Whitstone Parish Plan 2010 Contents 1. Foreword 2. Introduction to Whitstone 3. The Parish Plan process 4. Summary of results 5. Full consultation results by subject areas - Road Safety - Young People - Parish Communication - Crime & Disorder - Recreation & Leisure - Local Environment - Public Transport - Green Issues - Economy & Business - Housing - Health & Social Services 6. The Next Steps 7. The Action Plan 8. Acknowledgments 9. Appendix -pre questionnaire suggestions -questionnaire -questionnaire results
Foreword Work on the Whitstone Parish Plan started in November 2007. A public meeting called by and publicised by the parish council attracted a standing room only turnout in the village hall. Following the formation of a steering group and the application for funds a letter was delivered to each address in the parish outlining the process that was going to be used in formulating the plan and asking for topics that residents would like to see addressed by the plan. From the results received (available in separate appendix) the steering group formulated a full questionnaire ( a copy of which is also in the appendix) covering all aspects of life in Whitstone. The questionnaires were delivered by hand by a team of keen volunteers to each household, one per person aged over 6. The delivery team also called back at a prearranged date to collect questionnaires. By the closing date of 31/07/08 a return rate of around 80% had been received.
During the autumn and winter of 08/09 the results were analysed. On March 21 st 2009 a results evening and prioritisation event was held in the hall. The final plan has now been written and researched by the members of the steering group.
The finished plan will act as a focus for the village’s progress in the coming years. Improvements such as a 30 mph speed limit have already taken place but much work needs to be done improving youth provision and social amenities as well as many other improvements to raise the quality of life and prosperity of the Parish.
The Plan itself will achieve nothing. It is a tool, a tool for groups of volunteers and the Parish council to use. A tool, which can help obtain funding but more importantly can galvanize the parish into action itself. As an example, when 76% of the parish feel that youth provision is insufficient, yes, the consultation result can give access to funding, but it is not for the council or well meaning volunteers to decide what facilities the young people need. Now we need young people to step forward to take the initiative, dare to dream that the facilities enjoyed by other communities could happen here. There will be opportunities for interested groups to take projects forward in all sorts of areas. A village website, neighbourhood watch, we shouldn’t whinge about the lack of a pub in the village, perhaps we could get out and start up a social club. Above all the feeling that “nothing will ever happen in Witsun” stops here.
Introduction to Whitstone Whitstone is a village of 582 inhabitants in 207 households in North Cornwall. Lying on the B3254 mid way between Bude & Launceston. The population contains well below the national average 18 – 30 year olds and correspondingly well above the national average of pension age residents. The parish of Whitstone is bounded to the east by the river Tamar and the Devon county border to the north Bridgerule, northwest Marhamchurch, southwest Week St Mary and southeast Boyton & North Tamerton.
The B3254 runs though the centre of the village while only classified as a B road it carries [x cars and xx HGVs daily] The main employment in the parish is Agriculture and agricultural services with construction and public sector employment (the two schools) roughly equal second, tourism and haulage are also important to the village. Self employment is 8 times the national average.
Average wage is low in government statistics ranking 326 local authority areas by median weekly wage in 2008 North Cornwall was sixth from bottom. Housing is predominantly owner occupied and due to the popularity of the area and demand from tourism housing costs are high, very high when compared to average wages. Whitstone & Week St Mary Ward is in the worst ten wards in England for housing affordability. (source ons)
Service provision, considering the higher proportion likely to require help from service providers such as health provision and social services, is identified as woefully below national standards. Whitstone & Week St Mary were regarded as 13 th worst of (52000) for the provision of services.
Whitstone Village in the environment The area takes in the gently rolling hills and open valley landscape defined by the upper reaches of the River Tamar. The area is bounded by the Tamar valley to the east and the higher ground of Landscape Western Culm Plateau to the north. The flat floodplains of the Tamar are distinctive with their water meadows with tree cover, including free standing oaks. It is a settled inland landscape, with medium sized fields of improved pasture and some arable. Boundaries are strong Cornish hedges and hedgerows with trees. Woodland is prominent to the west boundary with Week St Mary including on the valley sides as blocks of broadleaved, mixed or coniferous plantations. Biodiversity interest is focussed on the valleys with wetland habitats. Settlement is clustered, focussing on the Village with other settlements as small farms.
Geology and soils The majority of the area is the Carboniferous Crackington formation of shale, mudstones and interbedded sandstones. A band of Lower Carboniferous slates with thin limestone and shales runs north west/south east and appears to define and produce higher ridges and small isolated hills. Soils are shallow hard rock soils on higher ground to the north and alluvial soils in the valleys.
