East Donyland Parish Council: Action Plan for

In 2014-15 the Village Plan Group developed and carried out a survey of residents within Rowhedge, to identify which issues are important to our local community, and how residents would like to see the village develop in the future. The survey results were analysed in 2016 by independent research specialists, QaResearch, and summary findings presented at the Annual Parish Assembly. The parish council resolved in January 2017 to use the survey analysis to develop an action plan for Rowhedge, identifying areas where progress has already been made, and those which are still outstanding.

This action plan identifies all questions in the village plan survey where an opinion on an action or issue was sought, where a majority view was expressed indicating action may be appropriate (i.e. over 50% in support of starting an activity, or concerned about an issue). For each item, any actions already taken or in progress are identified, as well as any further potential action required and who will be the lead agency in taking action forward. New facilities and activities

Facility/activity Level of support Actions taken / in progress Further potential actions Lead Small industrial/crafters area 69% Development adjacent to Jam Private enterprise Jar in progress, to include artist studio. Museum 64% Pump House considered but EDPC has stated it is open to Community organisations to not financially viable. applications for future use of apply if interested the heritage hut site by 3rd parties. Community Café 85% Jam Jar café has opened, and EDPC has stated it is open to Community organisations / RCRC have taken over applications for future use of private enterprise operation of the heritage hut the heritage hut site by 3rd refreshments. parties. Community Shop 62% Monthly FSL village market Community organisations ongoing Other sport activities 52% (netball 42% support) S106 funding agreed for EDPC - development of development of sports and facilities when S106 funding is recreation facilities incl. released. climbing rocks, canoe racks, development of Rec ground. Individuals – start up groups as EDPC funded Health & wanted, e.g. walking football. Wellbeing classes for over 60s for 6 months Community skills swap shop 70% support My Rowhedge scheme initiated by resident Lion Quay heritage land Open space 62% support RCRC took over temporary EDPC has stated it is open to Small single storey heritage operation of the hut in 2016 on applications for future use of building 60% support a 2yr basis the heritage hut site by 3rd parties. Free public toilets within an 55% £120,000 S106 funding agreed If the heritage hut were existing building for development of Social Club developed further, a toilet facilities. Toilet adjacent to Jam facility could be included. Jar café available for anyone using that area. The village hall should be 51% S106 funding agreed for this EDCA – development of facility developed to provide better purpose, planning permission once funds are released. facilities for the preschool obtained.

Transport, roads, paths etc

Issue Level of support Actions taken / in progress Further potential actions Lead Weight limit for vehicles 62% - None – cannot be legally parking overnight in the village implemented 20mph speed limit throughout 86% Application submitted to LHP, 20mph - ECC/CBC Cllrs Scordis village petition circulated to evidence & Bentley support Speedwatch initiative being Speedwatch - CBC Cllrs Lilley & started Scordis Footpath at the top end of 75% Part of the S106 funding agreed EDPC – when S106 funds are Rectory Rd going to the for purchase & development of released allotments the allotment site could be used for this Roundabout at the junction of 67% Issue reported numerous times ECC – Cllr Bentley Rectory Rd and Rd to ECC, requesting further assessment of the site as a hazard Improvements to current links 51% S106 funds agreed for ECC – once S106 funds released to Fingringhoe improvements to footpaths P3 group set up Remedial works carried out by ECC to stepped section through woods Improvements to current links 52% LHP application for cycle path ECC – LHP application and use to and footpath widening of S106 funds once released currently at feasibility study stage S106 funds agreed for improvements to footpaths Footbridge link to 60% LHP application for feasibility Dependent on outcome of ECC study being re-submitted. application / study

Environment, green spaces etc

Issue Level of support Actions taken / in progress Further potential actions Lead Additional green space at the 57% Proposal to council withdrawn Hard following public feedback. Extension of the allotments 66% S106 funds agreed for purchase EDPC – progress once and development of land, landowner responds and funds awaiting response from are released landowner Good woods project e.g. Sylva 73% St Lawrence Forest School None - all existing woodland on Landowner Foundation, caring for initiative started privately owned land, any woodland along sustainable initiative would need to come principles from the owner

Safety, crime etc incl dog fouling/control

Issue Level of support Actions taken / in progress Further potential actions Lead There is sufficient police 64% disagree None – Police issue presence in Rowhedge A bobby on the beat 70% support Essex Police issue, but parish Essex Police could pay for a PCSO through increasing the precept? Part time community warden 79% support EDPC could pay for a PCSO to report parking, speeding, through increasing the precept anti-social behaviour and dog fouling issues to the police Dog warden 53% support CBC have introduced dog CBC fouling PSPO, EDPC have requested max level of enforcement activity Extra lighting on the recreation 64% support S106 funding agreed to develop Need to consider light pollution EDPC – identify rec ground that would react to facilities at the rec which could issues that would affect development plans once movement include lighting neighbouring residents funding is released CCTV on the recreation ground 54% support RFC have installed CCTV around Need to consider issues re data EDPC – identify rec the pavilion and container. protection / monitoring development plans once S106 funding agreed to develop funding is released facilities at the rec which could include CCTV Fines for irresponsible dog 95% support CBC have introduced dog CBC owners fouling PSPO, EDPC have requested max level of enforcement activity Dog poo bag dispensers 72% support 3 installed Oct 2016 – misused Solutions researched but none EDPC consistently, emptied of stock identified – dispensers likely to as soon as filled. Unable to be removed as currently not in maintain. use.

Future development

Issue Level of support/agreement Actions taken / in progress Further potential actions Lead Keeping a green wedge 96% support Objections submitted to Local Dependent on appeal by CBC between Rowhedge and Old Plan and planning application. developer. Heath to protect our green space Development of small 74% support Inclusion of Rowhedge RCCE to advise re affordable RCCE/CBC properties for older people to Business Plan in Local Plan housing opportunities move into draft, may include appropriate properties Affordable housing survey undertaken, identified small level local need. Development of small 53% support Inclusion of Rowhedge RCCE to advise re affordable RCCE/CBC properties for small families to Business Plan in Local Plan housing opportunities move into draft, may include appropriate properties. Affordable housing survey undertaken, identified small level local need. A mixture of modern and 59% support CBC planning issue – parish CBC traditional designs in new council to ensure they builds comment on applications Sufficient parking spaces for 81% support CBC planning issue – parish CBC new builds (min 2 spaces) council to ensure they comment on applications Doctor’s surgery will be 71% disagree Inclusion of Rowhedge CBC/ECC planning issue – CBC/ECC sufficient to cover the needs of Business Plan in Local Plan parish council to ensure they future residents draft, with option to include a comment on applications medical centre. Roads and transportation 69% agree EDPC identified this in their Ongoing reporting of issues and ECC require further funding response to the Local Plan responses to planning consultation and Gladman applications planning application. The school will be able to cope 64% disagree EDPC identified this in their ECC with a larger population response to the Local Plan consultation and Gladman planning application. The preschool will be able to 58% disagree S106 funding agreed for EDCA – development of facility cope with a larger population extension to village hall for once funds are released. preschool use, planning permission obtained. The borough council should 91% agree CBC planning issue. CBC forecast the ability of services to cope before giving planning permission to proposed developments There is a need for affordable 58% agree RCCE survey commissioned by RCCE to advise re affordable RCCE housing in Rowhedge EDPC – low response rate, but housing opportunities, take small local need identified. forward with CBC