The Communlty Report of Congresbury Parish Plan Steering Group
IssueI September2007 DocumentPage I of 35 List of Contents
Introduction page 3
TheMain Themes page 6 Recommendations page g AnnexA
SteeringGroup - Termsof Reference page 10 .AnnexB
VillageSurvey - Summaryof Findings page 11 AnnexC
FacilitiesSurvey - Summaryof findings page 17 AnnexD
BusinessSurvey - Summaryof Findings page 20 AnnexE
YouthSurvey - Summaryof Findings page 22 AnnexF
Villagelssues page 23 AnnexG
Goodldeas from Survey page 27 AnnexH
CurrentParish Council Initiatives page 2g AnnexI
CharacterStatement- Current Status page 2g
Issue I September2007 DocumentPage2 of 35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 CommunityReport lntroduction
At the requestof the ParishCouncil a SteeringGroup was formallyestablished to producea ParishPlan and it heldits first working meeting in September2005. One of the initialtasks was to reviewthe 1998Village Character Statement and to seewhat progress had beenmade against its originalrecommendations.
Fundingwas soughtand obtainedfrom outside sources, Community Action and Quartet. Thismeant that less than 30% of the totalfunding came from the ParishCouncil, i.e. the community,itself.
A'Dropin event'washeld at thebeginning of 2006to bothawaken public awareness and identifytheir area of concerns.The informationobtained from this and othersources was usedto createsurveys of the completevillage population together with localbusinesses. Thesesurveys were analysed and the resultshave been used to providea reportto the ParishCouncil for theirreview. The reportwas adoptedby the ParishCouncil and the documentwill be usedby themto completethe ParishPlan for Congresbury.This will be in theform of an ActionPlan for the villagebased on the SteeringGroup report.
The SteeringGroup believes that the issuesto be addressedin the CongresburyParish Planfall into5 distinct'themes'.These themes should be usedto providethe ActionPlan structure,and as a basisfor futurethought and action on the futureof Congresbury.
The th'emesare:
. Governance.Power and lnfluence o lndividuals,Community and Society . A BalancedCommunity . Facilitiesand Amenities . Our Environment
Althoughthis report identifies many areas of concernfor the futureof Congresburyit shouldbe notedthat most people see these as waysin whichsomething which is fundamentallygood can be madeeven better. Quite a lot of people,particularly the more elderly,were in fact happyto leavethings as theyare. In particularthe relativelypeaceful and unspoiltrural situation of Congresburywas highlyprized by manyand citedas their reasonfor livinghere.
Thisreport could not havebeen produced without the tremendouslevel of village engagementin the wholeprocess, i.e. membership of Steeringand Working Groups, distributionand collectionof questionnairesand supportfrom village clubs, organisations and businesses.
Specialefforts have been made throughout the processto keepthe communityas a whole,and the ParishCouncil in particular,fully aware of the progressof the activitiesof the SteeringGroup.
lssueI September2007 DocumentPage 3 of 35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 CommunityReport
The reportdraws on 18 monthsof researchand analysisof the challengesand opportunitiesfacing Congresbury today. lt is basedon a numberof sourcesof informationas follows:
The AdultSurvey
A questionnairewas deliveredto all adultresidents of the village.Over 50% responded eitherin writingor online.A summaryof the findingsis at AnnexB. A listof 'Goodldeas' not includedin otherreference materials, is at AnnexG. The eldermembers of the communitywere much more active in respondingto the questionnairethan the younger ones. The 50%of the adultpopulation who are aged50 and overcontributed 65% of the completedquestionnaires.
The FacilitiesSurvey
A questionnairewas completedby localclubs organisations, and facility owners. The findingsare summarisedat AnnexC.
The BusinessSurvey
A questionnairewas delivered to 68 localbusinesses .71 % responded.The findings are summarisedat AnnexD.
TheYouth Survey
About200 youngpeople, about 30% of the youthpopulation, completed a questionnaire.The findings are summarised at AnnexE.
OpenConsultations
Two 'dropin' eventswere held, before and afterthe surveys.These allowed any resident of the villageto statetheir views on villageissues that they thought required attention.
Reviewof Currentlssues
Membersof the SteeringGroup conducted their own brainstormingof the issuesfacing thevillage and this is summarizedat AnnexF.
ParishCouncil Initiatives
The ParishCouncil has, of course,been engaged in a wholerange of activitiesand initiatives.Their current initiatives are summarisedat AnnexH.
1998 CharacterStatement
Thisessential document was reviewed.lt remainsan excellentsource of informationand containsa numberof recommendations.Whilst there has beenmuch progress, it is notedthat not all of the recommendationshave yet beencarried out. AnnexI liststhe currentstate of progressagainst recommendations.
IssueI September2007 DocumentPage 4 of 35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 CommunityReport
Whenpreparing the finalAction plan for Congresburythe following major sources of informationwill also need to betaken into account: a) NorthSomerset Local Plan b) GreaterBristol Strategic Transport Study c) BristolInternationalAirport Master Plan d) JointLocaltransport Plan
Issue I September2007 DocumentPage 5 of 35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 CommunityReport
The MainThemes
We, the SteeringGroup members, now describe the keyissues within each theme, and listthe actionswe feelshould be takento addressthose issues.
Theme 1 - Governance, Power and Influence.
We founda generalview that Congresbury, as a village,lacks the powerit needsto defineits own future.There was a sensethat the ParishCouncil did an adequatejob, butthat the realdecisions weretaken elsewhere, and that communication within the villagewas notas goodas people wouldwish.
It seemsclear, therefore, that there is a needfor stronger,more transparent, trusted mechanisms for makingdecisions and for takingactions on behalfof the villageas a whole. At the sametime, the villagerequires a strongerability to influencedecision makers in extemalbodies, when their decisionsaffect what happens in Congresbury.In short,we needto increasethe leverageof Congresburyto the pointwhere we areseen as a forceto be reckonedwith.
Key Actions:
. lmprovethe coordinationof decisionmaking on majorissues within the village.
. Enhancethe qualityand quantityof communicationwithin the village.
o Developstronger and moreactive links with key external bodiesand individuals.
Theme 2 - Individuals,Community and Society
Whilewe knowthat many people do tremendousthings for the village,we didfind that less people wereactively involved in the lifeof Congresbury- organising, helping, taking a leadwith village life and events- thanin the past. In addition,standards of publicbehaviour were seen to be in decline- whichmade a perceivedlack of policepresence especially regrettable. And thereare pressureson some,especially the young,which lead to behaviourthat harms both the individuals themselvesand the village at large.
We seea needto developstrategies that will help people to act 'socially',rather than 'anti-socially' - to engagepositively in thingsthat make the villagework as a community.These strategies needto be sufficientlybroad to applyto allthe differentgroups of peoplethat live in the village.
Key Actions:
Createa processfor engagingand informingnewcomers to the village.
Developmore active ways of puttingindividuals in touchwith village organisations.