Biodiversity Much of the Landscape Character Area is farmed, and mostly includes improved grassland/pasture with some arable. There are small fragmented areas of wetland, with Fens and Purple Moor Grass and Rush Pasture, mostly along the stream valleys. This type of wetland in this part of northeast Cornwall is known locally as ‘Culm grassland’ (wetland on the Culm measures with Purple Moor Grass and Rush Pasture and Fens). There is a high proportion of mature trees on the Cornish hedges which link to the semi-natural habitats in the valleys. Along the streams are narrow, linear broadleaved woodlands, with Wet Woodland in places, linking the small fragmented wetlands, and areas of scrub and neutral grassland.
Land Cover and Land Use Landcover is dominated by farmed land of improved grassland/pasture with arable Woodland is prominent in places, particularly in and around the valleys and is a mixture of broadleaved, coniferous and mixed woodland. Small areas of wetland and rough ground occur along the valleys. Pasture is the dominant land use both as dry permanent pasture on higher land and wet meadow pastures on the river floodplains. The wet clay soils of the valleys and valley sides are influential in the distribution of pasture and arable land, and wetland habitats occur in many valley floors. Medieval enclosure is dominant with a significant proportion of post medieval enclosure, often on higher ground. Many of the coniferous woodland and mixed woodland plantations are managed commercially.
Field and woodland pattern Fields are medium scale and are predominantly derived from medieval enclosure, although there are substantial areas of post-medieval enclosure of former rough ground. In the Recently Enclosed Land boundaries tend to be straight while in the Anciently Enclosed Land they are predominantly sinuous. There has been some alteration to both Anciently Enclosed Land and more recent enclosure patterns. Boundaries tend to be strong Cornish hedges and hedgerows with hedgerow trees, oak being dominant. Woodland is a significant component of the landscape. Elsewhere there are smaller farm woodlands including species such as holly, oak, beech and ash. Similarly, these species occur regularly in the hedgerows creating an overall semi- enclosed landscape and visually reinforcing the anciently enclosed field pattern. In some places, beech clumps occur on hillsides creating landmarks. On the floodplains of the main river, there are often mature oak trees which provide the sense of a mature and ancient pastoral landscape as well as significant tree belts. Settlement pattern The settlement form is a nucleated village with small farms generally. The main farm type is medieval farm settlements, often formerly hamlets but now typically a single farm. Settlement outside the village is generally sparse. Vernacular buildings are varied with materials but are predominately slate roofs, slate hanging, cob and slate. Housing types are varied with Victorian houses, cottages, terraces or more modern semi- detached housing.
Transport pattern The B3254 runs north on the ridge line. Whitstone straddles this road at approximately half way between Bude and Launceston. The A39 lies to the far west. Between these roads (and also east to Holsworthy) there is a network of winding lanes often with strong high hedges. The Cornish hedges serve as barriers and generally roads keep to higher ground. A Landscape Characteristic of this area is the number of ridgeway routes, medieval or earlier. These are important local routes and are lined by scattered cottages. There is a disused canal to the west of the village which was used to transport beach sand to improve pastures.
The B3254 although being designated a ‘B’ class road is the arterial route for traffic travelling to Bude from Launceston and is often used as such for vehicles travelling to and from Bideford, Barnstaple and the North Devon area.
Historic features Whitstone village is the amalgamation of several local hamlets. ‘Whitstone’ surrounding the Norman Parish Church of St Anne, ‘Boot’ on the junction of the Holsworthy road and the B3254 and ‘Street’ a collection farm cottages stretching south to the Week St Mary road junction. There are signs of early settlement in the tumuli at Foxhole and Dilland, whilst in the northern part of the parish are the defensive earthworks with single banks at Hilton Wood and Froxton. At the turn of the century, the outlines of Froxton Castle, which covered an area of 160 feet by 145, were less distinct than formerly, because of cultivation. The earthwork in Hilton Wood was oval, measuring 215 feet by 170, with a ramp of 14 feet and a ditch 12 feet deep, then in good order.
Condition Generally the area is in good condition and is well managed. In very isolated areas some fields are showing a tendency to revert to rough ground. Many homes are privately owned and the recent increase in property prices has helped to galvanise interest in home maintenance.
Distinctive features The tranquil flat floodplain of the Tamar with strong tree cover and valleys sides with woodlands and views from higher ground extend east to Dartmoor. North west to south west the views extend far beyond the coast and on a clear day as far southwest as the St Ives peninsular. The area is a comfortable, settled and enclosed lush pastoral landscape. The maturity of its trees, old lanes, bridges and settlements indicate a stable and unchanged landscape.
Summary of results
Whitstone is a safe & friendly place to live. Community spirit is strong. However, “carnival week apart, nothing ever happens” was a common criticism.
