Maulden Neighbourhood Plan Ques onnaire - Results Summary In July 2019, 1500 questionnaires were distributed to all homes in Maulden and additional copies were made available. 634 questionnaires were returned of which 556 were from individual households and 78 were additional copies. This equates to a 38% return rate overall and 37% of households.
The results are summarised below and, together with the results of the housing needs survey, the Green Infrastructure Plan and other information sources, they are being used to draft the neighbourhood plan.
Question Answer/Data/Conclusion
What are the ages of those living in your property? Elderly village. Definitely older respondents. Sample 1000 people 18% <18, 22% 18 – 44. 60% 45+. 28% 65+.
How long have you lived in Maulden? Very settled community. 70% > 10 yrs. 46% >20yr. 24% 10 – 20yr. 14% 5 – 10 yr. 15% < 5yr
What is your work-related status? Elderly. Little unemployment 63% employed. 44% retired. Unemployed >1%. Other = stay at home mums.
Do you work in Maulden? Work - 12% Maulden (76 respondents). 13% occasionally (81) (157 at some point) 74% No (446) (pop 603)
If yes to the above, do you work at home? Half work at home 78 respondents yes - 66 occasionally 144 No
Work – Summary Not a lot of local employment but not insignificant for such a small place 26% work in Maulden at some time. Half work at home. However 44% people retired.
Do you consider yourself to be disabled? 9% Links to high incidence of mobility scooters and elderly respondees.
What do you like most about living in Maulden? Countryside • Lovely Countryside - 78% • Village Atmosphere - 65% • Common Land & Open Spaces - 58% Comments: primarily reiterate the above results as well as stressing the importance of the lower school.
Maulden Neighbourhood Plan Group Maulden Neighbourhood Plan Ques onnaire - Results Summary
How would you like Maulden to be described 20 • A Village – 86% years from now? • Safe- 76% • Friendly- 67%
How important is community spirit to you? • Important- 51% • Very Important – 39% • No Opinion- 7%
Maulden has a strong sense of community • Agree – 60% • No opinion- 16.1% • Strongly Agree- 13.5%
Do you believe that the current housing stock in No problem Maulden is ….. • Appropriate - 53% • Just right- 41% • Not Affordable – 38%
Much of Parish land is for agricultural use only. Do • Yes- 92% you think there should be local policies to safeguard • Don’t mind- 4% these areas from development? • Policies needed to protect Parish owned open spaces and Countryside Gaps (dis nguishing different ends of the village) 73 comments, • Could be considered for community amenity (in part) 15 comments • Preserve agricultural land 19 comments
What sort of new housing (if any) do you want to see Starter homes 44% built within Maulden? Housing for the elderly 34% Family homes 28% Shows a broad perspective throughout the generations. There is also a large percentage (36%) not wanting any development but comments would suggest that there is recognition of some need.
What size of developments, if any, do you think Overwhelming thinking against large developments. Small (44%) and Individual (41%) are the preferred. There is Maulden needs? also a strong desire for no development at all (37%) sighting in the comments strains on infrastructure and the impact of the large developments already in progress in Ampthill, Flitwick and Wixams through to Kempston Hardwick. Protection of the environment was also a regular concern.
Maulden Neighbourhood Plan Group Maulden Neighbourhood Plan Ques onnaire - Results Summary
Are there any sites or areas you think would be An emphatic “No” of 61% came through with only 14% saying there were some sites. Of the sites identified East suitable for a new housing development in Maulden? Maulden (17%) and South West Maulden (11.31%) were mentioned most. However the limit of the existing infrastructure – roads and road safety, doctors etc are a common comment.
