Killead Village Plan Introduction Village Renewal Measure

The Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 is part financed by the European The Village Renewal Scheme will provide financial support primarily for the drafting of Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the Department of Agriculture, Envi- integrated village plans and also for the renewal of rural villages through Village Plans. The ronment, and Rural Affairs (DAERA). GROW South Antrim (Generating Rural Opportunities village plan is a working document that has the support of the community. It should provide Within South Antrim) has been set up to manage and deliver LEADER Priority 6 of the North- a needs based strategic framework to co-ordinate specific development actions. ern Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 across the Antrim & Borough Council area. Support for Village Renewal must fit with the Council Community Plans and integrate with the Village Renewal plans supported under the 2007 – 2013 Rural Development Programme. Within the South Antrim area, LEADER Priority 6 of the programme provides provision for The measure will aim to build on the overarching fabric of a village / town integrating with the following Schemes: other funding from other government departments and agencies. The measure will aim to address rural dereliction and prioritise the reuse of existing derelict buildings, particularly to provide community infrastructure. • Rural Business Investment Scheme • Rural Basic Services Scheme Support is limited to within the “village” development limits or in simple terms 30 miles per • Village Renewal Scheme hour zone and may include: • Co-Operation Scheme • Development or updating of integrated village plans for Local Government Districts • Village investment emanating from the integrated village plans such as: The GROW South Antrim Strategic Vision is: “South Antrim as a vibrant, prosperous and inclusive region whose roots are locally grown but whose focus is, at the same time, outward looking and expansive.” > Derelict and vacant site enhancement > Environmental improvements > Shop frontage enhancements > Conservation and upgrading of rural culture and heritage (natural and built), except monuments and wall murals which will not be considered eligible for funding > Gateway projects

The beneficiaries of the Village Renewal Scheme are local authorities and community groups. Local authorities must work in partnership with the rural community to roll out the village plans.

2 3 Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Community Planning Context published the draft community plan for the Borough covering the period to 2030 in early 2017. It details 4 Community Planning is the responsibility of local authorities since local government reform outcome statements for the Borough: was introduced in April 2015. Councils will work with statutory bodies and their communities to develop and implement a shared vision for promoting the well being of an • Our citizens enjoy good health and well being area, community cohesion and improving the quality of life of its citizens. • Our citizens live in connected, safe and vibrant places The village plan for Killead has been developed using a community led approach, with consultation with residents on key issues, priorities and projects for development forming • Our citizens benefit from economic prosperity the central elements of the planning process. The approach taken to develop the village plan • Our citizens achieve their full potential is therefore reflective of the principles of community planning.

The village plan incorporates a broad range of issues and initiatives across many aspects of village life from day to day issues such as litter to traffic and speeding related issues to recreation and well being issues. The proposed projects and initiatives to improve these aspects of life within the village therefore correlate directly to these issues and also align to the outcome statements detailed within the draft Community Plan. Village issues and proposed projects relate to various local government and NI Executive policies and strategies and responsibilities. The village plan therefore can help to inform community planning at a local level and direct resources from the process to develop positive outcomes for the residents of Killead.

4 5 Village Overview

Killead is a small rural village situated within the Aldergrove ward in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area. The village is located within 1.6miles of the Aldergrove International Airport and within relatively close proximity to the M2 motorway and larger towns and cities such as , Belfast and .

The population of the village on Census day 2011 was 81 people which comprised of 32 separate households. This was a slight increase in population from the 2001 Census which recorded 78 people living in the village at that time. In terms of the wider surrounding area, the village lies within the Aldergrove ward which has a residential population of 4,444. 24.75% of the ward was aged under 16 years and 8.98% were aged 65 and over; while 51.13% of the usually resident population were male and 48.87% were female. (NISRA, 2011).

The village is the birth place of Charles McCorrie VC (1830 – 8 April 1857) who was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Private McCorrie received the accolade for throwing a live enemy shell over the parapet on 23 June 1855 at Sebastopol, in the Crimea.

