Produced by Rural Community Council For Parish Council

CONTENTS PAGE No. Introduction: The Parish 2 About The Parish Plan 3

Issues in the Parish: Adult Education 6 Crime & Safety 7 Cycling & Footpaths 8 Employment 9 Health Services 10 Housing Development 11 Parish Services 12 Recreation Issues 13 Traffic - Roads 15 Transport 17 Young People and Children 18

Action Plans 19

General Information: The Future 34 Achievements 35 Glossary 35 Photographs 36 Parish Map 37 Plan of the Proposed By-Pass

1

Situated on the A388 roughly mid-way between and , St. Mellion takes its name from the church, which has stood sentinel over the village since the 13th century and remains its natural focus. Its neighbour is the Church of village primary school. Both are greatly valued by the parish and vital to its life as a St. Mellion Grace cohesive community. Lord, please bless us with your Peace St. Mellion Parish consists of the village of St. Mellion and a further 82 houses at St. Mellion Park. and grace that we may never cease to grow in Faith and Love to you Statistics—taken from district wide information, provided by District Council. and will your Will in all we do; ◊ The parish has a resident population of 377 and this we pray by your dear Son ◊ There are 163 households (permanent occupation) in the parish ◊ There are a further 6 vacant properties and 12 that are second who for us redemption won. residences or holiday homes

Areas within the parish are registered as: Amen ◊ AGLV (Area of Great Landscape Value) ◊ AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) ◊ SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest)

2

The Parish Plan should be thought of as a tool which can be used in a range of ways:

What is a Parish Plan? Parish Plans were first introduced through the ◊ To set out and record the vision for the parish, as adopted by the Countryside Agency’s Parish Plan Grant Scheme, part of their Vital Parish Council, in a document that can be circulated to a range Villages Initiative. The grant programme enabled parish councils to of organisations including the district and county council. apply for funding, of up to £5,000, to carry out community consultation ◊ To guide and assist local groups and/or the Parish Council. to gauge the views of residents on how the parish should develop or ◊ As a kick-start to projects—using the information contained within change (if at all), over a 5 to 10 year period. The consultation process the action plans to get started! should also strengthen the links between a parish council and its community. To meet the grant criteria, it was necessary for any parish ◊ As evidence of need when lobbying for services etc. council that applied to contribute 25%, and this could include in-kind ◊ As evidence of need when applying for grant funding. contribution (e.g. volunteer time), although it was necessary to have a ◊ As evidence of what the parish residents particularly value. minimum of a 5% cash contribution—£250.00 if a full grant of £5,000 was being applied for.

The Plan and the Consultation Process: A plan brings together information from the community consultation as well as agencies, local organisations etc., in a realistic and feasible action plan.

Usually during the consultation process, a range of ideas come forward District and County Community Strategies: The support of from small parish improvements to large-scale projects. It can, at this Caradon District Council and Cornwall County Council is stage, also include some items which may form more of a “wish list”, likely to be important to many of the issues within this Plan. It however this is perhaps to be expected. At this point, it is therefore is therefore important to keep them informed and consulted necessary to work on the information gathered, through some form of about the issues within the parish. This is particularly prioritisation event or meeting, as well as consultation with possible important because Community Strategies are being partner organisations to help form what should be a realistic action developed at both district and county level, following plan for the parish. consultation with a wide range of partners (private, public

The Purpose of a Parish Plan: Whilst the Plan usually takes the form of a and voluntary) as well as communities. Due to the different document, it is essential that it is used as a tool for change. The Plan levels and scope of the different strategies it is important that should take into account district and county plans and link with these any community planning within parishes (Parish Plans or other where appropriate, as well as any other strategies e.g. Market & forms) is made known and fed into this network. Coastal Towns Initiative, if the parish is within the hinterland. The Parish Plan is the process by which the parish set out their aims and objectives, giving voice to the community. 3 ◊ 160 household questionnaires were delivered and 108 returned, a response rate of 67%. ◊ In addition, a youth questionnaire was distributed and 10 returned. It should be noted that, according to the 2001 census figures In 2003, the Parish Council invited a representative from the CRCC to supplied by Caradon District Council, there are only 30 young attend their meeting and explain the Countryside Agency’s Parish Plan people between the age of 5 and 15 in the parish, which helps Grant Scheme. The Parish Council were keen to undertake a plan and explain the low response figure. were able to put together a working group (consisting of parish councillors and residents) to take the project forward. An application Information obtained from the questionnaires was then analysed and for funding was submitted to the Countryside Agency and this proved a prioritisation event, open to the residents of the parish, was held on successful. The Parish Plans Officer at Caradon District Council also the evening of Thursday 17th June and throughout the day on offered her support to the group. Saturday 19th June, 2004. The events were manned by members of the working group and The working group created a questionnaire covering a wide range of issues, including: housing, recreational facilities, parish services, The event was held for three reasons: transport, roads, cycle ways, public services, countryside etc. This was 1) to feed back the information from the questionnaires to the hand delivered to households in early October 2003 and collected residents towards the end of October. 2) to reaffirm the priorities and seek further comments, and, 3) to look at future actions and partners.

. Some members of the The following table shows the attendance at the event Working Group

getting ready to Age Group Male Female Total deliver the 60 & Over 21 16 37 questionnaires! 41-59 13 17 30

31-40 1 2 3 18-30 4 2 6

11 - 17 7 5 12

Under 10 21 16 37

67 58 125

Many of the children that attended the event live in , but attend St. Mellion School.