Having no local pub is seen as a drawback, social amenities are limited.
Youth provision is poor. Over 75% of residents of all age groups feel that there is insufficient provision for children and young people. “All we had was a rope swing in the village hall car park – now some[body] has taken that down” was one telling comment from a returned questionnaire.
The B3254 has a large influence on the village. The 30mph speed limit with 40mph extensions either side was the overwhelming (90%) request to come from the survey and has now been implemented.
Village communication has been improved since the advent of the Whistler. However forthcoming events and things like the Parish council meeting agendas do not easily lend themselves to publication in a monthly magazine. A frustration was evident among many respondents over poor consultation when decisions affecting the village are made. Comments such as “one or two people control this village” were common in the returned questionnaires. Communication and increased community involvement needs working on for everyone’s benefit.
Housing is a difficult issue. It is very unaffordable for anyone on local average wages; it is very attractive to those with the means and because of the proximity to the North Cornwall coast. The exodus of young adults is unsustainable in the long term but the solutions may be beyond the power of a parish plan. The affect of the 22 new houses for local needs in St Annes Close is yet to be determined.
Public Transport is inadequate and is not used as a transport of choice. The elderly and again young people are the worst affected. The elderly do have their free travel pass (young people have to pay to travel to school beyond 16).
Public service provision in the Parish is thought by most to be adequate. Residents relocating here from more densely populated areas find services remote and emergency attendance times extended but most residents realise this is to be expected. However as a community, service reductions need to be monitored closely and the few complaints currently being made will be robustly pursued.
Full consultation results by subject areas 1.Road Safety Factual results This section, although short, is very important as it affects every one of us in the village. Question 3 regarding the speed limit demonstrated that 90+% of the village thought that 30mph was the appropriate speed limit and a large majority thought an extension at each end of the village at 40mph desirable. This has now already been implemented. Compliance and enforcement of the new speed limit will have to be monitored.
Dangerous Roads
The danger areas as priortised at the public event were;
1. The junction of Meadowside & Balsdon Road by the shop. Visibility & access is compromised by constant inconsiderate parking. 2. Turning right in to Green Lane from the B3254 from the north.
Pedestrian Dangers
The danger areas identified where lack of pavements were causing danger to pedestrians were;
1. The School to the main road 2. From the village to Cherry Cross 3. From Paradise Park to anywhere without crossing the busy road in an unlit area.
Parking Issues
Just over half the village felt there were parking issues causing access, visibility or road safety problems in the village. The areas highlighted were;
1. Meadowside 2. Balsdon Road junction 3. Oak Lane at school pick up times.
Street Lighting
While the majority of respondents were happy with the street lighting provision a few thought they need not be on for so long. However most of the 67 who were unhappy with the street lighting provision thought that lighting should be extended to Paradise Park entrance where pedestrians need to cross the busy main road.
Views expressed
Respondents felt Whitstone was a safe place to live, although a few changes could make it even safer.
Parish Plan Objective
To use the views expressed here and in future consultations to get highway alterations where significant numbers of residents feel their safety is compromised.
The Action required Aim Action Partners Cost Timetable
Improve the Encourage enforcement Cornwall Council Ongoing compliance with of limits. Highways n/a the new speed Monitor Traffic limits. Police
Speedwatch
Address the road Parish council to safety & street liaise actively with Parish Council n/a asap lighting issues highways dept. Use of CC Highways raised by parish plan results to residents. influence.
Young People
Factual results • This section represents the views of 6-17 year olds, 60% of these respondents were under 13 years of age
Clubs / groups • The clubs/groups in which respondents participate are diverse, 28 different clubs were mentioned • The range of clubs/groups available to young people within the village is limited although over half of respondents participate in a club/group organised within the village
• The majority of respondents participate in a club/group outside the village
• The respondents would be interested in participating in a range of other indoor and outdoor activities, if they were made available:
Indoor activities suggested Activity Number of requests Movie club/ Film nights 19 Arts & Crafts 18 Dance 17 Snooker / Pool 17 Table Tennis 14 Badminton 11 Skittles 10 Book Club 6
Outdoor activities suggested Activity Number of requests Tennis 24 Skatepark 20 Football 20 Cricket 17 Rugby 9
Mobile Library • Only 14% of young respondents use the mobile library although it was pointed out that the availability was during school hours.
