified:

• The most important priority was that open spaces should be safe and secure for those using them. • Residents placed enormous value on open space as a measure of the quality of the local environment • Where open spaces were under threat local groups were prepared to fight to protect them. • Higher quality existing provision over new areas was a priority • Facilities for young children needed to be improved. • Community Partnerships in conjunction with the Parish and District Councils working together could make real improvements to the quality of open space provision Opening access to school facilities would improve the range of open space opportunities. • Improved levels of maintenance were required across most areas of provision to address issues such as vandalism, litter and dog fouling. • The high value placed on the network of footpaths for informal recreation and linking rural communities.

Area specific

'Area 4 meeting' attended by Brandon-Byshottles Parish Council, Community Volunteer, Residents Association, Local Residents, and City Councillor'

Options for future self management of allotments should be considered. Promoting the health benefits of allotments would create a broader range of users. The importance of appropriate facilities for children’s play need to be highlighted in the analysis and action plan

'Area 5 meeting attended by Individual Esh Winning Residents, New Brancepeth Residents Association, Brandon-Byshottles Parish Council, Parish and City Councillors

Greater priority and investment in children’s play facilities, and enhanced investment in maintenance should be included in the strategy. Access for those travelling to Countryside sites by cars needed to be improved.

3.4 Summary of Relevant Findings from the Play Strategy

This area covers parts of the former Durham and Derwentside local authority areas, and the findings of two studies are relevant.

3.4.1 Part of former Durham City

Main Conclusions:

• Children prefer to play outside, unsupervised with their friends. • They value open space and play areas but they have concerns about the quality and range of the current fixed play equipment and the limited age range it caters for. • Play areas need to be more exciting and cater for all age groups. • There is a feeling that parks and play areas should be better cleaned and maintained (issues with broken glass, litter, dog fouling, vandalism and graffiti). • Children and Young People prefer local provision within easy reach of their homes. Transport is an issue for some of the more isolated communities. • Younger children feel intimidated by older youths who either ‘hang about’ the play areas drinking or play football etc. Also teenagers tend to monopolise the BMX and skatepark areas so younger children don’t feel they are able to use these facilities. • Older children don’t tend to want the younger children hanging around. They also just want somewhere to ‘hang out’ with their friends. • There is a fear of traffic around housing estates. • There are issues with cars parked in streets and on the pavement which prevents opportunities for play. • Complaints from neighbours when they play ‘around the doors’ is an issue as are ‘No Ball Games’ signs on open spaces. • Children and young people value open space areas for playing football / cricket etc near to their homes but would like to see better quality facilities provided for such activities within parks. • There was some experience of police harassment and lack of tolerance by adults generally.

Consultation with Parents and Carers

The Play Partnership carried out a consultation exercise with parents and carers during May 2007. Some key findings from parents and carers were that:

• They have a fear of stranger danger / children’s personal safety and therefore many prefer supervised play opportunities. • They would welcome seeing more imaginative, safer, better maintained playgrounds within easy walking distance of their homes. • There is a perception that Durham is poorly equipped with outdoor play areas i.e. limited play areas with very limited and unimaginative equipment. • Litter (bottles / cans) and dog fouling was cited as a reason for not allowing their children to use open space / park areas. • Fear of intimidation and bullying of younger children by older children was also cited as a reason for not allowing their children to go to the park. • They value the organised, local, supervised activities especially during the summer holidays and would like to see more after- school clubs and activities at local community centres (especially for the younger children).

3.4.2 Part of former of Derwentside

Some key conclusions specifically relevant to PPG17 were:

• Although the current Derwentside Play Area Strategy has resulted in the removal of a number of small local play areas, consultation identifies demand for localised play areas to be provided. • There is potential to provide greater play opportunities through the extended schools program. • There is a gap in youth provision and demand for provision of MUGAs. • Demand for more challenging and interesting play opportunities (including equipped play areas). • The skate park provision is well used. There is demand for bigger provision. • There is a perceived lack of play facilities for all ages. • There are no play spaces in some local areas. There is concern regarding the number of play areas being removed by the former District Council. • Play spaces attract inappropriate use by the wrong age groups. This impacts on safety perception and quality of the sites, which results in decreased usage by children.

• There is a concern amongst residents across the district regarding the removal of a number of local play areas cross the district. Although residents in the main recognise that this has been in order for the Council to concentrate resources on fewer sites, residents are displeased with the gaps in play area provision which now exist in a number of settlement areas.

The play strategy audit identifies various gaps in provision across Derwentside in relation to NPFA standards and provides a quality assessment of provision, but it does not prioritise specific projects for development. It makes the following general points:

• There are some gaps in the provision of casual play areas across Derwentside. There is no provision in Burnhope or in Langley Park. • There are significant gaps in youth provision across Derwentside. Lanchester analysis area has no provision.

3.5 Town Council Survey findings of Relevance

Not applicable

3.6 Action Area Partnership Board Members Survey (main priorities identified)

• Road safety and highways (47 votes) • Support for the community and voluntary sector (44 votes) • Activities for young people (39 votes) • Support for older people (37 votes) • Community safety and crime (31 votes) • Clean and green environment (27 votes) • Public transport (24 votes) • Improved health and wellbeing (23 votes) • Local economy (18 votes) • Affordable decent housing (10 votes)

3.7 Main consultation findings from the Playing Pitch Study

This area covers parts of the former Durham and Derwentside local authority areas, and the findings of two studies are relevant.