4 Having undertaken an appraisal by way of a questionnaire, followed up by a public event, the third stage is this, the production of the St. Mellion Parish Plan. It is hoped that by involving potential partners at an early stage, that they will work with the Parish in taking the actions forward. This Plan is an “Action Plan” that needs to be used by the Parish Council and the community to fulfil the vision they have for their parish. The Plan does not guarantee that all the issues raised will be resolved immediately or without further work, as some of these projects may require lobbying for change and, some of the issues are long term projects. However, the Parish Plan is a tool for bringing about change and, in this instance, has already had significant effect in relation to the by-pass, which the County Council are now treating as an urgent issue.

PHOTOS FROM THE PRIORITISATION EVENT, JUNE 2004

Recording Display sheets attendees at the giving the event on background “caterpillars” details and Each caterpillar explanation of representing a the event. different part of the parish

Residents browsing the display and preparing to indicate their views using sticky dots!

5 From the questionnaire results and prioritisation data, it can be seen that there is some interest in adult education and leisure facilities. Although the number of people interested THE VISION: in such activities is small, commonly 15 to 22 in total for each activity type, this is likely to be Increased opportunities, sufficient for some of the more popular choices—computing (ICT), languages or a hobby within the parish, for club (gardening). It may be that some people attend evening classes and leisure activities in the nearby towns of Callington and Saltash, however this is not possible for all residents adult education and because of limited public transport availability and/or lack of their own transport. recreational classes Realistically, it would not be feasible to offer a wide range of classes within the parish, but there is scope for working with the Adult Education Service to look at setting up one or two classes at the village (church) hall or school (if venue available) and perhaps also setting up an informal community gardening club.

School (left) and Church Hall (right)in St. Mellion village.

Learning can be about having fun, developing skills or attaining a recognised qualification. Cornwall Strategies/Policies County Council’s Adult Education Service aims to offer opportunities to meet adult training needs, vocational, educational and recreational.

Cornwall County Council—Lifelong Learning: Objective “Promoting the achievement of high levels of educational attainment to contribute to the social and economic well being of the community”

As well as training available through the wide range of services offered through the Adult Education Service, there are also other training providers both commercial and voluntary. The WEA (Workers Educational Association) provide a selection of training opportunities and are the largest voluntary provider of adult learning.

6 Out of the 21 issues displayed at the prioritisation event, the crime and safety issue was highlighted by attendees as the 7th highest in terms of priority. THE VISION: For all parish residents to feel The parish questionnaire contained several questions relating to crime and safety and safe within the parish and it was clear from the answers that residents did not, in general, feel afraid in the reassured that crime is being parish. Whilst this is reassuring, the parish should not be complacent as approximately tackled and also its prevention. 50 households worry about petty crime (theft & vandalism).

Graph Indicating Whether Residents Worry About Crime/Safety Issues ◊ 85 households (equating to over 50% of the parish and, over 70% of those who returned questionnaires) stated that they were in favour of 60 a more obvious police presence.

50 ◊ Allied to this, 80 household responses 40 House break-ins indicated that they would like to see a stronger Other theft link forged between the police and Parish 30 Vandalism Council. 71 households would like the Parish 20 Children's personal safety Council to press for the appointment of a community constable. Own personal safety 10

0 ◊ In terms of the parish being proactive in its YES NO No response approach to safety initiatives, 71 households would be willing to join a Neighbourhood Watch or Good Neighbours Scheme.

There is a commitment from a range of partners at district and county level to work in partnership to tackle Strategies/Policies crime.

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary: Proactively working in partnership with a range of agencies and public sector organisations with the aim of reducing and preventing crime. There is also a change in style of policing with the introduction of a neighbourhood policing scheme. Cornwall County Council: Established a Youth Offending Team in 2000 to prevent crimes committed by young people. This project is an example of partnership working, drawing together the resources of the County Council, Devon & Cornwall Constabulary, the Probation Service, Social Services and Health sector.

7 Footpaths and cycle-ways can provide both a leisure facility as well as providing a safer route to villages, towns or specific amenities, such as a school. THE VISION: A network of well signed Cycle-ways: The appraisal indicated some interest in and well maintained cycle-ways but did not indicate a strong demand at the present time for a specific cycle route. The plans for a St. footpaths in the parish. Mellion by-pass, which should reduce traffic in the parish, may be a contributory factor in this view. However more research would be necessary if the Parish Council were to consider some form of cycle-way project.

Footpaths: Approximately 60 households indicated that members of their household walk regularly for leisure, and 43 households contain one or comments made by parish residents: more persons who walk regularly to a specific destination. 42 households stated that they there are not enough footpaths in the parish, and the “Please can we have a majority of residents, that gave opinion, felt that the footpaths were satisfactorily maintained and signed. It should be noted that not everyone is aware of footpath locations and in relation to this 77 review of the parish households would like to see a footpaths map displayed on the parish “Improved footpathfootpaths” ne notice board. eded to ”

Walking and cycling initiatives are currently very much in the news— predominately because of the Strategies/Policies implications of improved health. An example of this is the Government’s recent involvement in the 10,000 steps a day challenge (the amount of steps a person would broadly need to take in order to be considered active) with several MPs taking part in this. Other organisations such as Sustrans (sustainable transport) are also encouraging more active lifestyles and have been involved in several cycle trail projects in Cornwall. Whether people cycle or walk out of necessity, or for leisure, health or environmental reasons, it is essential that the infrastructure (pathways, signage etc) is in place both in towns and rural locations. Cornwall County Council is encouraging parishes to join the Local Maintenance Partnership to jointly tackle maintenance of footpaths essential for good use. Caradon District Council is keen to enhance pedestrian access and is encouraging the County Council to adopt regulations that will improve facilities within town and village centres.

8 St. Mellion is one of the smaller parishes within Cornwall and, in common, with other rural parishes, has little or no large commercial offices, retail superstores or industrial businesses. THE VISION: The leisure industry is better represented in the parish, due to the St. Mellion Golf Club Improved employment complex, as it is known locally, which attracts golfers and their families to the area, as well as opportunities locally. offering employment to residents of the parish - although this is not the only employer in the parish, it is a sizeable one. However, like other rural parishes, employment opportunities are limited and many residents work outside of the area. The appraisal data indicates that adult members, of over 50 households, work outside of the parish and the majority of these travel to work by car.