Are there any areas of land you think should be 542 responses - Yes 73% protected from development and why? Why:- Green open space (countryside/greenbelt/woodland/common land) 242 - 34% Agricultural fields and farmland 125 - 18% Allotments 120 - 17% All land! 62 - 9% Urban sprawl (join to other villages/towns) 43 - 6% Land opposite the school 38 5% Nature reserve 37 5% Recrea on Ground 22 3% Centre of village 19 3% Anything outside current envelope 5 <1%
6.64% who thought that no areas should be protected,
82.9% of all respondents who, in expressing addi onal comments, feel that all green and open spaces within the village should not be developed. This figure, in represen ng such a significantly high propor on, would suggest that the conclusion may be drawn that open space as described above, should be protected from development
How important is it that any new development, High response rates suggesting policies would be well received. Open space the most important which is in including extensions, are sympathetic to the line with other answers environment and surrounding buildings?..... Open space 97% (91% very) Character & position of surrounding buildings 97% (82% very) Scale & size of surrounding buildings 96% (84% very) Design of surrounding buildings 94% (68% very) Materials of surrounding buildings 92% (62% very)
Important development or designs considerations • Adequate parking provision, to include garages. • Environmentally friendly/ zero carbon (to possibly include ground source heat pumps, solar panels, high standards of insulation & energy efficiency and charging points for electric vehicles). • Appropriate landscaping must be included, hedgerows & planting to reflect the countryside heritage & location of Maulden. • Prevent overdevelopment and density of sites. • In keeping with height of existing/surrounding properties. • Cycle and bin storage • Protect the centre of the village in terms of character, The George etc.
Maulden Neighbourhood Plan Group Maulden Neighbourhood Plan Ques onnaire - Results Summary
If Maulden was to receive further development, High response 97.4% indicates significant “concerns” would you be concerned by any of the following? • “loss of Countryside” (88.37%), “Impact on significant views” (66.69%) and “General Urbanisa on” (63.00%). “Loss of village iden ty” (82.33%) [ reasonable interpreta on also meant in terms of the loss of green space] - Policies to require countryside and open spaces to be protected from development. • “Loss of village iden ty” (82.33%) – see above. • (2nd , 4th and 9th highest concerns -) “Increased traffic” (84%), “Inadequate on street parking” (68%) and “unsafe pedestrian routes” (57%). Links to Q29, Q30, Q31, Q32, Q33 and Q33. Suggest traffic calming, increased road provision and/or parking controls should be in policies re development. • “lack of school places” (70.76%). Policy further development should be con ngent on (s106 funding perhaps) addi onal school facili es. • “Lack of social cohesion (too many high / low end proper es) 46% - failed to achieve a majority of concern • Other = 17% of responses. 31 (5%) lack of GP/Medical facili es (also see Q37). Other - “other” not material
How would you feel if new businesses were Would like this - 83% positive or neutral encouraged to Maulden? Satisfied 43% Don't mind 26% Dissatisfied 17% Very satisfied 15% 609 respondents
Would you find any of the below businesses Overwhelming support for Post Office 96:4 and GP surgery 94:6 Rest marginal acceptable or unacceptable? Retail – 60:40 in favour Offices – 55:45 in favour Industrial against – 22:78
How important is it for Maulden to keep local Important or very important – 94% businesses Should the scale of the business be commensurate Yes 94% with the size of Maulden? How do you travel to work? Car and Flitwick Station most relevant Car 57% N/A 35% (213) – Reflects high retired Work from home 17% Flitwick station 11% - Walk 5% Public transport 4% Cycle 3% Motor cycle 3%
Maulden Neighbourhood Plan Group Maulden Neighbourhood Plan Ques onnaire - Results Summary
How do you travel around Maulden to get to shops Walk 82% and/or schools? Car 70% Cycle 17% Public Trans 8% Motor cycle 1% Disability scooter / vehicle 1%
What changes in the parish would make it easier to 91% response. Suggests strong support, in general, for changes to ease travel to work, school or shop. get to work, school or shop? Small number of “other please specify” comments have limited materiality and with many “contra statements • Priority 1 at 333 votes was “Improved pavements and walkways”. Also priority 4 “Wider pavements between Ampthill and Maulden” (at 217 votes) – Suggests support for policies for improving or maintaining pavements and walkways • More street lighting between Ampthill and Maulden Priority 2 - 321 votes. • Priority 5 “Dedicated Cycle Routes” attracted just 191 votes and 13.6%. ```````````` Thinking of where you live, how much of a problem 612. respondents. are the following traffic issues [speed, volume, noise and parking]?` 1. Speed: Residents are most concerned about traffic speed [46% of 556 responses rated it as a ‘major’ problem (#5) with another 17% rating it at #4, whereas less than 8% were not concerned at all (#1) and another 8% rated it 1-not a problem to 5 -major problem as #2. This is reinforced by the choice of traffic calming measures in Q31, with 3 of the 4 major roads dissecting the village highlighted. 2. Parking is also a significant concern to 43% of residents [25% rated it at #5 + 18% #4] - particularly around the school and some other specific locations. 3. Volume of traffic is seen as less of a ‘problem’ [55% rated #1-3]. 4. Traffic noise was rated lowest [66% spread between #1 and #3].