3.7.1 Part of former of Derwentside

A Playing Pitch Study has been produced but was not available for this report

3.7.2 Part of former Durham City

For football the key issues highlighted through consultation were:

• better training facilities/pitches • often low quality changing facilities • dog fouling • vandalism • lack of a central venue for mini soccer • a generally adequate level of provision in terms of adult pitch supply

For cricket the key issues highlighted through consultation were:

• better practice facilities • better quality wickets • improved changing and other ancillary facilities • dog fouling and vandalism on some sites • need to promote junior participation

4.0 Quantity of provision

The table below shows provision against the County Durham standards for the AAP. The existing provision of open space is shown on the map on the following page. Further maps showing provision for each ward within the AAP are available and are held in a separate appendix. An analysis of findings are made in section 7.

Supply of open space (hectares) Semi- Outdoor Amenity Natural Parks & Sport Open Green WARD Gardens Space Play Space Space Space Allotments Mid Durham Rural West (Total) -28.43 16.74 -0.05 67.06 183.37 -4.67 Castleside * -1.55 -0.37 -0.31 1.45 39.55 -1.55 Cornsay -1.61 1.02 -0.27 6.27 17.21 -1.23 Esh -5.02 -4.01 -0.75 4.19 -5.02 1.60 Lanchester -3.88 -3.52 -0.84 8.95 144.75 -3.55 Burnhope -1.32 1.04 -0.26 1.51 147.75 0.17 Brancepeth, Langley Moor and Meadowfield -3.71 15.15 0.54 5.64 -3.71 0.13 Deerness -1.43 -0.65 2.71 8.54 2.91 -1.78 Brandon -5.79 13.79 -1.10 24.34 -5.79 1.17 New Brancepeth and Ushaw Moor -5.11 4.12 0.05 18.30 -5.11 -0.26

5.0 Access to facilities

The following maps show the existing provision and access to different types of open space across the County. Further analysis has been made using the GIS toolkit developed as part of this study, which allows access to be analysed at a more local level (e.g. ward). The following maps have been used to ‘flag up’ access issues, and the ward maps should be used to determine issues. An analysis of findings are made in section 7.

6.0 Quality of open space

The quality of open space within this AAP varies as much as it does across the whole County, and therefore the recommendations and observations made in part 1 of the study report should be referred to. A number of specific observations follow.

• This area lacks quality formal space such as parks and gardens, and there is a need for improving this provision. • The quality of amenity space varies, and there is an opportunity to improve facilities. • There is an opportunity to provide better quality sports space, through upgrading existing provision. • Some investment has been made to play space, however, there is still a need for further investment in facilities, particularly provision for young people. • A number of allotments would benefit from improvement.

Opportunity for additional facilities in amenity Improvements required at sports space New facilities for young people space

Sports Ground in need of improvement Poor allotments Poor amenity space

7.0 Analysis and Recommendations

This section includes an analysis of the main issues related to quality, quantity and access to open space within the Mid Durham Rural West AAP. It should be considered in context with the wider findings of the study, outlined in part 1 of the report. The analysis and recommendations are considered by typology.

Allotments

• There is an under supply of allotments across the AAP, with about half of wards having sufficient provision. • A number of the wards within this AAP do not meet the access standard for allotments. • As expected, the quality of existing provision varies greatly. • It is recommended that additional allotments are required within this AAP in localised areas of deficiency.

Amenity Open Space

• Overall, there is a sufficient supply of amenity open space across the AAP with all wards meeting the required standard. • Access to amenity open space is generally good, although there are a number of localised deficiencies. • Quality varies greatly, but there is a general need to improve quality, and utilise more amenity space for alternative use.

Parks & Gardens

• There is an under supply of parks and gardens across the AAP, with all wards falling below the standard. • Access to facilities is also poor, with few areas meeting the recommended standard. • There is a lack of provision of parks and gardens in this AAP, it is to some extent met by provision of outdoor sport space in some areas – see below.

Outdoor Sport Space

• Overall there is sufficient quantity of outdoor sport space within the AAP. However, there is localised under provision, with 4 wards falling below the standard for both sport space and parks & gardens (Castleside, Esh, Lanchester, Deerness). These areas should be the priority for seeking new provision.

• Access to sport space generally meets the required standard, there are some and local gaps. • Quality of provision varies, although there is a general need for improvement.

Play Space

• Overall, there is a shortfall in provision, with only two wards meeting the required standard. • Access to play space is poor with few areas meeting the standard. • Whilst some play space has been improved, there is a general need to improve quality within the area. • There is a need for both new provision and improvement to existing provision within this AAP, particularly facilities for young people.

Semi-natural greenspace

• Overall, this AAP has sufficient provision, although this is localised with some areas falling below the standard. • Access to semi-natural greenspace also falls below the minimum standard in some parts of the area. • There is an opportunity to create areas of semi-natural greenspace in areas of deficiency through utilising existing space, and where possible creating new space through development.