Of the 47 households that responded, 34 households indicated that there is a need for more jobs in the parish. Whilst any employment is welcomed, there is a need to consider what type of business can be supported within the parish. From the comments made in the appraisal and at the Prioritisation Event, a range of views have been obtained. And suggestions include hi- tech employment, home working and small craft/office workspaces. A number of residents also expressed an opinion that employment is essential to retain young people in the parish.

Strategies/Policies Caradon District Council is encouraging diversification of the rural economy by encouraging small enterprises—such as traditional craft workshops and computer services and relevant policies (including policy EM5 below) are set out in their Local Plan Policy EM5: Small workshop developments in the countryside or in villages other than those mentioned in Policy EM3 will be permitted if: (i) it comprises small units no greater than 100 sq.m. in floor space; (ii) the need cannot be met by the conversion of an existing building, and; (iii) it conforms with the criteria (I) to (iv) set out in policy EM3, (iv) such developments are located within or adjacent to existing groups of buildings. 9 The following data is taken from the appraisal results: THE VISION: ◊ 80 households indicated that they are satisfied with the daytime medical facilities Access to facilities, for the parish. There were only 3 households who indicated that they were not particularly NHS dental satisfied and a further 25 did not reply. services.

◊ 71 households are satisfied with the out of hours medical facilities including Kernow Doc. Again, 3 households indicated that they are not satisfied and 34 households did not respond.

◊ The most negative response in relation to health, was concerning dental care. 64 households find NHS dental care a problem, difficult or impossible.

◊ The data from the Prioritisation Event indicated that access to a NHS dentist is a problem for households in all areas of the parish and that residents feel that this needs to be tackled now.

Cornwall and District Health Authority is responsible for health care services in Cornwall. North Strategies/Policies & East Cornwall Primary Care Trust provide NHS services in the Caradon area, as well as and areas.

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Health Authority: The Health Promotion Service is one of the Health Authority’s projects, supporting communities and voluntary groups to tackle a wide range of health issues with specific projects on healthy eating, exercise, stopping smoking, mental health etc, as well as providing information and education through school projects.

Caradon District Council: Employ a Community Health Development Worker who has set up a number of health networks/forums and is also able to advise on wider health issues, such as healthy eating, walking, befriending schemes, support groups etc.

10 Affordable Housing for Locals: The subject of future housing development, within the parish, drew the following response from the appraisal respondents. THE VISION: ◊ Of 96 households that expressed an opinion, 82 of these indicated that future development in Future Housing the parish should be limited. Only 16 households stated that the village has a need for development, in affordable housing. 92 households are of the opinion that the by-pass must be built prior to the parish, to be any housing development. small-scale, and for ◊ 72 households are in favour of land designated for affordable homes ONLY being released as the parish need arises. specific need. ◊ In principle, residents who attended the prioritisation event were most supportive of a small scale affordable housing development for local people, maximum of 10 properties. Generally, approval of such a project should be subject to establishing a specific local need within the parish and more consultation to establish this. Of the 89 people who expressed a view at the event, only 5 were against an affordable housing development for locals.

From the above results, it appears that the parish would not welcome any housing development unless it is sympathetic to the area, small-scale and Suggestions for where housing should be only if a specific need has been identified. located: Purpose Built Sheltered Accommodation for Older Parish Residents: This topic was also highlighted in the appraisal. Over 40 households indicated “as close to the village as possible to ensure more sheltered accommodation is likely to be needed, 21 households that the village community is not divided”” disagreed and 44 did not give an opinion. Unless a firm need is established, “close to village amenities”” it is unlikely and unwise to take any drastic action on this—the first step “don’t know but infill would seem sensible” should be monitoring need via the housing survey process.

Caradon District Council - extract from Policy H12 Strategies/Policies As an exception to policies H3 and H4, small residential developments which provide affordable housing for local people needing to live in the community will be permitted if:- (i) the site is within or immediately adjoining a village for which development limits are defined on the proposals map; (ii) there is an identified local housing need within the local community; (iii) the number, type & size of dwellings proposed will meet (wholly or in part) the identified local housing need; (iv) the dwellings are to be subject to secure arrangements to ensure that initial and subsequent occupancy is restricted to members of the local community in housing need, (v) the size, layout and design of the development is appropriate in scale and character to the environment of the village; (vi) the development would not reduce an already narrow rural gap between settlements or seriously impair the landscape setting of a village. 11 The school, church and village store were rated as an integral part of the parish, with over 90 households seeing the school and store as essential to the parish. The links from the school to the Parish Council and the church, was vitally important to 75 households. THE VISION: ◊ Residents would like to see the relationship between the school and the community Thriving services, which continued and enhanced. enhance parish life. ◊ In relation to the village store, the return of a post office service was by far the most requested additional service and parking the most highlighted problem. Unfortunately, since the consultation process commenced, and during the writing of this document, the village store has closed, and the premises are on the market, for sale. It is not known whether this will be bought as an on-going commercial business or if it will become a residential property. ◊ There is a mobile post office but, unfortunately, not all residents seem to be aware of this service. Similarly there is a mobile library service that operates in the parish. Both need to be proactively advertised if residents are to fully benefit from the services. This is ever more critical now that the store has closed.

The demise of the village store is a sad loss to St. Mellion.

St. Mellion Stores (now closed) on the left and the Coryton Arms public house below. “Did not know St. Mellion

had a mobile post office.”

“If we have the use of a

mobile post office and library we need to be told. In that case I would support them.”

“More advertising.”