Developa senseof pridein the villageenvironment.
Supportyouth activities and organisations and ensure young people are moreinvolved in the lifeof the village.
Aim to workwith the policeand related agencies and involvevillagers in counteringanti socialbehaviour. IssueI September2007 DocumentPase 6 of 35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 CommunityReport
Theme 3 - A Balanced Community.
Therewas an understandingthat we neededto retaina gooddemographic mix in the village, avoidinga biastowards any onegroup. Equally,people recognised that the villagebenefited from havingsuccessful local businesses. However, we founda strongview that the villagewas alreadyvery full: there was a'fearthat any increasein the numberof buildingswould place the environment(built and natural)atrisk.
The planningchallenge, therefore, is to ensurethat Congresbury remains a balancedcommunity in whichpensioners, families, young couples, students, teenagers and childrenare all present, providedfor and recognised,and in whichcommercial activity can alsothrive. And we needto do thisin a waythat preservesthe things we prizeabout the environment. KeyActions:
o Preparea Congresburyhousing and developmentstrategy for agreementwith North SomersetDistrict Council with particular reference to affordablehousing.
r Reviewprinciples against which development applications are judged.
Theme 4 - Facilitiesand Amenities.
We foundmuch disquiet over the threatsto keyservices in the village,schools, health centre, library,post office, etc. Therewas also much debate over the futureof the mainfacilities, MemorialHall, Recreation Club, Old SchoolRooms, etc. Busand train services were seen as expensive,and unsuitedto the needsof commuters.
We see a clearneed to workto keepand enhance the facilitiesthat providelocal solutions to local needs,help to defineus as a communi$,and linkus to the widerarea of NorthSomerset and GreaterBristol. We needto developa planfor villageamenities that reflect the needsof the villageas a whole,in all its diversity,over the longterm.
Key Actions:
. Aim to maintainCongresbury as an independentcommunity.
r ldentifythe requirementsfor futureeducational and healthfacilities in the village,and communicatethese to the appropriatebodies.
. Ensurethat the threatsto the postoffice and libraryare understoodand countered.
. Fostera collaborativeapproach to the developmentof villageclubs and facilities,so that projectscan be giventhe bestpossible access to funding.
. Developa strategyfor enhancingtransport links for Congresbury.
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Theme 5 - Our Environment
The greenspaces around the villagewere widely appreciated, however we foundthat most peoplefelt undersiege from traffic. The speedand size of vehiclesusing the smallerroads leadingto the 4370 wereseen as a realdanger and a disincentiveto peopleto walkor cycle. Congestionat peaktimes and lackof parkingspace affected general quality of lifeand discourageduse of localbusinesses. Finally, many saw the plannedexpansion of Bristol lnternationalAirportin a negativelight.
We see a pressingneed to solvethe problemof roadtraffic in ourvillage. At the sametime, we mustcontinue to protectour green spaces, and to improvethe lookand feel of the villageas a whole. Noiseand atmospheric pollution from the airportis a growingsource of concern.Looking ahead,we shouldstart to identifythe actionswe shouldtake now to copewith future environmentalchanges, so thatwe, as a village,are readyfor changeand do notadd to the world'senvironmental problems.
Key actions: 'calming' . Traffic(short term). Developa strategyfor the trafficthrough the village,making walkingand cyclingsafe, and permittingsufficient parking.
. Traffic(medium term). Engagewith the GreaterBristol Transport Plan to seekways of reducingthe quantityand weight of trafficthrough the village.
. Airport.In concertwith other parish councils, establish the true impactof the airport expansionplan and respondappropriately.
o ClimateChange. Develop a longterm plan for reducingour contributionto global warming,sustainability, and for respondingto itseffects.
Recommendations
1. TheParish Council should accept the framework proposed under the 5 'MainThemes'as the basisfor a ParishPlan for Congresbury.They should set up Groupsto dealwith the specificissues identified in the surveys, discussiondocuments and other documents referenced in thisreport.
2. The ParishCouncil should set itselftargets to achievethe objectives identified,report annually on progress,and engage the Village by regular pressstatements and through the Villagenewsletter.
3. The ParishCouncil should make budgetary provision to meetthe costof implementingthe plan.
4. Theprocess requires coordination and planning. The ParishCouncil should puta 'Project'Management process in placeto oversee,facilitate and report eachmonth on the progressbeing made.
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Acknowledgements
TheSteering Group wish to thankall of thosemembers of thecommunity and groups/organisationswho have assisted them in thetasks associated with the preparationof thisreport.
Thefollowing organisations have been of greatassistance to theSteering Group:
CongresburyParish Council
NorthSomerset Council
CommunityAction
Quartet
Issue I September2007 DocumentPage 9 of 35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 AnnexA-SteeringGroup
AnnexA Pagelofl Terms of Reference
. To reviewthe recommendationsin the CongresburyCharacter Statement1998 and validate any recommendationswhich have not beenmet
o To considerthe economic,environmental and socialfactors which impactthe villageand its surrounds
o To identifyhigh level requirements of the villageand the populationin orderto producea ParishPlan that will providea visionfor the village overa shortmedium and longterm timeframe
o To prioritisethe highlevel requirements/specific recommendations againsta short,medium and longterm timeframe
. To presenta reportof the findingsand conclusionsof the Steering Groupto the Community
Steeringand WorkingGroups - Members
LesterBiffin MargaretLeimdorfer PhilCollins KarylLloyd ChrisDay JohnLloyd Hagger AnneDimmock SarahMathews Rob Elliot GeoffPearson GordonEllis PeteSewell NickyForrest Ann Prowse RalphGiles DanSmith MichaelGreaves ChrisShort ArthurHacking - Chair SusieWontner Smith BillHartland
IssueI September2007 DocumentPage 10 of 35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 AnnexB - VillageSurvey - Summaryof Findings
AnnexBPagelof6 lntroduction
In September2006, the adultresidents of Congresburywere invited to completea survey of theirviews on a wide rangeof aspectsof villagelife. Over50% responded- wellabove the averagefor a surveyof thistype. In thisdocument, we summarisethe findingsfrom the surveyand attemptto do justiceto the manywords of bothsupport and criticismthat appearedthroughout the responses.
The surveyshowed a cleardesire to retainthe identityof Congresburyas a separate villagewith its own characterand amenities.People saw the villageas havingstrengths whichthey wished to retain:schools, surgery, post office, library, the essentialshops, the manyclubs and recreationalorganisations. They valued the widerenvironment, including the MillenniumGreen. Theysaw opportunitiesfor betterprovision in someareas, 'better especiallyfor the young. And the themeof communication'ran through many of the answers.