In late 2016, a group of local residents came together to establish Killead Development Association which is a newly constituted voluntary organisation set up to further the development of the village. Killead Development Association is the driving force behind the village plan and will assume lead responsibility in progressing the actions and priorities outlined within the document with support from partners and stakeholders.

6 5 Village Planning Process Consultation Findings & Analysis In order to develop the village plan for Killead, a number of key steps have been completed, Public Meeting including: A public meeting was held at Killead Presbyterian Church on 19th January 2017 which • Village walkabout – representatives from the Killead Development Association was attended by 29 people. The meeting was publicised through notices distributed to Committee along with the consultant team identified and discussed key areas and local homes (along with the community questionnaire) and via local community networks. issues for the village during a site visit. This was an opportunity to highlight areas of Details of the public meeting were also distributed to local elected representatives. noted concern in the village and to explore initial ideas or proposed plans for improvement The public meeting allowed for group discussion and also individual comment based on the following key questions: • Hosting a public meeting for all local residents and stakeholders to engage in the planning process and offer their views in terms of key issues and priorities for the • What are the key priorities and issues for the village in your view? village and development proposals for the next 3-5 year period • What physical improvements would you like to see taken forward for the village?

• What community activities or events would you like to see continued, developed or • Distribution of a questionnaire to local residents to obtain feedback on an individual expanded in the village? basis from as many local residents as possible Some of the key points noted from the public meeting were as follows:

This consultation process with local residents and stakeholders has been a central element of Issues and Priorities the village planning process. The plan has been finalised post the consultation process with a • The lack of outdoor community green space and play park facilities that local people number of planning meetings with the Killead Development Association committee to can access was the most prevalent concern of those in attendance as there were feedback key findings from the consultation process, agree priority projects to be advanced no facilities of this nature within the village for Killead and identify key actions required to advance priorities. • The condition of prominent areas within the village such as the ‘closed road’ which is synonymous for littering and dog fouling and; the ‘old pub’ which was noted as an eyesore in need of regeneration were noted as key issues • General village appearance issues such as condition of footpaths / walkways; maintaining public hedges, high levels of dog fouling throughout the village and the need to improve signage to enhance the general attractiveness of the village • Lack of available parking for local residents within the village particularly at the houses on Grove View

Road safety issues including: Road safety was noted as a major issue within the village which includes:

• The need for additional speed calming measures (full ramps / cameras) as vehicles are passing through without paying attention to speed limits. • The ‘give way’ sign turning into Killead needs to change to a ‘stop’ sign • Transport NI previously attempted to remove 30mph speed limit. A key priority is to ensure that the limit remains.

8 9 Potential Physical Improvements The following list of potential physical improvements was noted from the public meeting:

• Outdoor Community Garden to include play park – this was identified as the key priority by those in attendance. A lack of existing green community space and outdoor play facilities is a major issue locally. Ideally, any development should include:

> Green space / garden area to include horticultural activities such as raised beds, greenery and nature area > Safe walking area for the community > Gated play park / facilities for young people and families to access > Seated picnic / BBQ area for families > External lighting to ensure year round and evening access > Bins to ensure the area is maintained and kept clean at all times

• Additional car parking – noted that there is a potential lack of available car parking spaces within the area particularly for residents at Grove View • Bus shelter at existing village bus stop – the current bus stop does not include a bus shelter therefore in poor weather conditions people are getting soaked. The installation of a bus shelter is needed to provide some protection for people using the public transport system • Improve signage – Improved signage is needed within Killead. Signs to welcome people to the area and for navigation purposes are required. Also look at opportunities to include youth murals / local icons at the ‘Closed Road,’ such as, Charles McCurry VC • Pathways – There is a need to re-tarmac all existing pathways to ensure ease of footing particularly for older people with mobility issues. This would also help to contribute to improved safe walkways. • Outdoor community notice board – Installation of a community noticeboard that is prominent and easily accessible for all. This can provide key details on local events, news and relevant information. • New community post box – The previous post box for the area was stolen and never replaced. Residents have to travel outside of the area to access the nearest alternative. • Additional bins – To mitigate against high levels of dog fouling and prevention of littering within the village • Defibrillator – To be installed at the new community garden and play park for emergency use • Sand / salt box – To be installed at Grove View and accessed during wintry / adverse weather conditions (no similar resources are currently available in the village)