Awareness of village issues and youth involvement in the village • Just over half our respondents felt they weren’t sufficiently informed about village issues:
• Two thirds of our respondents felt they weren’t involved in the village
The views expressed • Young people feel there are very few facilities available for them, or activities that interest them available within the parish
• The range of indoor and outdoor activities that interest our respondents is much broader than the suggested choices given in the questionnaire
• The majority of respondents are aware of the mobile library service and would use it if it was available outside school hours
• Young people felt that youth meetings, a youth committee, a website and the Whitstone Whistler could improve their awareness of village issues and increase their involvement in the village
• The majority of our respondents intend to attend sixth form, university and eventually settle within the Bude / Launceston area
• Our respondents would like outdoor recreational facilities to be made available within the village
The Parish Plan Objective • Our young people would like to feel a sense of pride in their village and engage with village life. Within the village, we need to provide more facilities and services that are relevant to the needs and aspirations of our young people. Access should be improved to the wide range of facilities available to young people in the wider surrounding area.
The Action Required
Aims Actions Partners Cost Timetable
• Clarify the • Facilitate action Parish Council groups to clarify the Minimal Further range of initially. range of activities and consultation activities and Parish Hall facilities relevant to an urgent facilities that Committee, priority. could be the needs and Potentially the provided within aspirations of our Community major expenditure the village young people (within Network item in the the village and Manager plan. • Provide surrounding areas) (Cornwall If the village outdoor Council), youth have the recreational ideas drive and • Identify and create enthusiasm to facilities within Schools, take this and links with relevant the village run with it. organisations in the Local transport • Clarify the surrounding area providers, It is projects range of that can address a activities and Representatives proven need, facilities that from local sports such as youth young people • Facilitate a youth clubs, provision in this would like to committee to discuss parish, that a access outside methods of Local activity parish plan can engagement with help unlock the village providers, funding for. village life We must not be • Improve BRIPS, afraid to think engagement big. with village life Mobile library for our young service people Lottery • Improve access to the mobile library service
Parish communication The Factual results
Notice Boards
35% claim to read the Parish notice board at least monthly, 70% read the shop notice board monthly. The overwhelming suggestion for easier access to information would be to relocate the parish notice board to the other side of the road, near the shop.
Village magazine
The Whistler is read in depth by 57% of the population another 39% confess to giving it a scan through leaving only 4% who don’t read it at all.
24% would like emails of notice board material. 19% would use an internet Café 43% (128 people) would like a parish website. 34 people say they would volunteer to help with it!! 45% would like a centralised parish events calendar. (An obvious use for a website)
Views expressed
Generally the two main notice boards (shop and parish) were claimed to be well read though, as said above many people felt the parish board should be on the same side of the road as the shop. The other feeling was that the parish notice board would be more useful if it were kept up to date and had notices of events being held by all groups.
The feed back for the village magazine was generally very good and 19 out of every 20 respondents said they read it regularly at some depth. Some said it would be more useful if it contained a diary and listed events.
A website would be useful to almost half of respondents especially with a centralised parish calender of events. A fifth of respondents would find an internet cafe useful presumably because they didn’t have internet connection at home.
The Parish Plan objective
There were high request rates for a village website with a diary and a diary in the Whistler magazine. At the prioritisation event, volunteers came readily forward and these things have been launched already. Please see www.whitstonevillage.co.uk.These will be improved and built on in future. The future objectives are to improve village communications and to involve residents in the decision making process, to make information more actively available to the community and especially to those people disadvantaged. Also the answers provided demonstrated a need to ensure people know routes to agencies that can help make a resident’s life better.
The Action Required
Aim Action Partners Cost Timetable
Improve the two Use the Whistler and The following New Noticeboard way flow of website to address partners for all Noticeboard 6 months information in communication aims listed £700 the community. weaknesses. Community area Parish Council Community 1 year Increase Move the parish notice area in shop community board. Whitstone £1000 apx Website access to the Whistler Initial site setup internet, public Set up a community achieved services and area in the village for Organisations, Improvement corporate internet access and clubs & societies on-going support. community service in the parish providers. Whistler ongoing Cornwall Council improvement To raise awareness of the Cornwall Calendar to be new centralised Advise and request Community improved with events calendar. information from clubs Foundation more content and societies Build a database Businesses within of email the parish addresses of those wishing to recieve parish notice board material.
Crime & Disorder The Factual results
Whitstone is felt by the vast majority of residents to be a safe and peaceful place to live.
9 out of 332 felt unsafe or threatened in their own home.
16 out of 323 felt unsafe or threatened whilst out in the parish.
24 out of 324 felt unsafe or threatened whilst out in North Cornwall generally.
210 out of 285 residents feel policing to be adequate in the the village. Only 90 respondents knew how to contact their community police officer but only 27 previously had reason to.
Just over half, 157 out of 307 residents indicated they would join a neighbourhood watch scheme. 29 people indicated a willingness to help coordinate such a scheme.