12 Facilities, in terms of a playing field, children’s play equipment, youth and family recreational activities, public spaces (e.g. village green/area for walking) were all highlighted in the THE VISION: appraisal as being needed within the parish. A range of recreational opportunities and Multi-Use Community Building: Over 70 households indicated that the parish needs a multi- appropriate facilities to purpose hall, to cater for a wide range of activities within the parish. Both the church hall and locally. school building are utilised for some community activities but are very restricted in terms of facilities. The church hall is one room (used for parish council meetings etc) but is not suitable for large events. The school (owned by the church) has no hall facility, in fact one of the two classrooms has to be utilised for assemblies and for a lunch time canteen as there are no other rooms (other than the offices and

Appraisal Responses kitchen) in the school. Previously the Does the Parish Need…..? church has been used for a school concert, although this was not ideal. The 100 school head would like to be able to offer more facilities to its pupils and to the community both indoor and outdoor. 75 However, the school also sub-lease their playing field and therefore use of this is also restricted. 50 These existing buildings, in their current form, cannot meet the needs of the 25 parish, including those recorded in this document. Sufficient car parking is also an issue and needs to be considered 0 Multi-purpose Church car Children's Public open Playing field Recreation Youth when investigating any improvements or hall park playground space area* facilities additions to current facilities.

Yes Recreational issues also featured as a

high priority at the event in June — No *Recreation area: walking recreational space being the third

(inc. walking dogs), highest overall, and the need for a No response jogging, family recreation. community building the sixth highest priority from over 20 parish issues.

13 People attending the event in June, were given a simple questionnaire regarding the land opposite the church (at the back of Church Lane). The questionnaire was prepared by WH Bond & Sons who own this piece of land, as well as other land within the parish. The form included a rough sketch of the relevant land location and the two questions 1) If the land were made available to the village, would you like this to remain as it is? or 2) What would you like to see the land used for?

The vast majority of forms returned indicated that they would like this area to be used for recreational purposes. Some comments also suggested the land , or some of it, could be used for car parking for the church and church hall.

Samples of completed questionnaire forms

14 One of the main issues within the appraisal, related to the proposed plans for a by-pass which will reduce traffic on the A388 Callington-Saltash road which is routed via St. Mellion. THE VISION: This was also the issue that attracted the highest demand for urgent action, at the Safe roads, throughout prioritisation event. Fortunately, the need for a by-pass has already been recognised by the parish, for drivers Cornwall County Council and therefore action is being taken. However, the events in June and pedestrians alike. enabled more consultation to take place and the issue clarified for residents.

By-pass proposal map on display.

The proposed design plan for a St. Mellion by-pass was on show at the event. Mr. Alistair Uglow, Project Engineer with Cornwall County Council, kindly attended the event on Thursday evening and was available to answer questions on this. This gave residents the opportunity to view the proposed route and ensure that it is clear in their minds. This is especially important as 42 households stated that they had not received a Cornwall County Council circular detailing the plans for the by-pass. ◊ In the appraisal, 96 households stated that the village urgently needs a by- pass. 10 households disagreed and a further 2 households did not specify their preference. The 96 households in favour of urgent action, represent 59% of total parish households, which is an extremely high response when also linked to the fact that 67% of households returned the questionnaire.. ◊ At the event, only one person indicated they are against the by-pass and the vast majority indicated that they are happy with the plans as they stand. THE BY-PASS Cornwall County Council is in the process of preparing a planning application for the by- pass, which includes the gathering of environmental information.

The Council is reviewing its programme of The A388: along schemes for the next Local Transport Plan period the Callington to (2006-2011) - St. Mellion is unlikely to be St. Mellion stretch programmed before 2008. The work on the by- pass will take approximately 12 months to complete.

15 Although the proposed by-pass was the primary traffic issue that came out of the consultation process, there were still general concerns about traffic in the parish. Several respondents were of the opinion, that work on a by-pass will take years to complete and therefore traffic calming measures are required in the meantime— some form of pedestrian crossing facility across the main road to the school and church is one such measure that residents feel is sufficiently important and urgent to be taken forward as an action. However, it should be borne in mind that this type of work may need to be carried out in conjunction with other measures—to ensure traffic is already slowing down before it gets to this section of road. Cornwall County Council is intending, as part of its work in improving safety around schools, to make changes to traffic signage in St. Mellion. However, other traffic calming or safety measures e.g. lighting, speed signs etc., will need to be considered individually (benefits and disadvantages, location, costs etc) and in context of the plans for the by-pass. Street lighting, for example, is quite contentious as some residents would like more and others would prefer less: this may in part be due to location of lighting and the solution could be a mixture of lighting provision in some locations but also removal or reduction of lighting from other areas.

Lack of off-road parking provision is another issue that arose in a lesser degree, and this was mainly in relation to using the amenities in the village e.g. the church and shop.

A RANGE OF COMMENTS MADE BY Junction from Polborder on to A388 roundabour (on left), RESIDENTS: Road from St. Mellion towards “Pedestrian crossing needed near school” Polborder (below). “Slowing the traffic through the village should be top priority”

“It would be nice if the entrance to The Glebe had much better lighting.”

“By-pass long overdue”

“The amount of light pollution from St.

Mellion park area should be decreased”

16 Due to the rural location of the parish, most residents need to travel in their daily life whether for work, recreational or other purposes and it was therefore felt essential that the existing THE VISION: bus services are maintained. 34 households indicated that they use the bus service and 15 Improved access to households indicated that they use a supermarket bus. services and facilities through appropriate More residents would be encouraged to use buses if: transport services. ◊ service reliability improved: a wide range of comments received stating buses did not run on time or did not turn up at all. ◊ bus stop safety considered: some residents did not feel safe waiting for a bus in unlit areas or where the bus stop location was felt to be inappropriately sited. ◊ more facilities outside of village: some residents stated that they do not use the bus because they would need to drive to a bus stop. ◊ information: more information on bus services is needed. ◊ bus shelters: 61 households think bus shelters are needed.

