Sutton Benger Parish NDP Draft Vision and Objectives

At our Public Meeting (held on November 23rd 2015), the NDP Core Team circulated the Draft NPD Vision and Objectives.  

These were the views of the Core Group based on the comments made at the public meeting held on September 30th, particularly from the SWOT analysis. The Vision and Objectives are a key legal component of the NDP process. As such what has been drafted and put to this meeting needs to be reviewed, with modifications suggested, by as many people in the Parish. The deadline for comment is 31 January 2016.

Our Vision (Draft)

  • We wish to maintain the vitality of a vibrant village community and make it a better place to live and work for all age groups and for future generations.
  • We want community-led development that will maintain the character of Sutton Benger Parish, support the local economy, and provide high quality accommodation with a housing mix to meet the requirements for the ages and needs for all of our community.
  • We want the opportunity to plan for future development. We want a greater say about where, how, what and when development occurs in our community.
  • We want to protect the village Conservation Area and Listed Buildings and to protect and enhance the heritage, farmland and wildlife of the area.

iStock_000016259260SmallObjectives (Draft)

  1. Develop plans for sensitive housing development in the Sutton Benger Parish area, all within the constraints of recent developments in Sutton Benger and the Wiltshire Core Strategy for a large village. This to include the site, location(s) and types of new homes to ensure that all developments meet local needs for the elderly, young single people, couples and families who wish to remain in the Parish.
  2. Preserve the historic character of Sutton Benger village and Draycot Cerne, its conservation area, listed and historic buildings and maintain and improve assets of community value.
  3. Maintain and improve infrastructure services for existing and new residents.
  4. Maintain and enhance all of the village leisure and sporting facilities, current green areas, and rights of way.
  5. Improve road traffic safety and transport services.
  6. Develop plans with the relevant authorities to prevent or minimise the flood risk, and where possible, minimise the environmental impact of climate change on water resources.
  7. Maintain and enhance the economic structure to ensure that Sutton Benger Parish is able to support local businesses of different types.
  8. Assess the need for retail provisions and propose suitable locations.

We welcome and actively encourage feedback from all parts of the Parish on this draft Vision and Objectives. Don’t forget – the deadline for comment is 31st January 2016.

Notes from the Public Open Meeting – 8 PM, Monday 23rd November 2015

Sutton Benger Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP)

Public Open Meeting – 8 PM, Monday 23rd November 2015

The meeting was held in Sutton Benger Village Hall and was attended by 38 members of the Parish of Sutton Benger.

The meeting progressed through the following Agenda:

  1. Welcome (Barry Worth)
  1. Why we are here & brief recap of the NDP process (Hugh Bellars)
  1. Themes emerging from 30th September meeting, numbers of responses etc. (Barry Worth)
  1. Initial Scope of NDP – the draft Vision and Objectives (Paul Chartier)
  1. Call for volunteers for the sub-groups (Kathy Smedley)
  1. What next (Joanna Watchman)

During various parts of the meeting, the following issues were discussed:

Vision and Objectives

A copy of the draft vision and objectives was circulated. These were the views of the Core Group based on the comments made at the September meeting, particularly from the SWOT analysis. The Vision and Objectives are a key legal component of the NDP process. As such what has been drafted and put to this meeting needs to be reviewed, with modifications suggested, by as many people in the Parish. To this end the draft version is here with a deadline for comment of 31 January 2016.

Proposed Sub-groups – Points Raised by Attendees

A document was circulated with some draft ideas of different sub-groups, together with some possible areas of research put in the form of questions that might need to be addressed. The groups were:

  1. Youth Groups & Schools
  2. Land Owners
  3. Parish Housing Requirements in Accordance with Wilts Core Strategy
  4. Roads, Pavements, Street Lighting, Traffic Density, Maintenance & Tidiness
  5. Parish Businesses & Surgery (Non-Farming or Significant Land Owners)
  6. Flooding & Drainage
  7. Infrastructure
  8. Project Planning

Everyone was invited to review and comment on the groups and the questions. What follows are the points raised by those present with responses shown afterwards, in red.

  1. Recreation groups should be consulted

Noted, the Core Group agreed that Recreation Groups will be consulted.

Elderly & retired to be considered

Noted, the Core Group agreed that the Elderly & Retired Members of the Parish will be consulted.

  1. Variety of housing to be considered, likely current shortage of smaller units

The Voluntary Group who will be analysing the Housing Stock across the Parish will consider this issue

  1. We need to use, or loose, our public bus service

Noted, the Core Group agreed that this issue would be considered whilst looking at transport issues throughout the Parish.