The Opinions expressed
Generally people feel very safe in Whitstone & North Cornwall. This is highlighted by the comments made about the village being safe & Friendly.
A very large majority of residents feel policing levels to be sufficient in the parish. Given that only 27 residents had needed to contact the local police there were a significant number of comments raised over the response from and the opening hours of Bude police station.
The Parish Plan objective
To actively maintain and protect the sense of security & friendly, community atmosphere currently felt by residents.
The Action Required
Aim Action Partners Cost Timetable
Improve Publish regular updates Whistler £ Negligible Within 2 months of awareness of the in the Whistler. Parish council publication of contact details of Church Parish Plan elected Permanent inclusion on Chapel representatives notice boards. Schools and police. Cornwall Councillor Facilitate setting Publicity in whistler £ TBC Within 6 months of up of public meeting and publication of neighbourhood formation of steering Police Parish plan. watch group.
Recreation and leisure
The Factual results
There is no public recreational or play area in the village.
Many residents did state that they travelled regularly to such facilities in the wider locality.
There is no public house in the village.
Sports or social club
membership
56 out of 309 respondents belong to a sports
yes or social club locally
no
would you like to see additional recreational facilities in the Parish?
158 out of 251 respondents would like to see more recreational facilities in the Parish. yes no
Do any existing facilities need improving?
121 out of 176 respondents thought some yes existing facilities needed improving. no
Are the young people in the parish adequately catered for?
185 out of 243 respondents did not feel that young people in the parish were adequately yes catered for no
Are you in favour of a pub or adult social meeting place in the village?
213 out of 259 respondents were in favour of a pub or adult social meeting place in the yes Parish. A small number strongly disagreed. no
The Opinions expressed
A major finding of the Whitstone Parish Plan was that recreational & leisure facilities or opportunities were desired by the residents.
A pub and a playing field or play area were the predominant requests.
Youth provision was felt by the overwhelming majority to be insufficient for the needs of the Parish.
The current condition of the amenity area in Paradise Park was deemed inadequate.
It was felt that the parish hall did not meet the expectations of the village. (please note since the questionnaire remedial work has addressed the damp in the hall)
The parish plan objective
To bring the recreational and leisure facilities provided in the parish to a standard that the community feel is appropriate for the needs of a rural village of our size. This could include. A recreational area A sports field or village green A pub or social club Indoor sports such as skittles, darts, or pool. More regular events for all the community in the parish hall such as Film nights Educational and recreational course or evening classes Regular licensed social club
The Action required
Aim Action Partners Cost Timetable
Provide a Support the formation Cornwall council Potentially Form group within recreational or of an action group to Parish council significant 6 months of playing area study the feasibility of External funding publication of plan funding, acquiring land bodies. none etc. immediately
Provide licensed Support the formation Cornwall council Priority regular social of an action group to Parish council TBD club. study the feasibility. Parish hall committee Breweries etc.
Provide Information and Whistler Immediate information on publicity through parish Hall committees None existing clubs, magazine School classes etc & promote more such events
Help provide Support setting up of Hall committees 6 months social events such a club Local companies Some such as film equipment nights
Local Environment The Factual results
Do you consider dog fouling to be a problem?
117 out of 304 thought dog fouling to be more than a very little problem. However at the prioritisation event little information was given when the location of the offending fouling was requested.
Are you concerned about litter in the parish?
106 out of 308 replies thought litter was more than a very little problem in the parish.
Do you think our parish footpaths are well maintained?
47 out of 129 who use the public footpaths in the parish thought they were not well maintained 82 thought they were .
The Opinions expressed
Respondents felt Whitstone had a slight problem with dog fouling but attempts at the prioritization event failed to gather much information on the location of this problem. Some comments on the evening suggested that the problem has now been solved.
Litter was seen as a problem from two sources, items thrown from vehicles along the main road and wildlife and vermin opening the black refuse bags out for collection.
The public footpaths in the parish were felt by the majority to be well maintained but a few areas were repeatedly mentioned as being wet in winter or overgrown.
The parish plan objective
To ensure that residents enjoyment of their local area was not compromised by dog fouling or litter. To ensure that the public footpaths in the parish are well maintained and passable.
The Action required
Aim Action Partners Cost Timetable
Ensure that footpath, litter Parish Clerk to add and dog fouling item to annual meeting Cornwall council complaints are agenda seeking views Parish council n/a Ongoing agenda items for on litter dog fouling the annual and footpaths. parish meeting
Public Transport
The Factual results
Do you have mobility problems due to age or disability?
35 out of 304 residents reported having mobility problems due to age or disability
Do you have your own means of transport?