Bus stop and partly obscured bus timetable, opposite the golf club entrance, on the A388.

Strategies/Policies Cornwall County Council: The Local Transport Plan sets out the Council’s aims and objectives, covering all modes of transport and strategies on how the county will develop. The Plan, developed through a consultation process, identifies priorities and relevant targets. In line with government advice, the Council are working towards reducing the need to travel through land use policies and offering alternatives to the private car.

Caradon District Council: The District Council recognise that there is a high level of car ownership but a significant percentage of the population within Caradon are reliant on public transport or friends and family. The District Council recognise that there is a need to ensure that public transport services between the rural areas and towns are maintained and improved where possible to enable access to work, recreation, medical and other services.

17 The school took a keen interest in the Parish Plan process and encouraged the children to record their views (in writing and through drawings) as well as at the events. Whilst only a small number of the children attending the school live in St. Mellion, most living in Pillaton and other areas, such as, Callington, Saltash, , they were all keen to take part in this process. Many of the children would like to stay after school and visit in holiday times, to play with their friends but the parish has no facilities and therefore all of the children at the school have an interest in the parish’s future and how facilities can be improved.

The views of the children reflect many of those issues raised in this document.

The children want to have access to: ◊ better outdoor play and general recreational facilities. Most children said they wanted a park to play in. ◊ an indoor hall - a facility that is at the moment totally lacking in the parish. ◊ Safe roads ◊ Car parking

It should be noted that Pillaton and St. Mellion Parish Councils are currently working together, looking at the needs of the young people in these parishes.

18 19 Issues Action Location Partners

Provision of To investigate the possibilities of providing local ◊ Village/Church hall ◊ Parish Council appropriate adult learning facilities– working with the partners ◊ School ◊ Working Group education facilities identified—particularly the Adult Education Service ◊ Cornwall County Council – Education, Arts & within the parish. and WEA. Libraries dept, Early Years & Adult Education Service To explore training/learning needs and identify ◊ Caradon District Council access to these if they cannot be provided locally ◊ Saltash and/or Callington College utilising church hall and school, or multi use hall ◊ School facilities for local classes. ◊ Family Learning ◊ Local residents Further exploration required to identify barriers to ◊ Surestart learning opportunities i.e. transport, childcare. ◊ Objective 1 (South East Cornwall Regeneration Project) Note: Link with possible provision of a multi-use ◊ East Cornwall Rural Transport Partnership hall – parish services section and employment ◊ WEA section. ◊ Employment Service ◊ Saltash MCTI

Community groups Parish Council to use parish magazine as a tool for ◊ Village/church hall ◊ Parish Council to be set up, as collating details of those interested in the same ◊ Residents own ◊ Local residents appropriate, to cater topics e.g. gardening. Other shared interests could properties. ◊ Neighbouring parishes for the interests of the also be explored if sufficient numbers. residents e.g. garden club. Arrange initial meeting to discuss where and when club could get together. The scope of the club (e. g. trips, exchange of ideas, talks, linking with other gardening clubs. Parish Council might consider helping support group in terms of venue, notices etc., in the first instance.

20 Issue Action Location Partners

To provide a safe Need to liaise with Devon & Cornwall Constabulary ◊ Parish wide ◊ Parish Council and crime free (Neighbourhood Beat Manager) to develop a ◊ Working Group environment for community crime action plan and look at the ◊ Devon & Cornwall Constabulary residents locally. possibility of community police liaison officer for ◊ Caradon District Council the parish area. Crime and disorder implications ◊ School will need to be carefully considered for any new ◊ Local residents development and advice sought on how to ◊ Local businesses reduce risk of crime occurring. ◊ Saltash MCTI

Explore community initiatives e.g. Neighbourhood Watch with an aim of reducing petty crime.

Identify funding requirements to implement security cameras/lights in specific locations where required (i.e. where vandalism appears to be a problem)

21 Issue Action Location Partners

Network of well Parish Council/ Working Group to identify: Possible locations for new ◊ Parish Council signed and main- ◊ relevant footpaths on an OS map (See footpaths ◊ Working Group tained footpaths to map on display) ◊ Glebe to Polborder ◊ Cornwall County Council cater for the needs ◊ if new footpaths are feasible roundabout ◊ Caradon District Council of all users. ◊ practicality of reducing vehicular use of the ◊ Between village & Golf ◊ Footpaths & Bridleways Association lane from the village to the Golf Club pe- Club ◊ Ramblers destrian priority ◊ St. Mellion to Tremoan/ ◊ Environment Agency ◊ funding for improvements including sign- Halton Quay ◊ age ◊ Village through Cro- ◊ Landowners ◊ maintenance and responsibility issues. Par- cadon woods to Pill ◊ Countryside Agency (Right to Roam) ish Council may wish to consider joining head Bridge ◊ Saltash MCTI CCC scheme (Local Maintenance Partner- ◊ And within parish gener- ◊ Local residents ship) ally ◊ feasibility of parish map for display (and/or leaflets) to indicate footpaths in parish. Par- ish Council to set up process to enable resi- dents to log footpath problems. ◊ an approach Caradon District Council re: feasibility of parish map for display (and/or leaflets) to indicate footpaths in parish ◊ possibility of re-introducing “Beating of bounds” – walking the village/parish boundaries. Work with partners identified.

Also consider feasibility of improvements to enable access for disabled and discuss with relevant au- thorities/agencies CYCLE-WAYS PROJECT. ◊ More research and work would need to be undertaken if a cycle-ways project is to be established, as unfortunately the results of the appraisal and event did not establish a strong level of support for a specific route. The results gained may, of course, be affected by the current by-pass plans and therefore further consultation could take place at a later date if interest appears to increase.