Therewas muchagreement on currentweaknesses, and potentialthreats. Particular criticismwas levelledat roadtraffic that madeit difficultto moveabout the villagein safety.The vast majoritywanted any growthin housingto be tightlycontrolled: the current settlementboundary, the'village fence', was seenas an importantcontrol measure, whichalso allowed access to greenspaces. Many thought that publicseryices, transport, rubbishand recyclingetc, could be bettercoordinated. A low policepresence was seen as an inadequateresponse to antisocialbehaviour. There was concernover the airport's expansionplan.
Mostpeople saw a needfor housingthat would allow families to makea startin life,and allowthose with localroots to remainin the village.However there was a tendencyto regardthe moreaffordable options such as socialhousing or highdensity housing, as a threat. Manypeople recognised that the currentapparent trends of a risein averageage, and growingoccupancy by students,could create demands on housing,and servicesthat werenot in the interestsof 'ordinary'families.Additionally people wanted opportunities for localemployment, but did notwant more large scale enterprises in the village.
Underlyingmany of the answerswas a sensethat the villagelacked the powerto define 'adequate' its ownfuture. Whilstmany felt that the ParishCouncil did an job, therewas in the writtenresponses a feelingthat the realpower, regarding key issuessuch as housing, traffic,schooling, or health,lay elsewhere.Some expressed doubt that anyone would act on the viewsthey expressed. However the highlevel of responsedoes show that people are preparedto take troubleover mattersaffecting Congresbury. lt also givesa clear mandateto the ParishCouncil to pursuethe issuesidentified in the survey.
IssueI September2007 DocumentPagell of35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 VillageSurvey - Summaryof Findings
Annex B Pas.e2 of 6
Communitylssues
Public Safety Whilstmost people feel safe in the village,many are dissatisfiedwith vandalism and stronglyregret a lowpolice presence.
Amenities A largemajority want to retainand enhancethe library.Regarding the mainfacilities / venues,Recreation Club, Memorial Hall, Old School Rooms, Methodist Hall, there was a generalsense that all were in gooduse, and that they served different and complementarypurposes. However all thesebuildings required either enhancement or refurbishment:there were many suggestions on prioritiesand methods.There was alsoa generalcall for bettercoordination of plansand priorities.Some people supported the creationof an all-encompassing"Congresbury Club".
MillenniumGreen Manypeople were happy with the Greenas it is.Those who wantedimprovements focussedon a playarea, safety, more flowers and the needfor a dog-freearea. An annualmusic event was also sought by some.
ParishCouncil Manythought that the parish council did an adequatejob: some thought they did a good job. Howeveralmost a thirdof respondentshad "no opinion". Some said that the precept partof the counciltax in Congresburywas the highestin the area. Otherscommented thata councilcontaining no electedmembers had a specialduty to communicatewith the village.
VillageCommunications Whilstmany were satisfied with the levelof communicationin the village,a thirdof respondentsthought there could be improvementsand supporteda rangeof ideas, A newsletter,an annualmeeting, enhancements to the web site,better notice boards.
PopulationBalance Manypeople voiced concern that the averageage of the villagewas rising.They recognisedthat this would lead to greaterneed for accessiblemedicalfacilities, transport and otherservices which could pull resources away from the young. In addition,the joint effectof morehousing for the elderlyand the currenthigh level of occupancyby students putfurther pressure on housingfor families.
Airport Halfof thosesurveyed thought that the expansionplan for the airportwas a badthing, bringingunwanted noise, air pollutionand roadtraffic. Of the otherhalf, most saw expansionas havingno impact,or hadno view:14o/o welcomed it.
Issue1 September2007 DocumentPage 12 of 35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 VillageSurvey - Summaryof Findings
Annex B Paee3of6 Transportlssues
PublicTransport Onlya thirdof respondentssaid that they used public transport: the remaindercited cost or inconvenienttimings / locationas theirreason for usingprivate means of transport. Somesuggested setting up a car sharingscheme. A370 Bus/ YattonRail link. There were many comments on thesetwo maintransport links.The mostfrequent were: Poorcapacity at peakcommuting times, trains are reducingin sizeand thereare infrequentbuses during the morningcommute. Poorlinks to the A370bus routeand to Yattonstation, several called for a linkingbus / minibusservice. The unfairnessof boththe busticket pricing system, same cost from Congresbury to Bristolas fromWeston, and the costof parkingat Yattonstation. Whilstthere were a numberof callsfor improvedbus servicesto Langford/ Churchill, severalcited the needsof pupilsat Churchillschool, and to Clevedon.Only 1Oo/oof respondentssaid they would use suchservices weekly or morefrequently. Some called for a moreflexible 'on call'service.
Traffic Therewas universaldistaste for the highvolume and speedof trafficon the 2 mainroutes throughthe village,A370 and HighStreet / BrinseaRd. Thiswas backedby further disquieton the useof the smallerroads, Wrington Lane/Kent Road, Wrington Road, Smallwayand Wood Hill. There was wideconcern about the weightand sizeof lorries, whichsome pointed out was in breachof legalrestrictions. Many regretted the peak hourcongestion around Smallway and the Yeo bridge.
Safety Manypeople said they feared for theirsafety when on foot,citing the absenceof pavementsin someplaces, and misplacedpedestrian crossings. There were calls for dedicatedcycle routes, again quoting the needsof pupilsgoing to Churchillschool.
Parking Manypeople pointed to the nuisanceof parkedcars. In someresidential areas there was insufficientoff-road parking to supportmultiple occupancy housing. In the villagecentre driversmade insufficient use of the villagecar park.
Maintenance Manypeople commented on the poorstate of repairof the roads,and pavements,around thevillage.
CommunityBus Whilstthose who hadused it werevery satisfied with the communitybus, 'bluey', several peoplecommented that they did not knowwhat it was for or howto bookit.
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Annex B Paee4of6 Recreationlssues
Provisionfor the Young Therewas strongsupport for a newchildren's play area on the Southlandsside of the river,although we shouldnote that 10%opposed this. Therewas evenmore support for additionalfacilities and organisedactivities, including sports coaching, for youngpeople of schoolage.
Access to GreenSpaces Therewas strongsupport for'a betternetwork of footpaths',three quarters of people ratedthis as of mediumor highimportance, and almost as muchsupport for'dedicated cycleroutes', 70o/o Save a mediumor highrating. Over 50% of peoplewanted better accessto the riverand openair picnicfacilities. There was lesssupport for'lmproved bridleways".50o/o rated this as a low priority,medium: 25o/o; high: 12%.
Clubsand Facilities Responseswere quite mixed and no cleartrends emerged. Whilst a few wouldlike additionalfacilities, others felt that the villagewas quitewell served. There were a numberof helpfulsuggestions regarding possible additional activities. A smallnumber feltthat the villageshould replace the variouscurrent amenities with a singlemulti-use facility.
Housingand Developmentlssues
Housing Therewas strongconcern over the buildingof new housing,either within or outsidethe settlementboundary. A thirdof thosesurveyed opposed any new building,while half said thatany additionalhousing should be subjectto tightscrutiny. Therewas overwhelmingsupport for affordablehousing for youngfamilies, as opposedto othersocial groups. Howeverhalf of respondentsdid not likethe ideasof additionalflats, or of highdensity housing. People commented adversely on the largeamount of student accommodationin the village. Therewere strong reservations about the visualimpact of additionalhousing, and the effecton traffic/ infrastructure.