265 out of 304 residents had their own means of transport
When asked;
Do you use public bus services in our area? Only 63 out of 286 residents use the public bus services locally. That is 18%.
Of those who used public buses locally;
69% thought they were clean & pleasant to travel in. 50%thought they were punctual & reliable. 67% thought that the routes took them where they wanted to go. However only 38% thought the timetable of services met their needs.
When all residents were asked if they would use public transport if it were cheaper only 15% said they would.
The opinions expressed
When asked why they did not currently use the bus service reasons given were that it was easier to drive, there was no timetable at the bus stop and that the buses ran at times that were inconvenient.
When asked for suggestions which could improve the local bus service more connections, particularly to Holsworthy and onward to Exeter was suggested as well as more regular services in general. “If a service takes you somewhere it would be nice to be able to get back again the same day” It appears that the services that run through the village are predominantly through routes between Bude and Plymouth. If you need to get elsewhere you drive.
The parish plan objectives
To ensure when public transport routes are planned that Whitstone residents needs are met. To work with service providers to ensure existing services are publicised and more reliable.
The action required
Aim Action Partners Cost Timetable To ensure that when public transport routes are planned Liaise with bus Whitstone companies and Parish council residents needs transport planners. Cornwall council n/a Ongoing are met. Bus companies Maintain To work with communication and service providers monitor usage of to ensure services existing services are publicised and more reliable.
Green Issues The Factual results
A small majority of the residents of Whitstone believe our life style contributes to global warming.
While few residents have no loft insulation at all, only 28% have the current guideline depth of 300mm.
4/5ths of residents have most or all of their windows fitted with double glazing.
Half the residents knew that they had cavity walls and half of these were aware of cavity insulation not being installed.
Only 14% of residents had converted all their light bulbs to low energy bulbs at the time of the questionnaire.
Only 19% of residents said that cost had little or no influence on their home energy reduction planning.
66 out of 308 residents had applied for energy saving grants although 172 of 298 admitted they were aware of grant availability .
Whitstone has kerbside recycling which 236 of 300 residents were happy with. 93% of residents claimed to have used the service.
On a scale of 1-10 residents rated the amount of their various products that were recycled. Clothing, shoes, fabrics, and batteries were the least recycled.
For a village roughly equidistant of three main towns it was interesting to note that Bude was the most popular destination for the weekly shop.
Whitstonians travel 1743 miles to work each day. 31 residents expressed an interest in a car share scheme
The opinions expressed
Generally residents are aware of environmental issues. They would like some assistance with updating the energy efficiency of their homes. With 93% of residents using the recycling scheme it is important to note that many expressed concerns over the range of plastics that can be put out, the lack of a weekly collection and having to use carrier bags for their glass. Windturbines split opinion in the village. While there is a clear disapproval of large visually intrusive wind turbines, the small or medium sized domestic type turbines were thought acceptable by most residents.
The parish plan objective
To proactively seek greener solutions to rural living for the benefit of Whitstone residents.
The action required
Aim Action Partners Cost Timetable
Actively seek Appoint an energy Whistler partners willing efficiency tsar to report Parish council £ 30 to assist to the parish council Energy companies with/fund with any offers of help. residential Within 12 months energy efficiency of publication of improvements. Parish Plan
Seek to assist Arrange a lift offer/ Whistler residents looking required service either Website £ 20 to car share on the website (see Shop noticeboard communication section) or on the noticeboards. Within 12 months of publication of Parish Plan Raise concerns Arrange an open parish of residents with meeting with recycling Cornwall council the recycling provider Sita service provider £neg Within 12 months of publication of To communicate Parish Plan the parishioners views on wind Communicate turbines to questionnaire results to Cornwall Council planning Cornwall council Parish Council Within 2 months of authorities to planning Dept. publication of prevent £0.36 Parish Plan unwanted visually intrusive turbines.
Economy and business The Factual results
Whitstone has a relatively strong business sector. Employment within the village in the public sector is centred on the schools whilst Agriculture, agricultural services, construction and tourism are the main private sector employers. The departure of the previous occupier has now left the St Anne’s units unoccupied.
There are three workshop sized business units in St Anne’s Close which are currently empty. These units have never been let successfully as single units and are now surrounded by residential development.
When asked (Prior to units being empty) if they would like more businesses in the village respondents were reletively undecided with 85 out of 149 saying yes.
Similarly when asked if they would support initiatives to encourage business there was a similar slim majority in favour with 73 out of 123 saying yes.
There was overwhelming support for local business when asked whether they purchased goods regularly from the village shop 216 out of 250 said they did.
When asked when did you last use the post office for more than 12 stamps? 77% of residents replied that they had within the last month. There may have been some confusion with this question as the post office is within the village store. However this result did domonstrate strong support for the service provided by the post office.