10 11 Respondents were asked to rate a list of issues relating to health, well being and environment Community Questionnaire as “major issues”, “of some concern” and “no concern” based upon their views and experience living in Killead: The following responses were received: A total of 25 responses were received to the questionnaire distributed to local residents and some of the key findings include: Issues deemed to be • Traffic = 16 respondents (64%) • 80% of respondents indicated that they have been living in the village at least 10 years “major concerns” • General appearance = 15 respondents (62.5%) When asked to rate quality of life within the village, only 24% of respondents stated quality of • Access to transport or cost of transport = 15 respondents life in the village is good or very good (76% felt that quality of life is average or worse) (62.5%) • Social isolation = 12 respondents (57.1%) When asked to identify issues that affect quality of life within the village, the following were the top 3 responses received (respondents were asked to mark all relevant issues from a • Access to services = 13 respondents (56.5%) provided list):

Issues deemed to be • Support for disabled people = 20 respondents (100%) • Transport issues e.g. road safety, parking, roads condition = 22 respondents (88%) “major” or of “some • Access to services = 23 respondents (100%) • Living environment issues e.g. appearance of the village, derelict properties = 17 concern” respondents (68%) • Access to transport or cost of transport = 24 respondents (100%) • Community facilities = 16 respondents (64%) • Traffic = 22 respondents (88%) Respondents were also asked to identify the number one issue affecting quality of life in • Social isolation = 18 respondents (85.7%) the village. Transport issues e.g. road safety, parking, roads condition were identified as the biggest concern with 8 respondents (34.8%) highlighting this issue.

When asked to identify community services, activities or events people would like to see When asked to identify and rank priorities for physical improvements within Killead, the top prioritised for the area, the most popular responses were (respondents could mark up to 3 2 priorities ranked by respondents were: responses):

• Number 1 priority: Play Park / Community Garden • Road safety initiatives = 55% of responses • Number 2 priority: General Appearance Issues • Health and Wellbeing Programmes = 32% of responses • Activities specifically for young people = 32% of responses

12 13 Priority Projects for the Village Actions to Progress Priorities On the basis of the process undertaken, the potential projects and issues that were deemed Development of new community garden and play park most important for local people, the following key priorities have been identified for action within the village over the next 3-5 year period: Action Stakeholders Potential Resources Community Facilities Funders required Explore the potential to Killead • GROW Volunteer • Outdoor Community Garden and play park – development to include: develop the green space adjacent Development time to Killead Presbyterian Church Association • Green space / garden area with raised beds, greenery and nature area via a meeting with Church representatives, to: Killead • Antrim and Safe walking area for the community • • Assess whether there is a Presbyterian Newtownabbey • Gated play park / facilities for young people and families to access willingness to develop Church Borough • Seated picnic / BBQ area for families the site as a garden and Council play park for the local • External lighting to ensure year round and evening access community • Bins to ensure the area is maintained and kept clean at all times • Discuss any potential difficulties or issues with the site (as applicable) Village Improvements • Agree any actions required to explore • Install a bus shelter at existing village bus stop further or advance the • Improve signage throughout the village which includes road signs, dog fouling signs project and welcome signs • New community post box to be installed • Additional resident car parking space to be developed at Grove View houses Reach an agreement with Killead Volunteer Killead Presbyterian Church to Development time • Additional bins to be installed within the village to reduce / prevent dog fouling and take forward the project and Association littering role of each in taking forward • More flowerbeds / planting and environmental improvements throughout the village the project Killead Presbyterian • Installation of an outdoor community noticeboard and a defibrillator Church • Installation of a salt / sand box for residents at Grove View • More external / summer seating to be introduced within the village Complete an initial meeting Killead Volunteer • Creation of youth art work / mural at the ‘Closed Road’ site with flower beds / green with relevant officers in Antrim Development time space and Newtownabbey Borough Association Council regarding the potential Antrim and Broader Issues to Address for the Village to develop a community gar- Antrim and Newtownabbey den and play park in the area Newtownabbey Borough • Traffic calming measures within the village and to identify any issues that Borough Council • Footpath / Pathway improvements throughout the village would need to be addressed to Council Officer time advance a project