22 Issue Action Location Partners

To improve and cre- Investigate training opportunities (utilising local ◊ Parish wide ◊ Parish Council ate employment op- venues). Liaise with Employment Service on possi- ◊ Working Group portunities, for peo- bility of an “employment surgery” session within the ◊ Local employers ple locally. parish which might help match local employers to ◊ Small Business Advisor available skills, give advice to job seekers, advise ◊ Employment Service on help available (travel costs, employment ◊ Cornwall Enterprise schemes and training). ◊ Objective 1 officer (South East Cornwall Regen- eration Project) Provide job information on parish notice boards – ◊ Caradon District Council advise employers of this facility. ◊ Training providers: adult education, colleges ◊ Surestart & Early Years Dept (CCC) for childcare Consider childcare and transport issues and seek options. advice on grants /help available etc. ◊ Saltash MCTI

23 Issue Action Location Partners

Parish residents re- Liaise with partners to investigate dental surgery fa- ◊ Multi use parish hall ◊ Parish Council quiring access to cilities and options locally. ◊ Local dental surgery ◊ Working Group NHS dentist services. ◊ Dental surgeries To also investigate access to these facilities else- And identify ◊ North & East Cornwall Primary Care Trust where.. ◊ Audit of facilities within ◊ PALS (Patient Liaison Service) Caradon area – specifi- ◊ Health Action Zone If multi use hall is built, health facilities could form cally areas surrounding ◊ Health Promotions Service one element of the services on offer. Liaise with parish – e.g. Callington ◊ Existing health services other parishes and village hall committees where & Saltash. ◊ Hall committee this has taken place. ◊ Local residents ◊ Saltash MCTI

24 Issue Action Location Partners

To provide, as need Monitor the need for low cost housing of all tenures ◊ Parish wide ◊ Parish Council identified, an via the district and local needs housing surveys. ◊ Working Group adequate supply of ◊ Caradon District Council (Housing Enabler & affordable homes for Parish Council to liaise with Caradon District Planning Dept) a range of people Council, with the aim of ensuring that the local ◊ CRCC Rural Housing Enabler within the community plan process incorporates consultation with parish ◊ Housing Corporation e.g. local residents in council and residents on future allocation of ◊ Housing providers: Housing Associations, private housing need. housing land and types of development. To also developers formally record view that any housing ◊ Residents development should be on a small scale, taking ◊ Local landowners into account current amenities and infrastructure. ◊ Saltash MCTi

Set up working party to investigate potential sites and form working relationships with housing providers.

To ensure that there As part of the above actions, the need for Generally within parish – ◊ Parish Council is appropriate sheltered housing (in conjunction with low cost sites suggested include: ◊ Working group housing housing of all tenures if affordable housing also to ◊ Adjacent or near to ◊ Caradon District Council: Housing Enabler and accommodation, in be considered) should also be monitored via the existing Planning departments. the form of sheltered district and local needs housing surveys. accommodation ◊ Social Services housing, for the older catering for older ◊ Housing Corporation residents of the Set up working party to consult with partners and residents ◊ Local landowners parish. seek advice on: ◊ St. Mellion village — ◊ CRCC Housing Enabler ◊ potential sites (including area close to central location ◊ Housing providers: Housing Associations, Private existing site at the Glebe), planning and Developers land ownership issues. ◊ Local residents ◊ feasibility of council run and/or Housing ◊ Saltash MCTi Association sheltered accommodation. ◊ Abbeyfield Home ◊ funding of project.

Any new development should be in a sustainable location - related to public transport and pedestrian routes. 25 Issue Action Location Partners

A thriving school To establish and expand on current links within the ◊ School ◊ Parish Council within the parish parishes –including the church and community ◊ Church hall ◊ Working Group without threat of organisations. Liaise with these organisations to ◊ Cornwall County Council—Education, Arts & closure. establish how relationships can be strengthened. Libraries dept., Adult Education Dept ◊ St. Mellion School, Headteacher and School Strengthening links Promote the use of the school premises for other Governors between the school activities, such as training, adult education etc— ◊ CIRCLE (Computers in Rural Cornwall—a and the community, although at present this will be limited, due to the learning experience) including utilising lack of room and facilities within the school. ◊ Church school premises for ◊ Community organisations other community Work with the school and church regarding multi ◊ IAP—Objective 1 (South East Cornwall activities where use community facilities. More research regarding Regeneration Project) feasible. requirements is necessary. ◊ Training: WEA & Family Learning ◊ Saltash MCTI Retain the link with ◊ Cornwall Children’s Fund Parish Church and C ◊ Local residents of E.

To support the provision of school resources, to facilitate the best possible standard of primary education in the parish.

Community Hall Project: Community buildings for multi –use purpose was an issue that came up in the recreation section of the appraisal, but also links to parish services and possible use of the school premises.

Over 70 households are in favour of a multi-purpose village hall, to cater for needs contained within this Plan. At present the church hall is used as the “village hall” and whilst ideal for small meetings it cannot offer a wide range of facilities. Parking for the church and church hall is also extremely difficult as there is no car park facility.

Please refer to the “Recreation Section” and corresponding Recreation action plan.