The Opinions expressed
More business units or work & live type units were suggested.
The residents of Whitstone are extremely enterprising. There is currently eight times the number of VAT registered businesses in the Whitstone and Week St Mary Ward area than would be the national average.
The village though still attracts residents seeking peace & tranquillity. Therefore, perhaps, it is possible to balance the need for a vibrant and enterprising local economy with the wishes of residents wanting peaceful rural living. There were some concerns over encouraging further business activity such as “keep the village as a village” & “if you want businesses go to the towns”. The balance needs to be considered as and when future proposals present themselves but the view of residents is marginally in favour of initiatives that provide employment and business activity being improved in the village.
Following the building of the housing in St Anne’s Close the existing units are now within the residential development. Comments made since the questionnaire question the suitability of continued industrial use.
The parish plan objective
o To support businesses wishing to locate in the village providing they would not detract from the quality of life enjoyed by residents.
o To investigate possible replacement of existing business units in a more suitable location and with units of a more useable size.
o To investigate other uses of existing units more appropriate to a residential area.
The action required
Aim Action Partners Cost Timetable
To investigate Consult landlords Initially As development other uses for St Negligible becomes occupied Annes units Re-consult the Cornwall Council more residents on their views Parish Council Any appropriate for a over the future use of conversion residential area. the St Annes industrial work may units require funding.
Housing The Factual results
219 residents live in owner occupied housing (83%) with 46 living in rented housing (17%)
There were 16 people currently resident in the parish who are looking for alternative accommodation within the parish.
When asked if (in addition to the 22 new affordable homes in St Annes Close) Whitstone required more housing over the next five years residents were split. A small majority feel there is a need for more affordable housing but no further private housing. However the comments raised by this issue confuse the situation further.
The Opinions expressed
The opinions expressed on this subject all suggested that planning guidelines implemented from outside the local area were unpopular. • The St Annes development is thought to be too dense and out of character with the village. • The residents requested that the new development in St Anne’s Close must genuinely be reserved for local applicants only as promised. • If local young people want to build in the village and have a site which no other residents object to why should national guidelines take precedent? • Some residents were quick to point out that a village needs a mix of people and a mix of people results from a mix of housing types. • There were also comments saying that there should be no more development or we like the village as it is.
The level of interest and engagement in this section was high. The opinions expressed were balanced. The only clear message or single issue that unites the residents is a desire to have a say in future development proposals.
The parish plan objective
To reassess the residents views once the St Anne’s development has been completed and occupied.
Strive to give local people as strong a voice as possible in the future development of the village.
The action required
Aim Action Partners Cost Timetable
Improve the level of Using the website and consultation on improved Parish Council planning matters communications in the Cornwall Council £ TBA and give village to enable residents more residents to comment opportunities to on planning matters influence prior to council planning meetings matters.
Health and social services The Factual results
29 residents (10%) find surgery times inconvenient these people are registered with both main surgeries proportionally. However 32 people (11%)find it difficult to get to or from surgeries the transport issues disproportionately affect Holsworthy patients.
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126 residents would like to see a doctor or nurse in the village and 76 of them would change practice if required.
NHS dentistry provision was found to be insufficient to meet demand.
32 residents expressed an interest in joining a first responder team.
The Opinions expressed
When asked for experiences of the blue light services the fire service and the Air Ambulance received unanimous praise. The land ambulance service was criticised for poor response times. The Police were similarly criticised for response times and particularly for opening hours for Bude and Holsworthy Stations. However praise outweighed criticism.
The parish plan objective
To liaise with health providers more fully using the results of the parish consultation with the aim of improving health & social service provision to residents.
The Action required
Aim Action Partners Cost Timetable
Improve Facilitate the formation Whistler £ TBC Within 6 months response times of a first responder (publicity) of publication of for emergency group in the parish. parish plan services to the First responder village. Inform Police & network Ambulance services of Police the findings of the Ambulance service survey. Request their records for attendance times for the parish to monitor future performance.
Provide Holsworthy & Attempt to Stratton surgeries with Cornwall council Within 6 months of provide GP or the figures from the GP surgeries £TBC publication of nurse clinic in survey. Find their views Health trusts parish plan the parish. on such a provision. Investigate any funding possibilities.
Whitstone’s action plan
The implementation of the Parish Plan will be the responsibility of many different individuals and bodies. There is though a need for someone to be accountable for overall progress toward achieving the aims of the plan. It is proposed that a Parish Plan implementation report should be made and minuted at each monthly parish council meeting.