  1. Consider employment opportunities, especially for the young

Noted, the Core Group agreed that this issue will be considered whilst looking at Businesses & Employment Opportunities within the Parish.

  1. Turning into and out of Draycot Cerne very dangerous, especially as road becomes busier with expansion of Chippenham

Noted, this is an issue for the Highways Group to consider.

  1. Questions must not be ‘loaded’

Noted and agreed.

  1. Do we have a link officer at Wiltshire Council?

Yes, the Core Group are in regular contact with Wiltshire Council and have a nominated Link Officer who is keeping in close contact and has met with the Core Group.

  1. Will our documents & evidence contain an analysis as to the current status of housing etc.?

Yes, all matters that are considered within the NDP must have a ‘baseline’ or ‘starting- point’.

  1. We have a very untidy high street

Noted.

  1. Great start but suggest you gather evidence visiting the village pubs & coffee shop

Noted & evidence will be gathered from all areas possible.

  1. Is there a risk from there being too few stakeholders?

Yes, that is why the Core Group are enlisting the help of volunteers and are also casting the net as widely as possible. There are approximately 1,000 residents across the Parish as well as many businesses and landowners. The Core Group would like to see all involved within the NDP process, if at all possible.

  1. Go to the Wellesley on a Sunday night and seek comments

Noted.

  1. What is the process?

Hugh Bellars re-explained the process through to formal adoption by Wiltshire Council. Also refer to: http://bigplan.suttonbengerparishcouncil.gov.uk/faqs/

  1. Is the NDP process of value whilst it is underway and incomplete?

Yes, the Core Team has been informed that potential developers do take note that the NDP is underway.

  1. Once the NDP is completed, does it have the weight of the law behind it?

Yes, most certainly.

  1. What happens when Wiltshire Council already have agreed plans?

The NDP must take cognisence of the Wiltshire Core Strategy and effectively work in harmony with that. The NDP may however influence the type, tenure, size and location of houses that will be provided.

  1. Hydrogen highway / energy infrastructure?

Noted, this needs to be investigated, possibly by the Infrastructure Group.

  1. Email addresses & website, how can these be accessed?

All emails will be managed through the NDP website and website e-mail address.

  1. Concern regarding email security etc.

Noted, the Core Group takes the issue of data-security very seriously and has registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).   Individual email addresses will be controlled and subject to our registration under the Data Protection Act. No-one receiving emails should be able to see the addresses of others in the Parish. But the NDP does need a master list.

It is acknowledged that e-mail systems cannot be guaranteed to be secure but every possible measure is being taken to ensure the NDP systems are as secure as possible.  

21.  There will be an NDP Postbox and information folder kept in the Post Office

Noted

  1. We will need a detailed street plan of the Parish

Noted and there is a volunteer on hand who is helping with this issue.

  1. Commuters resident in Sutton Benger should have a voice

Noted, the Core Team will cast their net as wide as possible to seek information from all residents, businesses and others within the Parish.

 

VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers were sought to commence the formation of the Sub-Groups (listed above).

A number of volunteers had made themselves known prior to the meeting with more coming forward during discussions. Given the number of previous volunteers, more folk are required to participate in the sub-groups and will be welcomed into the NDP process.

The Core Team closed the meeting by stating that the Volunteers will be contacted during January 2016 when it is intended to commence work on much of the data gathering that is required.

Baz Worth

Chairman

27 November 2015

Results of ‘SWOT’ Analysis Meeting – Now Available

On September 30th 2015, over 70 people, representing all parts of the Parish, attended a consultation meeting in the Village Hall. The purpose ofPARTNERS PAGE 10368297_m the meeting was to carry out a ‘SWOT’ analysis of the Parish.

This meant capturing – verbatim – what people see as the STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES & THREATS (or DANGERS) of life in Sutton Benger and Draycot. The results of this analysis will help to shape the scope of the NDP.

To find out what your fellow parishioners value, care about, worry about and what they see as the BIG opportunities for our Parish take a read of the PDFs below.

Click on the links above to download the PDFs….

Get involved: Consultative Meeting – 23 November 2015

Parish of Sutton Benger Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP)

Consultative Meeting – 23 November 2015 – 8PM (SB Village Hall)

Dear Parishioners

We are now in a position to report on the findings gathered during the Public Open Meeting that was held on the 30th September 2015.

We are therefore hosting a further meeting in the Sutton Benger Village Hall at 8pm on Monday 23rd November. The meeting will last for no longer than ninety minutes and will include Agenda Items such as:

  • Detailed report on information gathered at the meeting on the 30th September
  • Brief discussion regarding the initial Scope of the NDP
  • Call for volunteers to form working groups to address the areas within the initial Scope

We have had an amazingly positive response so far and hope that this continues until the NDP is finalised.