26 Issue Action Location Partners

Access to services Since the shop has now closed, it is ever more ◊ Mobile services (post ◊ Parish Council and products locally. essential that the mobile services are retained. office & library) ◊ Working Group The mobile library and post office services must be ◊ Existing premises ◊ Post Office publicised so that maximum use is encouraged. ◊ Other premises (to be ◊ Caradon District Council identified) if new ◊ CRCC To encourage new services or the re-opening of facilities or a ◊ VIRSA (Village & Rural Shops Association) the village store, product needs have to be community enterprise ◊ Residents identified. However, a shop can only be to be taken forward. ◊ IAP Objective 1— South East Cornwall sustainable if the parish residents make good use Regeneration Project of its services. ◊ Local businesses ◊ Saltash MCTi If a retailer cannot be attracted to the parish, look at the feasibility and local interest in setting up a social enterprise (community business). Seek advice from VIRSA regarding possible development of services/products. Liaise with other outlets in the parish regarding expansion of village services utilising existing buildings. Speak with other parishes that may have tackled similar problems. See help and advice. Access to library The parish has a mobile library service but this ◊ Parish wide ◊ Parish Council services for the needs to be publicised more, as not all residents ◊ Working group residents of the are aware of its existence. ◊ Cornwall County Council—Education, Arts & parish. ◊ Publicise existence of mobile library service Library Dept including timetable and stops. This could also ◊ Facilities within parish: school, church, golf be linked with mobile post office advertising. club. consider household flier, in addition to poster ◊ Saltash MCTi campaign (parish, school, church & golf club notice boards) ◊ Consider whether timetable needs amendment to better cater for the parish – are some areas not currently included. Liaise with CCC regarding this and funding for publicity.

27 Issue Action Location Partners

To provide a wide Conduct an audit of community facilities (school, ◊ School land ◊ Parish Council range of services church hall) and consider the costs and feasibility ◊ Church hall ◊ Working Group locally through the of: ◊ New site ◊ CRCC (village halls advice) use of community A) improving the standard of existing hall. ◊ Cornwall County Council— Education, Arts & buildings. B) the options of providing a new multi-use Libraries dept., Youth, Adult Education & Early hall, for use by the school, local Years Depts To be sensitive to the community and health visitors. ◊ St. Mellion School, Headteacher and School needs of those with C) renewable energy options to be Governors disabilities e.g. considered. ◊ Church Hall committee access, toilets etc. D) need to undertake site identification, ◊ Land owners planning considerations, feasibility study ◊ IAP Objective 1 (South East Cornwall etc. Regeneration Project) ◊ Cornwall Enterprise (Rural Key Fund) Seek funding from the appropriate agencies ◊ Caradon District Council—Economic Regeneration, Planning Dept & Conservation Enlist the assistance and work in partnership with Officer the wide range of partners that could provide ◊ Advisory & funding bodies inc. Lottery Fund many of the services required e.g. childcare, ◊ North & East Cornwall Primary Care Trust evening classes, youth club. ◊ Surestart ◊ Saltash MCTI Consider implications of access/ public transport & ◊ Local residents by-pass scheme. ◊ Local organisations, clubs & associations

28 Issue Action Location Partners

To provide car Explore options alongside community hall issue to ◊ Close to the church ◊ Parish Council parking area for the investigate best site options, land ownership, ◊ Field behind Rectory ◊ Working Group church and its hall. planning and funding issues. ◊ CRCC ◊ Church Hall committee ◊ Other partners dependent on community hall project. See previous page.

To provide a multi- Set up working group to explore: location, space ◊ Glebe field ◊ Parish Council use recreational available, play and youth facilities required, ◊ Between village & Golf ◊ Working group space for all within costings, funding, health & safety e.g. safety Club ◊ Local residents the parish. surfacing & insurance, access, responsibility. Work ◊ Caradon District Council with the partners identified seeking practical help ◊ Playwise Project To incorporate a and advice. ◊ Local youth clubs (where appropriate) children’s playground ◊ Sport Action Zone and facilities for Consultation with young people in parish to identify ◊ CCPFA & NPFA young people. their requirements: ◊ RoSPA ◊ Funding bodies (including Local Network Fund) A public open space Seek funding to produce a comprehensive design ◊ Local Heritage Initiative area for dog walking, and layout plan to create a landscaped park ◊ Local businesses (sponsorship) walking/jogging and area incorporating areas for community facilities ◊ Land owners general family e.g. playing field, dog walking areas, and other ◊ Cornwall County Council—Countryside Officer recreational activities features. ◊ Environment Agency to also include a ◊ Wildlife Trust playing field. Also consider using community buildings for ◊ Young people and children certain activities identified e.g. Youth club. ◊ Saltash MCTi

Parish may also want to identify areas throughout parish that would be suitable for dog walking.

Also give consideration within the plan to public facilities such as toilets, litter bins, access, public transport etc

29 Issue Action Location Partners

Parish roads as safe Set up working group to consult with Cornwall Crossing provision: ◊ Parish Council as possible for all County Council on traffic management schemes ◊ Near Coryton Arms ◊ Working Group users. and timescale for by-pass. Parish residents have across main road to ◊ County Councillor concerns about levels of traffic, noise, fumes, shop/church/ St. Mellion ◊ Cornwall County Council (Highways & Road safety etc., but are aware that this will reduce if by- School Safety) pass proceeds. ◊ Caradon District Council Measures against speeding ◊ Devon & Cornwall Constabulary There is a need to work with CCC, Devon & inc: speed limits/ ◊ Saltash MCTi Cornwall Constabulary, Caradon District Council to speedvisor boxes: establish priorities for actions if by-pass not ◊ Entrance to St. Mellion imminent. A388 ◊ Road from A388 to Golf Initially, working group to consider project for Club pedestrian crossing facility across main road ◊ Dunstan Lane (irrespective of by-pass plans), to ensure safer ◊ Amytree crossroads access to school, church and shop. Work with ◊ Land from village to parish and county council. Undertake monitoring Golf Club exercise if required. Speak with local councillor regarding possibility of using locally controlled Pavements budget (held by councillors) for small schemes. ◊ Through village ◊ Glebe to lower end of village ◊ From Golf Club to church School land ◊ Church hall ◊ New site