Provisionfor the Elderly Peoplerecognise the needfor specificprovision for thosewho are needsome help to lookafter themselves. A majorityof respondentsfavoured the moreindependent option of assistedcare at homeover residential or nursingcare.
Businesses Smallretail businesses were welcomed by mostpeople, provided their presence made a positivecontribution to the village.There was verylittle support for morelarge scale businessin thevillage.
IssueI September2007 DocumentPage 14 of 35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 VillageSurvey - Summaryof Findings
AnnexB Page5of6
Healthlssues
MedicalServices Nearlyeveryone felt the serviceoffered by the villagesurgery was up to the standardthey expected:70o/o said it was "good"or "verygood". However there were manycalls for specificenhancements to the efficiencyand rangeof servicesoffered. There was a strong desireto retaina surgeryin the village.
Garefor the Elderly Overwhelmingly,people would prefer to receivecare at home,as opposedto movingto a residentialnursing facility, if theybecame unable to lookafter themselves.
Dentistry Almosthalf of respondentswere registered with an NHSdentist. An NHSdental practice in Congresburywould be welcomed.
Blood Donors Manypeople would like to be ableto donateblood, provided they could do this in the village.
Environmentallssues
The Village'sCharacter Mostrespondents felt that the conservationarea in the villagecentre should be more widelyrecognised, and supportedthe needto maintainits appearanceby minimisingthe impactof modernsignage, cabling and the like. Moregenerally, people felt that buildings, hedgesand walls were all importantelements of the village'scharacter. Floral displays alsomattered. Just about everyone felt that'keeping the villagetidy'was important - manyof the writtenanswers gave examples of individuals'neglect or lackof tidiness, includingcluttered pavements, poor hedge trimming, flytipping and fouling by dogs.The scrapyards on the A370were frequently mentioned. However the VillageOrderly receivedmuch praise.
Recycling Over80% of respondentsuse recyclingfacilities "often" or "always".Many people wanted morefrequent collections of greenboxes and bags. Almosteveryone wanted to be able to recycleplastics.
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AnnexB Pase6of6
Educationand Skills
Children'sCentre Therewas a generalsense that a Children'sCentre in Congresburywould be greatly valued,with mostpeople feeling that it shouldoffer a veryfull rangeof services.
Extendedhours at the schools Threequarters of peoplewith children of schoolage saidtheir children would make use of extendedhours facilities at ChurchillSchool. (Of the groupwho saidthey would not use suchfacilities, many thought this would be too costlyor thatthere would be transport problems).And therewas strongsupport for breakfast/ after-schoolclubs in Congresbury.
Adult Education Aboutone fifthof respondentshad hadsome experience of adulteducation at somepoint in the past5 years. A majoritysaid this had mettheir needs, but a significantlysized minoritywere unhappy with their experience. There was a generaldemand for moreadult educationto be deliveredlocally, with computing at the top of the list.
Schooling Therewas overwhelmingsupport for the maintenanceof schoolsin Congresburyfor localchildren. There was howeveranxiety over the availabilityof placesfor all children in Congresbury,over class sizes, and overthe viabilityof the two schools.
Issue1 September2007 DocumentPage l6 of 35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 AnnexC - FacilitiesSurvey - Summaryof Findings
Annex C Paeelof3
Background
Two surveys,prior to the mainCommunity Surveys, were undertaken during June 2006. The questionsin the firstsurvey were targeted towards the providersof facilitieswithin the villageand the secondtowards users of thosefacilities.
Basedon theseresults a conclusionwas reachedthat there needed to be greaterco- operationamongst the providersso thattheir aspirations could result in the bestbenefit for the villageas a whole.
Thesurvey also highlighted a number of issuesregarding ongoing maintenance, income versusexpenditure and the factthat there were new initiativesbeing discussed that would havea potentialimpact on existingfacility providers.
Thereis no obviouslack of capacityand in factover-capacity might contribute to the incomeversus expenditure problem.
It was highlightedthat some specific revenue earners are notwell catered for e.g.private functions
In Septemberthe ParishCouncil decided to undertakea projectto co-ordinatethe drive towardsa strategicview of the provisionof facilitiesusing the surveydata as one of their inputs.
The followingstatements have been extracted from a subsequentParish Council report, Buildings/FacilitiesAnalysis - Version3 withthe permissionof the author,Paul Jarvis. In orderto get a completeoverview of the situationthe completereport must be read.
Vision
. To havemodern facilities in the villagebuildings that promote multiple use by organisations,villagers both young and old,local businesses and serviceproviders throughoutevery day and reducethe needfor villagersto go outsidethe villagefor theirrecreation.
. The buildingsgenerate sufficient income to covertheir ongoing and longterm maintenance.
o No activitiestake place in buildingsthat are notfit for purpose.
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Skenoths Weaknesses Themix of buildingsenables most Manyof thebuildings are in needof users'social and sporting substantialinjections of cashin order requirementsto be met. to completetheir maintenance A varietyof sizeof venueis available programmes. Thereis a willingnessto work Cashfor buildingenhancements togetherfor the benefitof the village cannotbe fundedfrom present Mostfacilities are eitherin or closeto revenuestreams the villagecentre lnsufficientrevenue is availableto Thefacilities lend themselves to buildup fundsfor future maintenance beingorganized into user group Thereis no obvioussource of funding categoriesand therefore a degreeof fora newcommunity building specializationis possible. No buildinghas the attributes that Thereare potentiallyempty buildings wouldattract revenue by hosting becomingavailable which would privatefunctions enablethe shortterm shuffling of Overallthere is a lackof car parking facilities spaceavailable to usersof facilities Somekey facilities are housedin unsuitablebuildings Thereappears to be an over-capacity in the provisionof facilities
Oppo.rtunities i.{hreats . Potentialfundingavailable for a new . Planningobjections to any new YouthClub proposals . Potentialfundingavailable for a . Thefabric of somebuildings will Children'sCentre breakdownto an extentwhere they . The Pre-SchoolPlaygroup does have becomeunrepairable before funds somereserves which could used to areavailable helpre-house them. . NSCwill not allow the alternative use . The BIGLottery Fund provides grants of schoolcapacity forcommunity buildings . Planscannot be drawnup in timeto . The GlebeSchool has spare capacity meetthe deadlines of the BIGLottery . The ParishCouncil own assets in the Fund(04/07) formof the Old SchoolRooms . Thereis no buy-into a strategicplan . The RecreationClub have ambitions to builda newfacility
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AnnexC Paee3of3
Recommendations
. The ParishCouncil take the leadin the creationof a strategicplan for the provision of facilitiesin Congresbury.