Do you think road safety is an issue in the village? • Approx 74% (of 612) believe ‘road safety’ is an issue, and almost 25% do not. • The responses reflect the answers to Q29 and 31-34.
Maulden Neighbourhood Plan Group Maulden Neighbourhood Plan Ques onnaire - Results Summary
Which three of the following measures do you think 610 respondents. might improve road safety the most? • The 3 most popular options were: 1. Speed Indicator Devices [32%/196], 2+3 = Improved road signage and footpaths (continuous and on BOTH sides of roads throughout the village) - both attracted 29% (179). • Of the other options, approx. 1 in 4 of the 610 respondents believe fixed speed cameras, speed humps, improved street lighting and dedicated cycle routes would be effective. • ‘Traffic calming’ (undefined) and a 20mph speed limit were supported by 21% (128). • Least popular were average speed cameras and lines painted on the road (to create an 'optical restriction') [13% / 81] and mini roundabouts [11% / 66].
Do cars parked in the village at school times cause 50% No. 32% Yes Minor, 18% Yes Major you any problems? General conclusion - bend on Clophill Road by Liquid Designs needs looking at and that people should be made aware of the issues and react accordingly. The “bend on Clophill Road by Liquid Designs” was men oned many mes. Cars parked outside the premises seem to be the bug bear of most from the replies. Some people said that the parking wasn’t an issue – although they are in the minority. Some men on that outside Budgens parking can be an issue during these mes. Men on of cars parked further up Clophill Road (towards Wheatlands Close). Some suggested that people should walk to school as it’s a village. Generally the results men oned about inconsiderate parking and a lack of awareness of the surroundings. The car park at The George wasn’t men oned very much – maybe in 5% of answers even though they have offered their car park for drop off and collec on mes. Few people seem to take this up (or are not aware of it). No one men oned that it has got any worse recently although it does appear that with over 200 people giving a response it needs looking at. The 20mph limit was only men oned a couple of mes. The bend by the Old Post Office (Liquid Designs) was men oned many mes. There appears to be a genuine concern for visibility of cyclists, pedestrians and vehicles. Very few felt there was an issue with parking at these mes – sta ng that it was only for a reduced length of me. There were a few comments from residents of Church Road sta ng that some vehicles park inconsiderately during these mes.
Do you have an issue parking for Maulden School Over 530 answered. Parking for the School was not a problem with over 80% saying it wasn’t an issue. Approx 10% during school times? replied that it was a major issue and less that 10% said it was a minor issue.
Maulden Neighbourhood Plan Group Maulden Neighbourhood Plan Ques onnaire - Results Summary
Do you have an issue parking in Maulden? 603 replies The majority (just over 65%) have NO issue parking in Maulden Less than 10% have a MAJOR issue and less that 25% have a MINOR issue. There are many replies about parking in George Street being an issue - there are many terraced houses with no off- road parking. The Knoll was also men oned quite a few mes, ci ng cars parking there for The George (especially when a func on is being held). The Brache was men oned a few mes although this was generally when there is a football match or tournament at The Rec. Many people men oned about issues parking at Budgens as there are only a limited amount of spaces and they are unmarked – which means that people generally park inappropriately.