14 15 Actions to Progress Priorities Village Improvements • More flowerbeds / planting and environmental improvements throughout the Action Stakeholders Potential Resources village Funders required • More external / summer seating to be introduced within the village • Installation of an outdoor community noticeboard and a defibrillator (at the Identify potential funders to Killead GROW Capital Costs new community garden / play park site) secure technical assistance to Development • Additional bins to be installed within the village to reduce / prevent dog develop design plans for the Association fouling and littering community garden and play • Installation of a salt / sand box for residents at Grove View park Action Stakeholders Potential Resources Appoint suitably qualified Antrim and Antrim and Volunteer Time Funders required architect / design professional Newtownabbey Newtownabbey to develop plans for the Borough Borough community garden and play Council Council Engage with Council officers Killead GROW Capital Costs park and public representatives to Development agree key milestones to take Association Consult with local residents Killead Antrim and each project forward. To include: on any proposed plan / design Presbyterian Newtownabbey • Potential costs of each Antrim and Antrim and Volunteer Time and seek agreement on taking Church Borough project Newtownabbey Newtownabbey the project forward (ensuring Council Borough Council Borough that any issues are addressed) Officer Time • Any Council funding Council opportunities for each Public Antrim and Once agreement on the project representatives Newtownabbey facility and plans are reached, Borough identify potential funders and • Any permissions that are Council complete applications for the required in order to Officer Time construction works complete Complete procurement as per funder guidelines Participate in any related Council consultation exercises such as: • Community Planning

Work with Council officers and public representatives to com- Appoint contractor to plete necessary design and cost complete works and deliver exercises the project and continue to liaise regularly throughout Identify potential funders for each project on an ongoing basis and make applications Hold a launch event in the where appropriate and eligible local community upon project completion Liaise with Council officers to ensure that the community is consulted as / when any works are completed

16 17 Village Improvements Village Improvements

• Installation of a bus shelter in the village Creation of youth art work / mural at the ‘Closed Road’ site with • Improve signage throughout the village which includes road signs, dog fouling signs and welcome signs flower beds / green space • New community post box to be installed • Additional resident car parking space to be developed at Grove View houses Action Stakeholders Potential Resources Funders required

Action Stakeholders Potential Resources Consult with local young people on Killead Arts Volunteer Funders required the art work and capture their views on Development Council Time what they would like to see included Association NI Engage with Department for Village Department for Volunteer time Infrastructure and Translink Committee Infrastructure Consult with older people to identify Antrim and officials and public representatives resources / equipment required for Antrim and Newtownabbey Newtownabbey to agree key milestones to take Antrim and Antrim and Antrim and green space Borough each project forward. To include: Newtownabbey Newtownabbey Newtownabbey Borough Council Identify potential funders for the Council • Potential costs of each Borough Borough Borough Officer time project Council Council Council upgrade of the art work and creation • Any funding officer time of green space / flower beds opportunities for each Capital Complete applications to relevant project Public Translink Public Costs funders to secure the necessary funds • Any permissions that are representatives representatives for completion required in order to time complete Liaise with Council officers to Work with public representatives Department of Department for ensure proposed work / design has to lobby for the improvements Infrastructure / Infrastructure / necessary council permission through all available channels, Translink Translink including: Official • Department for time Infrastructure • Council Procure the necessary work through Capital Costs • MLAs and any other suitably qualified professionals and relevant political complete the design works representatives • Translink