. A SteeringCommittee consisting of key facilityproviders and usersis created underthe auspicesof the ParishCouncil to refinethe strategyand to overseeits delivery.
. A shortterm action plan is drawnup witha viewto obtainingrealistic metrics and the achievabilityof the strategyis testedagainst these measures.
. The ParishCouncil set up newchannels of communicationso thatfacility providers areable to shareideas and discusscommon issues.
IssueI September2007 DocumentPage 19 of 35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 AnnexD - BusinessSurvey - Summaryof Findings
AnnexDPagelof2
BusinessType and Numbers
No of businessessurveyed 08 No ofresponses 4O
Percentageresponse 670/o
Businesstypes of thosewho answeredthe surveywere as foilows:
Limitedcompanies 21 Partnerships 10 Limitedpartnerships 2 Soletraders/Self employed 14 FamiV 5 (someare also LimitedCompanies etc)
We weresurprised by the largenumber of businessesthat we foundin the village. Thereare likelyto be evenmore that we did not knowabout, e.g. sole traders who trade from homeetc. we havea goodrange of businessactivity in congresburyranging from manufacturingto retailshops.
Businessmarkets
Local 33 Regional 24 Nationwide I Worldwide 5
23 of the businessessuryeyed expected to expandin the nextyear and of these the vastmajority, 2l,felttheir needscould be metwithin the viilage.
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Annex D Pase2of 2 Businessemployment information
StaffEmploved No.of Businesses
FullTime 1-5 28 6-10 5 10-20 6 21-50 2 Over50 2
PartTime 1-5 18 6-10 5 10-20 2 Over20 4
Seasonal 1-5 I 6-10 1 Over10 1 lssuesraised
o Parkingis a problem,especially in the BroadStreet area of the village.
. Problemsdue to the trafficlights and the excessivetraffic, particularly heavy goods vehicles,using the villageroads.
o Lackof signageallowed on businesspremises or by roadway.
o Insufficientwaste bins
o Lightingin car parksinadequate
. Vandalism/crime/wastedumping
. Roadmarkings inadequate
IssueI September2007 DocumentPage2I of 35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 AnnexE - YouthSurvey - Summaryof Findings
Annex E PaeeI of I
Almost200 youngpeople, in the age rangefrom 7 to 16,completed the survey. There was a fairlyeven split of agesand gender, The majorityattended either Congresbury or Churchillschools , whilsta few, about12o/o,were getting their education elsewhere.
Additionalbus routesChurchill, Sandford, Winscombe, Banwell and Wrington are high prioritywith the youngpeople. This is becauseall thesevillages feed into Churchill schooland thereforefriendships are madebut publictransport is currentlyunavailable to allowmeeting up on a socialbasis outside of schooltime.
The followingareas of the villagewere considered to be unsafe
Area Reason BrinseaRoad & A370 Too muchtraffic & heavevlorries Southlandestate Bullyinqand intimidation KinqGeeorqe plavinq field Olderyouths, drink and drugs Kent road No oavementand fast cars MilleniumGreen No liqhtinqat nioht
The leisureand recreationalactivities having most interest and importanceare the summeractivity week and othersummer holiday activities, local after school activities, cybercafe,sports coaching and youthclub. The improvementof facilitiesat KingGeorge playingfield was alsoconsidered important. The longawaited skateboard area is still wantedby many.
In a newyouth club/cafe the youngpeople would like to havea cafe,internet access, music,game stations and tv.
Dedicatedcycle routes are the mostimportant facilities needed in the village.Better footpathsand picnicareas in openspaces are alsoconsidered important..
A muchneeded place wanted in the villageis a meeting/chillout areafor olderteenagers. lmprovedlocal sports facilities are wanted by many.
Disinterestwas identifiedas the biggestreason that many people did not attendany of theclubs available in thevillage.
lf availablea lot of peoplewould go to a youngpersons gym ,a dramaclub, and basketball.
Manysaid that they would use extended school facilities, and a highproportion of young peopleconsider the locallibrary as an importantasset.
IssueI September2007 DocumentPage22 of 35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 AnnexF-Villagelssues @
ISSUE IMPACT ACTION Lossof . Lossof villagepride . Maintainseparation and Village . Dominationby neighbouring greenbelt Villageand centralisationof . Maintaincommunity facilities ldentity servicesin Yatton in Village Congresbury . Lossof library,post office . Promotebenefits and unique absorbedinto (lncludingbanking facilities) characterof Congresbury Yatton chemistand surgeryto Yatton . Art work,sculpture and street . Policepresence reduced furniture o Reductionof investmentfrom NSC Poor Lossof feel goodfactor Raiseawareness of real life Community Villagersno longercaring and issues supportingeach other Fosterand support a caring Spirit Fewervolunteers to run communityculture Lack of organisationsand groups Supportyouth and young supportand Breakdown of communig peopleinitiatives care for those relationshipsand respect Support'ZeroDrugs' village who live here Antisocialbehaviour initiative Special Drugsand substance abuse Supportcommunity events Villagefeeling Increasingsiege mentality and organisationscaring and /osf No pridein the village supportingpeople lncreasein vandalismlitter and Enterbest kept village graffiti competition Organisationsnot being Bestkept garden, street and supported pavement Apathyand negativeview of Regularkeep village tidy villageand community event Christmasdecorations and liohtino Village Closureof one school PetitionLEA to allowlocal Schools Bothschools cease to be childrento attendschools and increase Falling roles viable admission numbers and empty Lossof communitycohesion andyoung families Investigatewhether merger space in both Alternativeuse of school or federationis possibleto Junior and buildings ensureviability of one school lnfants Site/sites redevelopment Supportschools as heartof Schoo/s Lossof staffemployment communi$and centresof Childrenbussed to other excellent schools Schoolsto haveextended No specialistsupport staff status MusicService relocated Engageskills in community Reductionof investmentin to supportnumeracy and premisesby LEA literacy Recruitmentdifficulties
Issue1 September2007 DocumentPage 23 of 35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 AnnexF-Villagelssues @
Bristol r Pollution- noiseand o Supportno majorexpansion Airport environmentaldamage . Seekadequate public . Trafficcongestion and transportsystem Expansion pressureon existingroads . Monitoruse and impact Proposalto o Reductionof propertyvalues. expandto 12 . Someproperties could million increasein value passengers o lmpacton healthand well per annum being o Emergencylanding zone . lmpacton desirabilityof area . Effecton wildlife Traffic . Delaysand congestion o Reducetraffic use Continuing o Conseguentialcosts . Trafficcalming increasein o Pollution . Restrictedentry volumeand . lmpacton health . lmprovepublic transport weight of o Damageto buildings . lmprovetraffic flow o throughtraffic r Higherrisk of accidents Weightrestrictions o Damageto roadsand bridges . Providecycle paths . lmorovefootoaths Employment o Reductionof prosperityin . Supportlocal businesses andshops Village o Shopand buy in the village . Lossof localjobs . Reducebusiness tax where Riskof local . No workfor youngpeople and possiblei.e.; post office employment parttime workers i.e. single o Createemployment being lostand parents opportunities retail outlets o Familiesmoving away from . Promoteadvantages of the being closed Village Villageand location . Lossof facilitiesand shops . Localshops will close . PostOffice will not be viable Flooding o Damageto property r No buildingin floodplain Rlsk of o Healthrisk . No areasof hardimpervious floodingand . Dropin propertyvalues surface . overloadingof . No furtherdevelopment Surfacewater to be disconnectedfrom sewer sewage r Disruption . Newbuild to reusewater and capacity be sustainable Facilitiesfor . Childrenbecome bored and . Provideadditional play area Young causemischief northof river r Youngpeople are unableto . lmproveyouth centre to open People experiencewider view of life everyday Lack of o Youngpeople need to travelto o Provideimproved sports facilitiesand facilitiesin Churchill.WSM and facilitiesin village opportunities Bristol