Aim Action Partners Cost Timetable
Improve the Monitor Traffic Cornwall Council Ongoing compliance with Highways n/a the new speed Police limits. Speedwatch
Address the Parish council to Parish Council road safety Liaise actively with CC Highways issues raised by highways dept. n/a asap residents Use of parish plan results to influence.
Improve Publish regular Whistler awareness of updates in the Parish council Within 2 months the contact Whistler. Church of publication of details of Chapel £ Negligible Parish Plan elected Permanent Schools representatives inclusion on notice Website and police. boards.
Facilitate setting Publicity in whistler up of public meeting and As volunteer neighbourhood formation of Police £ TBD coordinators watch steering group. come forward Aims Actions Partners Cost Timetable
• Clarify the • Facilitate action Parish Council range of groups to clarify Minimal Further activities and the range of Parish Hall initially. consultation facilities that activities and Committee, an urgent could be facilities relevant priority. provided to the needs and Community Potentially within the aspirations of our Network the major village young people Manager expenditure (within the (Cornwall item in the • Provide village and Council), plan. outdoor surrounding If the recreational areas) Schools, village facilities within youth have the village Local transport the ideas • Identify and providers, drive and • Clarify the create links with enthusiasm range of relevant Representatives to take this activities and organisations in from local and run facilities that the surrounding sports clubs, with it. young people area would like to Local activity It is access outside providers, projects the village that can • Facilitate a BRIPS, address a • Improve youth committee proven engagement to discuss Mobile library need such with village life methods of service as youth for our young engagement with provision in people village life Lottery this parish that a • Improve parish plan access to the can help mobile library unlock service funding for. We must not be afraid to think big. Aim Action Partners Cost Timetable
Provide a Support the Cornwall council TBD Form group recreational or formation of an Parish council within 6 months playing area action group to External funding none of publication of study the feasibility bodies. immediately plan of funding, acquiring land etc.
Provide Support the Cornwall council TBD Priority licensed formation of an Parish council regular social action group to Parish hall club. study the committee feasibility. Breweries etc.
Provide information on Information and Whistler None Immediate existing clubs, publicity through Hall committees classes etc & parish magazine School promote more such events
Help provide social events Support setting up Hall committees Some 6 months such as film of such a club Local companies equipment nights
Ensure that footpath, litter Parish Clerk to add and dog fouling item to annual Parish council n/a Ongoing complaints are meeting agenda agenda items for the annual parish meeting
To ensure that when public transport routes are Liaise with bus planned companies and Parish council Whitstone transport planners. Cornwall council n/a Ongoing residents needs Bus companies are met. Maintain communication and To work with monitor usage of service services providers to ensure existing services are publicised and more reliable.
Aim Action Partners Cost Timetable
Actively seek Appoint an energy Whistler partners willing efficiency tsar to Parish council £ 30 Within 12 months to assist report to the parish Energy of publication of with/fund council with any companies Parish Plan residential offers of help. energy efficiency improvements.
Seek to assist Arrange a lift offer/ Whistler £ 20 Within 12 months residents required service Website of publication of looking to car either on the website Shop Parish Plan share (see communication noticeboard section) or on the noticeboards.
Raise concerns Arrange an open Within 12 months of residents parish meeting with Cornwall council £1 of publication of with the recycling provider Sita Parish Plan recycling service provider
To communicate the parishioners Communicate Within 2 months views on wind questionnaire results Cornwall Council £0.36 of publication of turbines to to Cornwall council Parish Council Parish Plan planning planning Dept. authorities to prevent unwanted visually intrusive turbines.
To investigate Consult landlords Initially Neg other uses for Cornwall Council St Annes units Re-consult the Parish Council Any As development more residents on their appropriate for views over the future conversion becomes Potential work may occupied a residential use of the St Annes occupiers area. industrial units require funding.
Aim Action Partners Cost Timetable
Improve the level of Using the website and consultation on improved planning communications in the Parish matters and village to enable Council £ TBD Ongoing give residents residents to comment on Cornwall more planning matters prior to Council opportunities to council meetings influence planning matters.
Facilitate the formation of a first responder group Whistler in the parish. Improve (publicity) Inform Police & response times Ambulance services of £ TBD Within 6 months for emergency First the findings of the responder of publication of services to the survey. Request their parish plan village. network records for attendance Police times for the parish to Ambulance monitor future service performance.
Provide Holsworthy & Attempt to Stratton surgeries with provide GP or Cornwall the figures from the council Within 6 months nurse clinic in survey. Find their views £TBC of publication of empty GP surgeries on such a provision. Health trusts parish plan workshop units. Investigate any funding possibilities.
This action Plan is the result of a consultation exercise which gathered the views of residents at one moment in time. As other priorities arise, efforts to consult the parish and update the plan will be necessary.