30 Issue Action Location Partners

To ensure that roads Working group would again need to look at the Possible sites for new ◊ Parish Council and pedestrian walk- possible effects of a by-pass (less traffic) to lighting: ◊ Working Group ways are adequately determine realistic need and whether a mixture of ◊ At intervals on the A388 ◊ Cornwall County Council (Highways dept) lit, but not to the provision and/or removal would be appropriate. through village ◊ Caradon District Council detriment of the rural Working with parish council, draw up plan and ◊ Near access road to ◊ Saltash MCTi nature of the parish. seek approval from community on specific golf club locations/plan. (Vote/public meeting?) ◊ Near bus stop

Obtain costings and seek funding (liaise with Possible site for reduction parish, district and county council). Seek of lighting: clarification on lighting regulations/ laws - County, ◊ St. Mellion Park District and some parish councils have powers to ◊ Church Lane, close to install lights, although they may still require county the church council approval.

31 Issue Action Location Partners

An improved bus Seek advice of Rural Transport Officer (ECRTP), on Possible location for bus ◊ Parish Council service and current bus services in parish. Encourage election shelter: ◊ Working Group appropriate bus of parish transport rep (PTR) by parish council if not ◊ Opposite golf club ◊ Parish Transport Representative shelters/ information already in place. PTR to work with community to entrance ◊ Public transport providers etc. identify whether there is scope for amendments to ◊ In village to link with an ◊ Cornwall County Council (Public Transport Unit bus timings/routes to increase bus usage in existing bus stop— and Highways) parish – to ensure sustainability. Liaise with bus review bus stop ◊ East Cornwall Rural Transport Partnership Officer operators and CCC Passenger Transport unit locations. ◊ Caradon District Council regarding findings. ◊ County Councillor After the construction of a ◊ Local residents Where bus service reliability is an issue – PTR to set by-pass, needs and ◊ Other funding and advisory bodies up procedure for monitoring and recording. PTR to locations will need to be ◊ Saltash MCTi work with Parish Council and ECRTP officer to reassessed. ensure issues taken up with appropriate body.

Contact CCC re: bus shelter funding and current bus stop arrangements using data from questionnaire.

Contact ECRTP officer re: funding for information project (display board & household leaflets)

32 Issue Action Location Partners

Facilities for young Young people/children in the parish and at the ◊ Throughout parish ◊ Parish Council people in the parish. school to be involved in any projects identified in ◊ Neighbouring parishes ◊ Young people & children in the parish and the recreation section of this Plan. also neighbouring parishes ◊ School Also, work with neighbouring parishes to consider ◊ Cornwall County Council—Youth Office joining together on any mutually beneficial ◊ Church projects and to maximise opportunities for grant ◊ Cornwall Children’s Fund funding bids. ◊ Local residents ◊ Caradon District Council Seek advice from the Youth Office.

33

The publication of the St. Mellion Parish Plan is the starting point for Parish Council Members: action, in working to achieve the aims of the parish. This process has Chair: Mr Mike Crowle Vice Chair: Mrs Vivian Malsom enabled the community to give their views and it will be necessary for the Parish Council and the residents to work together on the projects Mr Bill Sturgess contained within the Plan. Mr Terry Mitchell Mr Tony Dart

Mr Ken Henley There will be some projects that will have relatively quick and easy Mrs. Helen Dowdall solutions whilst many will require on-going lobbying, work and District Councillor: Mr Roy Levack persistence before a resolution is likely to be achieved. County Councillor: Mr Tony Nettle, Callington Ward, Independent

The Parish Council and community will need to monitor and review Working Group Members this document as circumstances change within the parish and adapt Tony Dart to these factors. Ken & Chris Henley Edward Andreae-Jones, Andy & Amanda Copson Vivian Malsom This Plan would not have been possible without the work of the Parish Helen Dowdall

Council, the working group and other organisations in the parish who have all contributed to the production of this document. Caradon District Council and the CRCC have been pleased to help support the parish in this process.

34 ◊ Improved traffic signs for the school. ◊ The initial meeting has been held for working with Pillaton, CCC Cormwall County Council looking at the needs of the young people. CCPFA Cornwall County Playing Fields Association ◊ The Golf Club has been contacted and verified that it is willing to respond to telephone job applications. CDC Caradon District Council ◊ There is now a litter bin situated next to the parish seat, close to CIRCLE Computers in Rural Cornwall - a Learning Experience the school. ◊ The emphatic response of the parish, at the Prioritisation Event CRCC Cornwall Rural Community Council in June, resulted in emphatic action by the County Council to progress the by-pass. ECRTP East Cornwall Rural Transport Partnership

IAP Integrated Area Plan

MCTI Market & Coastal Towns Initiative

NPFA National Playing Fields Association

PALS Patient Liaison Service

RoSPA The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents

VIRSA Village & Rural Shops Assocation

WEA Workers Educational Association

35 All of the following photographs supplied by St. Mellion Parish Council.

St. Mellion village — background photograph appearing on front cover and even numbered pages 2-18 and 34-36. Photograph of Bramble Wood (supplied by CRCC) on odd numbered pages 1-17 and 35.

Working group and the prioritisation event (pages 4, 5 and 15)

St. Mellion Flowers (page 9)

Coryton Arms (page 12)

Children’s work (page 18) St. Mellion Church (above) and view from Parish map kindly provided by Caradon District Council Amytree towards Callington (below) By-Pass Plan kindly supplied by Cornwall County Council

All other photographs supplied by Cornwall Rural Community Council.

36 In the map above, the parish boundaries are shown by the black lines.

37

Supported by:

and

Parish Plan Designed & Produced by:

cornwall rural community council 9a river street cornwall tr1 2sq registered as cornwall community development limited company no: 4144745 charity registration no: 1087550 vat no: 557 4489 96