IssueI September2007 DocumentPage24 of 35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 AnnexF-Villagelssues @
Housing .Young peoplemove away from . Providelow coststarter homes Costof village for rentand sale housing . No youngchildren move into village . All newhousing to be for preventing due to costof housing familiesand peoplewith roots .Village in the village local people becomesdormitory and retirementarea o Providelife time living homes from living in r Largescale development would and homesfor thefrail elderly Village destroyvillage community . Housingto be strictly Large sca/e . Developmentsout of characterwith controlledto ensurequality is development thevillage maintained Student .Studenthousing results in lossof r No developmentoutside of housing familyhomes, counciltax Income, villagefence additionalcars and empty houses . Any newhousing with for 6 months restrictivecovenants preventingstudent lets
Community o Existingfacilities are inadequateAll Feasibilitystudy to investigate Hall needsubstantial investment needand opportunities . provide Workinggroup to reporton Existing halls Unableto spacefor indoor sports issues need o Lackof suitableaccommodation refurbishment preventingeducation development and repair or . Investmentnot providingvalue for replacement monev Parish Lossof authorityand incomeunless ParishPlan to promotevision Council QualityCouncil for change RecruitCouncillors with the Needs fo Restrictedrange of services Highercosts and loss of income skills,experience and become withoutstatus knowledgeto servethe Quality Doesnot providevalue for money communi$ Council Cannotplan for the future Listenand consultthe Maintain Serviceto communitynot of community loyalty and standardrequired, does not Communicatethe workof the respectof the commandthe loyaltyand respect counciltothe whole village village it deserves BecomeQuality Council within Haslittle credibility with NSC and 12 months Government Clerkto becomequalified in 12 Unableto raisefunds to finance months capitalprojects Engagethe skills and talent in the communityfor the greater ooodof the villaqe
IssueI September2007 DocumentPage 25 of 35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 AnnexF-Villaqelssues
Annex F Pase4of4
Policingand . Crimenot detected . Policingto be community community . No deterrentto crime based protection . Highcost no benefit . Lobbyfor increasedpolice Reductionof . Emergenciesnot being dealt cover Policingand with . Providelocal police base increasein . Antisocial behaviour being . Wholevillage to be crime unchecked neighbourhoodwatch area . Policehave little knowledge o Createconcept of of villageand those who live partnershippolicing here Newlink . Will createa triangleof land Seeksupport from Parish road whichwill become potential Council,District Council and between infillfor 1000houses MP o Puxtonand Overloadingof services,roads r PetitionGreater Bristol andvillage facilities TransportStudy Group Bristol . Completechange of village . Createfighting fund with Airport identityand character neighbouringvillages to Road o Lossof farmingland and opposethe project proposed environmentallysensitive . Commissionenvironment c/ose to south landscape impactstatement of Village o Holdpublic meeting to enqendersupport Global Reductionin qualityof life Communityconference to warming lmpacton futuregenerations raiseawareness of riskand Waterresources reduced whatcan be done Riskto foodproduction Increaserecycling schemes Escalatingcosts includingplastic Biodiversity destroyed Communitycomposting Wildlifeand natural habitat Schoolsto be Ecostandard threatened All publicproperty to reduce energyand water consumption Walkingto school Reducecar use and miles travelled Shoplocally and buy local Growmore food locally Betterpublic transport Healthyeating lmproveand extend allotments Villaqeto be carbonneutral
Issue1 September2007 DocumentPage26 of 35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 AnnexG - Goodldeas from Survey
AnnexGPaeelofl
In additionto the majorthemes described in the mainbody of the reportsome of the good ideaswhich came out of the surveyare as follows:
. Providea communityarea for elderlypeople in Congresburyto meetup. A place wherethey can have a haircutand seea chiropodistetc, and meetand talkto eachother as well.This would provide an equivalentto the Children'sCentre for the growingelderly population.
. Havean annualquestion/answer village open meeting with localand regional policeofficers.
. lmprovethe allotmentfacilities, especially the archaicwater system To havemore frequentrubbish collection, and bettermaintained pathways. Provide smaller starterplots, and haveschool allotments to teachyoungsters where food comes from.
. Withthe agingpopulation in the village,a set of toiletsin the precinctcar park wouldbe useful.Also more seating all aroundthe villagewould be welcome.
. Morestreet lamps are neededin darkareas, however they must be installedin a mannerto conserveenergy and minimiselight pollution.
. Havea regularcountry market that includes local produce outlets.
o Villageactivities appealing to allto be encouragede.g. fairs, charity events, beer festivalsetc! Havelocal crafts display like Blagdon
. Welcomepack for thosenew to the village,including resident's handbook, Yatton and Congresburypaper, bus/train timetable etc.
o Droppedkerbs on all pavementsto improveaccess for disabled,elderly and motherswith prams.
o Providecycle racks at the shoppingareas
o Havea circularvillage walk. The routeshould contain little signs explaining variousthings, wildlife/conservation/heritage etc,that could be foundalong the route.
. Enhancethe visualaspect of the entranceto the villageon the A370from Weston superMare..
IssueI September2007 DocumentPage27 of 35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 AnnexH - CurrentParish Council Initiatives
AnnexH Paeelofl
TOPIC INITIATIVE STATUS
Communication lmprovecommunication ReportDecember 2006. betweenParish Council and Bi-monthlyjournal planned villaqeresidents. VillageHalls Buildings/facilitiesanalysis ReportOctober 2006
UpgradeOld SchoolRooms with Costsand feasibility study hearingloop, industrial cooker underway.Funding anddisabled toilet receivedfor toilet. Environment Pursuingplastic recycling Fundingsought. Co- operationwith church.
Positivesupport for ConservationGroup ConservationArea reformedand advertising of ConservationArea commenced
CadburyHill Beingcompleted with JointManagement Plan YattonPC and County Archaeoloqist Transport Yellowlines in BroadSt Surveybeing undertaken.