Identify potential funders for each project on an ongoing basis Ensure that there is regular and make applications where consultation and feedback to young appropriate and eligible people and older people throughout the process and that they are involved Liaise with Department for in creating the upgraded art work and Infrastructure officials and green space respectively Translink or relevant funder officers to ensure that the Hold a launch event in the local community is consulted as/when community upon project completion any works are completed

18 19 Broader Issues to Address Project Overview for the Village The robust community consultation process highlighted one key physical development that the local people would like to see delivered in Killead. The project • Traffic Calming measure in the village is to develop a community garden and play park facility that people of all ages could access to help engage them within the local community. • Footpath / pathway improvements

Action Stakeholders Potential Resources Community Garden and Play Park Funders required • Community green space / garden area for play / walking / family space • Nature area which can educate young people Engage with Department for Killead Department Volunteer • Installation of lighting to enable access during evenings (year round availability) Infrastructure officials and public Development for time representatives to assess the Association Infrastructure • Bins / waste disposal facilities potential for each of the projects Public • Seated family area for BBQ’s / picnics etc to be brought forward for the Department representatives • Raised beds for planting village and discuss any key for time milestones such as: Infrastructure • Gated play park / area including fixed equipment (gating essential for safety purposes) • Internal departmental process Officials Estimated costs for the project £50, that must be completed Department • Options that can be explored in Public for relation to traffic calming representatives Infrastructure including how options have Project Aim: worked in other villages To develop a new community and play garden for all residents and people within Killead • Potential costs of each project and surrounding areas • Any additional information that the Killead Development Association can provide to Potential benefits: support the process • Improving the facilities available for people of all ages and backgrounds within Killead Work with public representatives and developing a hub for a range of community activity to lobby for the improvements through all available channels, including: • Enhancing the potential for children and young people to develop through play and have • Department for Infrastructure positive experiences in a safe environment • Council • MLAs and any other relevant • Reducing social isolation and disengagement through provision of improved facilities political representatives and opportunities for local people to access

Liaise with Department for Infrastructure officials or relevant • Enhancing the delivery of new and additional community programmes and events funder officers to ensure that i.e. horticultural / community days etc the community is consulted as / when any works are to be • Improving the appearance and attractiveness of the area as a welcoming place to reside completed and visit

20 21 Next Steps and Delivering the Plan

The village planning process has achieved a considerable amount of input from lo- cal community residents. Importantly a series of potential projects have been identi- fied that can be brought forward by Killead Development Association, local community stakeholders, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and statutory bodies.

Following its establishment in late 2016 in response to a willingness from local residents to work together and drive positive change in the village, the Development Association is well placed to assume the lead community role in the delivery of this village plan over the next 3-5 year period. A series of practical actions have been identified as a guide to follow and measure progress in line with priority projects identified and should be taken forward on this basis.

It is important that Killead Development Association and other relevant local stakeholders continue to engage with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council structures such as Community Planning, to represent the needs and priorities for the area and where possible help to drive investment to the priorities outlined in the village plan.

A number of potential funders have been noted however this represents only a small selection of funding opportunities that are or will become available over the lifetime of the village plan. It is recommended that funding proposals are advanced in line with the projects identified and relevant funding opportunities as they become available. This may include opportunities such as:

• GROW funding programmes within the Rural Development Programme • Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council annual funding programmes • Big Lottery funding programmes • Department for Infrastructure funding programmes • Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs funding programmes • Public Health Agency or Northern Health and Social Care funding programmes • Funding opportunities through umbrella organisations such as South Antrim • Community Network and the Community Foundation for

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

22 23