Parking Summary - Residents don’t generally have an issue with parking in Maulden. Hotspots - (outside of school mes) – parking for Budgens and parking around The George (in the Knoll) and on George Street. Judging by the comments on all ques ons it would appear that the parking around The George/ George Street occurs if The George have an occasion (wedding recep on or other func on). This, along with the road parking in George Street, which is, in the main because of some houses only having road parking – mostly around the lower end nearer to The George. The “top end” of George Street seems to suffer because people park there for Budgens (because they are unable to park outside the shop so traffic gets pushed up George Street). Parking in Maulden (during school traffic) seems to be concentrated around the Clophill Road, Ampthill Road, Church Road, Silsoe Road crossroads. This is usually only for a limited me but nonetheless has caused quite a few issues. There are some issues with parking at Budgens during school mes – but there was only really a minority men oned this.
How important is it that the following aspects are Replied 616 (97.6%) kept in the village? All village aspects received a high level of support from villagers. Hedgerow, Church, Greensand Ridge, Woodland, Allotments (both), Walking routes, Open/green spaces, Paths, Views, Nature reserve, Trees, Water courses. 190 comments show a strong support to keep and protect green spaces
How important is it to you that we keep the following Replied 626 (98.6%) facilities in Maulden All current village facili es received a high level of support from villagers. • Recreation Ground (known as “The Rec”) • Budgens Request for addi onal facili es / improvements featured high on the comments. • The White Hart • The George • The Dog and • Village Hall • Church Hall • Badger • Lower School
Maulden Neighbourhood Plan Group Maulden Neighbourhood Plan Ques onnaire - Results Summary
What new facilities/assets would you like to see Replied 604 (95.1%) introduced into the village? A doctor’s surgery, and a post office were supported by three quarters of all respondents. In addi on, youth / sport facili es were men oned by many others (35%),
Do you support the use of the following energy 97.3% of respondents indicates significant interest in renewable energy and possibility that appropriate local sources on either a domestic or a larger scale basis policies should be set. in Maulden? • Domestic solar 66.28% in support, not supporting only 12.17% • Commercial solar (farms), 44.48% supportive, 25.88% not supporting “Neutral The lack of “take up” on their own properties appears to be driven by capital cost or technical factors, despite the high general support in renewables, and in particular for domestic solar. Proportion of “neutral” responses significant– domestic solar 21.55% and commercial solar 28.28%. • Wind turbines not supported – 21.55% supporting versus 47.59% not supporting (28.28% “neutral”) • Other renewables supported 28.86%, not supported 46.77% “neutral” • Only 50 or 8.65% of respondents had installed renewable energies in their properties. 43.9% stated that they would have installed solar on their property but couldn’t due either to lack of funds, (Feed in Tariff now abolished), that the property was not suitable or they were not in control of it (ie tenants) • 20 of the 82 additional comments made to this question supported Ground or Air Source pumps, 11 further comments were made that all forms of renewables were supported and that solar should be mandated on new domestic builds.
How important is broadband access to you? Replied 624 (98.3%) Overwhelming need for Broadband by 95% of villagers. There is serious concern about speed and reliability.
For what purpose do you use your internet? Replied 600 (94.5%) 600 replies (98%) was for domes c use. There was a reasonably high level (40%) required broadband for business purposes.
Do you experience difficulties with the consistency of Only 395 responded to this ques on. the following utilities? Electricity (41%) and internet (62%) were clearly the two main problems. Water, gas, and sewage featured at such a low level it would not be considered serious.