40mphlimit on WringtonRoad Cooperatingwith Wrington ParishCouncil
New exit on to A370 from Cooperatingwith Cadbury CadburyGarden Centre GardenCentre
Pedestriancrossing by Underconsideration CadburvGarden Centre Millennium Takeover administration from Requestmade Green existinqTrustees Footpaths Getfootpath outside Lackof finance Greystones,Brinsea Rd.
lmprovingfootpath at WrinqtonMead Safety Installlighting in churchdrive Progressing andchurchyard.
Reintroductionof Soeedwatch Underconsideration Young People Children's& YouthCentre on Agreedby NorthSomerset siteof presentvouth club. Council
IssueI September2007 DocumentPage 28 of 35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 Annex| - CharacterStatement - Current Status
AnnexIPaeelofT Topic Status Developmentwhich is Successful Old cottagein KentRoad, featuring traditional inappropriateby way of scale construction,cheesestone etc, demolished & replaced and/orcharacter should be by newbuilding in keepingwith surrounding houses. resisted Eco House- one off & all adjacentbuildings of different designs.Spotted Horse development in keeping. Grevstoneshouse in keepinq. Newresidential develooment Part Somehousing on SpoftedHorse & GoosehamMead withinthe settlement affordable,in additionto newhousing on Southlands. boundaryshould meet the WellPark new development - housing association. housingneeds of whole Developmentat StationRoad affordable. Cunent N community;including Somersetpolicy has blocked mixed development e.g. affordablehousing provision Southlands. for youngpeople, single peoplefamilies, the elderly andthe disabled. Newemployment Successful PoplarFarm new nursinghome. Barn conversions to opportunitiesfor localpeople businesses.Cadbury House Hotel & SportsClub shouldbe investioated develooment. FormerLibrary Site to be Successful Basketballcourt and YouthCentre completed and well redevelopedfor community used.Planned teen shelter on RiversideGarden. use.with basketballcourt Disabledaccess and new foot bridge to Millennium Greenin olace. LocalShops,community Successful Art shopin KentRd convertedto residentialbut other facilitiesand businessesto shopse.g. Hardware shop continued as business. be supportedand changesof SpoftedHorse & GoslingsTimber Yard lost,New usefrom existing greengrocersoff BroadStreet. Lost 2 pubs- gained employmentsites to affordablehousing & restaurant.Kept bakery. residentialShouldbe resisted. Furtherrecreational facilities Part Newfootball pavilion, tennis pavilion. Tennis courts exploredto consolidate upgraded.New football field leasefor non competitive sportingprovision in the sport.Further work requirede.g. skateboard park villaoe (permanentor temporary/fold-up) Newchildren's play area Part Currentlyno suchfacilities exist. Planned but delayed shouldbe developednorth of becauseof legalproblems. Now progressing. the river YouthFacilities should be Successful CyberCaf6, Youth Club, Youth Partnership activities. 2 improved fulltimeyouth workers supported by ParishCouncil and church.Basket ball court. Youth Council started but has waned.New Youth Centre planned. MillenniumGreen Project Part MillenniumGreen completed and along with the Bridge is a maiorasset to thevillaqe. Currently no playarea. The landscape,hydrology Successful Palmsof Puxton(Theme Park)& Park Road and ecologyof the Levelsare developmentresisted too fragileto sustainany significant development. Any largescale development shouldbe opposed
IssueI September2007 DocumentPage29 of 35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 Annex| - CharacterStatement - Current Status
An appropriateprotective Successful Now SSls designationfor the North SomersetLevels and Moors Shouldbe considered The openvistas of the Levels Successful and Moorsand important viewsof the villageto be preserved. All developmentshould Successful respectthe characterof the landscaoe Any newdevelopment on the Failed Lowcost housing development in StationRd totally out villageedge should be in of keeping keepingwith boththe surroundingproperties and the countryside and give highpriority to landscape design,to protectand enhancethe externalview of the villaoe Particularattention should be Part Damageto hedge,by councilhouse tenant, on B3133 paidto maintainingbacks of notmade good. gardensand buildings on the edgesof the village.Where possiblenative tree and hedgespecies for shelterand screeninqshould be olanted All treeswhich contribute to Part LostOrchard Close walnut tree, Scotch pines by the characterof the village children'splay area and preserved trees Cadbury House andthe surrounding landscapeshould be safequarded Waterquality of the river Successful Elliottoil spill dealt with quickly. shouldbe orotected Additionalplanting along the Part Millenniumgreen planting. New trees require constant riverbank should be maintenance.Agricultural pollution (oilseed) considered The useof Leylandiand Part Developersasked to plantnative species. Cadbury othernon -native species Houseasked to reolaceone tree with 3 Shouldbe discouraqed Wildlifeshould be protected ???? Howdo youenhance wildlife? andenhanced Thewildlife corridor network Part Hedgeround Broadstones. Hedges along drove road shouldbe maintainedand destroyed. enhancedwith the sympatheticmanagement of rhynesand the restorationof historichedqerows Habitatcreation should form Notsure Needsconverting to a recommendationthat can be partof farm diversification measured schemes.
IssueI September2007 DocumentPase 30 of 35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 Annex| - CharacterStatement - Current Status
Locallandowners should be Notsure Needsconverting to a recommendationthat can be madeaware of opportunities measured availablefor grantaid that Couldassist the sympathetic managementof key areasfor wildlife. Developers,landowners and Failed Manyareas being covered by decking,gravel, tarmac householderscan protect etc.THIS lS A STATEMENTNOT A existingwildlife environments RECOMMENDATION requires re-wording ; developer andhelp create new habitats MUST,landowners SHOULD in the form of copses, hedgerows,ditches and pondsand open spaces of rouohorassland Landowners,community Part Woodlandsat CadburyHill need attention groupsand individuals should plantnative species to retain landscapecharacter and to benefitwildlife within the parish.Woodlands should be activelv manaoed Roadsideplanting should be Part Cadburysparticularly successful. Roundtrees could do encouragedand hedgerows more.Hedge on 83133destroyed and not replaced. adjacentto highways sensitivelymanaqed Orchardsare partof the Part Churchyard& Millenniumorchard well maintained. Lost villageheritage. They should StonewellLane orchard. be maintainedand if possible enhanced.The plantingof new orchardsshould be encouraoed. In orderto protectthe Successful Exceotfor lowcost housino. characterof the village residentialdevelopment shouldnot be permifted outsidethe settlement boundaryas definedin the WoodsorinoLocal Plan Thecharacter, appearance Part Advertisingsigns on takeaway removed. No yellow and settingof the lines.Hardware development enhancement. Ship & ConservationArea should be Castlehad to replacesign etc. lnappropriatesigns e.g. Dreservedand enhanced. StationRd. Wires need to qo underqroundetc. Scheduledancient Part Refectoryeventually being repaired but has monumentsand Listed deteriorated.Cadbury Hillwell managed. Stable block Buildingsmust be protected sympatheticallyrestored. Cross and tombsrestored. and preserved Cablesshould be placed Failed undergroundwherever possible,especially within the conservationarea Openspaces with the village Part OrchardStonewell Lane lost. Gainedfield behind shouldbe retained footballoitches. Lost Gooseham Mead.
IssueI September2007 DocumentPase 3l of 35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 Annex| - CharacterStatement - Current Status
Annex I Pase4of7 lmportantviews into and out Successful CadburyHilltree clearance restored views. of the villageshould be orotected All traditionalstone boundary Successful wallsshould be retainedand repairedwhere necessary. Wherenew development adjoinsexisting stone walls it shouldincorporate matching stoneboundarv walls Originalfeatures such as Part Difficultto enforce. windows,doors and railings whichcontribute to the characterof the buildinglarea shouldbe retained. Replacementwindows and doorsShould match the originalin termsof size, desion.colour and materials The scale.size and materials Part Eco-house- surroundedby differingdesigns. Broad of any redevelopmentor new Street& SpottedHorse re-developments in keeping development(including extensions)Must be appropriateto the areain whichit is located Newdwellings Should not Successful Planfor 3 storeyhouse withdrawn following refusal generallybe abovetwo storeysin height.Roofs Shouldbe in proportionto the bulkof the building.Roofs shouldusually be gabled. Flatroofs should be replaced by pitch roofs where aoorooriate. Any newdwellings should be Part StationRd socialhousing development and houses of simple,unfussy design and oppositeprecinct inappropriate. proportions,be appropriateto the villagesetting and pay carefulattention to detail. Standarddesigns should be avoided.Durable materials shouldbe used. Red or darkcoloured brick Part StationRd development and brightred rooftiles shouldbe avoided Shopfronts, street furniture Part e.g.New lighting for churchdrive and footpath. and lightingshould be Pharmacy& hairdressersblue signs need changing to appropriatein designand green materialsto the village settinq. The proliferationof signs Part Ship& Castlesigns removed. shouldbe avoided.
IssueI September2007 DocumentPage 32 of 35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 Annex| - CharacterStatement - Current Status
An environmental Part Significantimprovement to the Precinctfrontage enhancementscheme should howevercar parkneeds more work. be implementedto improve the Precinct/ Car Park. The publictoilets should be Part Couldbe evenbetter imnroved Developersand landowners Successful shouldbe awareof the possiblearchaeological importanceof theirsites. Any groundbreakingactivity within the historicvillage core may havean impacton areasof greatarchaeological importanceand this should be takeninto account. The historicfabric and Successful Walks,leaflets, visits archaeologyof Congresbury hasgreat potential for educationaland recreational use.Local access should be encouragedwhere aoorooriate. The proliferationof new Part Unplanneddevelopments a problem buildings, particu larly equestrianrelated building, on the Levelsand Moors shouldbe strictlycontrolled in relationto theirimpact on this imoortantlandscape. Additionalnative tree and Part Treesplanted at ElliotMedway hedgeshould be usedto screenunsightly areas such as the rearof the Elliott Medwaysite and the car breakersvards on the A370. The stonebridges over the Failed Bridge-Somerset Lane in poorstate. North Somerset riverYeo should be retained Councilhas agreed to repairthis listed bridge. ls the and repairedwhere mainbridge safe? necessarv. Anotherbridge to be Successful constructedfrom village qreento behindHiqh Street A 50mphspeed restriction Part Hasnot gone lower. The 30mph and positioning of shouldbe re-consideredon signs,especially by Cadburyon Smallway,must be the A370between the village improved andJunction 21 of the M5. Considerationshould also be givento an extensionof the speedrestrictions beyond the current30 mphon Brinsea Pnad
IssueI September2007 DocumentPage 33 of 35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 Annex| - CharacterStatement - Current Status
Annex I Page6ofT
Trafficcalming measures Part Pedestriancrossing at Precinct.Speedwatch team shouldbe consideredto disbanded.Kent Road not in agreementto the reducethe impactof trafficon recommendtraffic calming measure. 30mph flashing the community.Priority signinstalled. shouldbe givento Brinsea& KentRoad (which should be reviewedfor declassification as a "8" road). PedestrianPriority Areas Failed BroadStreet pedestrianisation not possible. wherepriority is givento pedestriansin preferenceto carsshould be considered. initiallyin BroadSt but in otherresidential areas if approoriate. Pedestriancrossing facilities Successful Crossinginstalled shouldbe reviewedon BrinseaRoad, opposite the Precinct. A footwayshould be Part Greystonesfootpath being pursued. New footpathsin consideredalong Brinsea KentRd & outsideCadbury House Roadand KentRoad. New footpathsshould, if practical, be providedin otherareas wherethere is no existing orovision. Existingfootways contiguous Part HighSt improved.Wheel chair audit with carriagewaysshould be upgradedfor width(where feasible)andsurface conditionin orderto be accessibleto all. Directfootpaths to andfrom Successful Wheatwoodto Verlands.Well Park to Millenniumgreen villagefacilities should be in pipeline.Mill Leg resurfaced. upqradedwhere feasible. Publicrights of way and Part Few improvements permissivepaths throughout the parishshould be maintained.and where possibleimproved. Open accessto woodlandsshould be souoht. New bridlewaysshould be Part Sectionof StrawberryLine a trialbridleway. createdwithout encroaching on existinofootoaths. Newfootbridges should be Part CheddarValley line bridge planned constructedover the river Yeoto linkthe northernand southernparts of the village and providea linkto the CheddarValley Railway Walk.
lssueI September2007 DocumentPage 34 of 35 CongresburyParish Plan - 2007 Annex| - CharacterStatement - Current Status
Annex I Page7 of7
Soundabsorbent road Successful Was usedon BrinseaRoad and must be soughtin surfacesshould be futureresurfacing consideredwhen Brinsea Road,High Street and StationRoad are resurfaced. Cycletracks should be Part Linkto Churchillstill comes out in KingRd - passedas investigated.Priority should saferide! Strawberry Line resurfaced. be givento establishinga routefrom the villageto ChurchillSchool and to the creationof a cyclepath along the CheddarVallev Railwav. Securecycle parking facilities Part Outsidelibrary but not yet in BroadSt / Precinct shouldbe providedat aoprooriatelocations. Childrenshould be Successful encouragedto walkto the villaqeschools. Bus serviceprotected and, if Part Yattonlink still poor. Bus sheltersenhanced possible,enhanced. Priority shouldbe givento improving the linkto Yattonrailway station. Facilities(such as busshelters and timetables) shouldbe providedto enhancebus use. The effects of any further Successful Outcomeunknown expansionat Bristolairport on thevillage should be carefullyexamined.
Car sharescheme Failed Hardto implement.Provide information on car share schemes Communitytransport Successful Blueyin placeand well used
Issue1 September2007 DocumentPage 35 of 35