Maulden Neighbourhood Plan Group Maulden Neighbourhood Plan Ques onnaire - Results Summary
How important is the provision of allotment space in Important or very 92% (623) Maulden? Other comments Should be a provision for ‘those requiring it’ 20 - 30% A Tradition/History 11 17% Not important/vacant or unkempt/no requirement 8 12% Sense of community 7 11% Health/Fitness/Hobby/Leisure 6 9% As open space, as is 5 7% Lost forever if developed 4 6% Current or ex-allotment holders 3 4% School, educational use 2 4%
98.1% of all respondents answered this question. This response rate, in of itself, indicates the depth of feeling about the provision of allotments in Maulden
How important are open spaces in Maulden to you? Important 98% (610) • V imp 89% 550 • Imp 10 % 60 34 comments - main • It’s what makes it a village 8 • Reason we live in Maulden 7 • Healthy 5
Do you consider the following types of pollution to be Only 2/3 responded so may not be a universal problem an issue? Litter 77% Noise 47% Air Pollution 32% Light 18% Ground 15% Sewage 13%
Maulden Neighbourhood Plan Group Maulden Neighbourhood Plan Ques onnaire - Results Summary
Should green/open space land owned by the Parish Yes it should Council be considered for community activities Use for garden / green use (307 + 20 + 9) 336. Could (should) include a gathering area 321. before any other, and if so, how should it be used? 89% response rate. 567 responses of which 9 ‘No’ Responses to community use • Gathering area (fetes) 321 51% • Garden/orchard 307 48% • New village hall 214 34% Other (101) • Wildlife (4), meadow/trees (4), green/open land (12) 20 • Leave as is 9 • Car park 8 • Sell/develop 7 • No village hall 6 • Sports 5 • Perf arts 1 • Energy generation 1
If you feel that Parish Council land should not be Leave as it is used for the community, how should it be used? 432 responses 68% • Leave as is 365 - 84% • Sell for commercial 24 - 6% • Sell for housing 17 - 4% Other (81). Most are just a repeat of the above. Others are • Sport 2 • Nature reserve 1 • GP surgery 1 • Farm 1 • Post Office 1
Maulden Neighbourhood Plan Group Maulden Neighbourhood Plan Ques onnaire - Results Summary
How satisfied are you with the Recreation Ground 608 responses and 94 comments (Rec) and other open spaces in Maulden? 82% are sa sfied or very sa sfied. 13 commented that they don’t use it Key issues are centered along the following themes (≥3 comments): • Needs upda ng / improving – 20 comments • An -social behaviour (teenagers, drugs, alcohol) – 6 comments • Li er and dog waste – 3 comments • Ban dogs / put dogs on leads – 3 comments Sugges ons for improvement: • New play area for children – 10 comments • More sports facili es (tennis, basketball, football, netball) or a fitness area – 4 comments • Be er parking – 3 comments • Ac vi es for teenagers – 2 comments • Resurfacing – 2 comments • Public toilets – 2 comments • Other sugges ons men oned once – new benches, skate park, picnic area, coffee shop, pavilion building for community gatherings
Do you consider that the Recreation Ground should 584 responses and 69 comments have additional facilities for health and well-being for • Most popular new facilities from the prompted list are a village garden with seating areas (51%), an outdoor all ages and if yes what? gym (41%) and more play equipment for all ages (41%) • Alternative sports facilities and a skate park are less popular (26% and 14% respectively) • 9 comments relate to concerns around anti-social behaviour and the need to address this before increasing use of the Rec • Tennis courts were of particular interest (10 comments). Also mentioned more than once: activities for children and teenagers, outside gym, multipurpose pitch/court, disabled facilities basketball court, toilets
Do you feel you have adequate access to the 610 replies following? Desire for a GP surgery and Post Office but otherwise happy. Place of worship 96% yes Open space 95% yes Community centre 66% yes Sports facilities 55% yes GP surgery 40% yes Post Office 39% yes
Maulden Neighbourhood Plan Group