We look forward to meeting with all who are able to attend on the 23rd November.

Baz Worth

Chairman

Core Group

9th November 2015

 

Have you ever read Wiltshire’s Core Strategy..?

What is the Wiltshire Core Strategy? Why is it so important? Big questions deserve helpful answers.

Which is why we have created this simple overview for you. And, because our NDP document must align with the Wiltshire Core Strategy, it’s important we all know what it is.

The Wiltshire Core Strategy is the most important part of the Local Development Framework (LDF), a suite of planning policy documents that will eventually replace the four local plans covering Wiltshire.

The Wiltshire Core Strategy Development Plan Document (DPD) covers the whole of Wiltshire (excluding Swindon) and sets out the council’s

  • spatial vision,
  • key objectives, and
  • overall principles for development in the county.

The key objectives of the spatial vision has been derived from an analysis of the county’s characteristics, a review of the council’s own corporate plans and priorities, and national planning guidance. At its heart is the delivery of viable and vibrant communities based on the principle of sustainability.

The core strategy outlines a sustainable spatial strategy for future development in the county and includes:

  • key principles of development
  • the location of strategic sites for new housing and employment development
  • policies with which planning applications will be assessed
  • a key diagram displaying the spatial aspects of the core strategy

The Adoption Statement, Adopted Wiltshire Core Strategy and associated background documents are available to download below:

 

New NDP social media channels go live!

We’re working hard to find ways to keep you up to speed with the NDP’s progress.

A range of new ‘channels’ of communication have been launched and we’re pleased to report that they’re already being widely used by both residents and businesses.

Find us…

Twitter – @sb_bigfuture

Facebook – Sutton Benger Neighbourhood Development Plan Group

We’re looking forward to hearing from you…

First major NDP consultation meeting shines a light on Parish vision

Over 70 people representing a large cross section of Sutton Benger and Draycot Cerne’s residents, business owners and landowners, attended an important public consultation meeting in the Village Hall on Wednesday 30 September.

The meeting – which was the first major public engagement of its kind in the Parish – was to explain the purpose and process of a Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP). The Parish of Sutton Benger has recently embarked on the process of writing an NDP and a key element of the ‘journey’ is engagement and consultation with all parts of the community.

Listening to the Parish

Here's what you see as our Parish's strengths.
Here’s what you see as our Parish’s strengths.

The most important aspect of last week’s meeting was attendees’ participation in a ‘SWOT’ analysis. Groups were invited to identify the present Strengths or Weaknesses within the Parish. Then, looking to the future the groups identified potential Opportunities and Threats. Each group spent about 10 minutes on each theme, and were asked to contribute their views and thoughts on Post-it notes. Over 200 views were gathered in a very short space of time.

The next stage in the process is to analyse this information and use it to create a vision statement for the Parish of Sutton Benger.

Identifying skills

Attendees were also asked to complete a form stating how they prefer to be kept informed on NDP progress. The overwhelming majority of those present also signed up to work on the plan and identified – from a list of 22 ‘skills areas’ – what support and expertise they are able to offer.

Commenting on the success of the evening, Baz Worth, Chair of the NDP Steering Group said: “I am delighted that so many people – from all parts of the Parish – were able to attend and participate. Writing an NDP will take us 2-3 years and it is essential that we engage with the whole community throughout the process. This was a very important first step along that journey.”

Next Steps

The next stage is a detailed analysis of all the contributions to the SWOT process. All in Sutton Benger and Draycot will be regularly informed of progress on the community led project. The next major meeting is scheduled for some time in November. In the meantime here is how to keep in contact:

SAVE THE DATE: 30th September – 7.30-9.30pm

I am pleased to confirm that the first Steering Group Meeting of the SB Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) will be held at the Village Hall on Sept 30th. Details above.

Who should attend?: All of those who have expressed an initial interest in helping with the NDP process. We also welcome participation and attendance from anyone who lives in (or runs a business from) the Parish.

Meeting Objective: This meeting is intended to provide a forum for us to facilitate a ‘SWOT’ analysis of SB. A SWOT analysis will help us understand what all of you see as the parish of Sutton Benger’s STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES, OPPORTUNITIES & THREATS. This might include (but, is not exclusive to) issues relating to: planning / development / transport / sustainability / resilience / sustainability…

Expected Outcomes: Following this meeting – the NDP’s core team will use the info gleaned at our meeting to document the ‘scope’ of the NDP plan itself.

Why do we need this process?: As part of the NDP process, we need to show Wiltshire Council that our NDP genuinely reflects the needs, wants, wishes and values of our community.

Why we need YOU there: Writing an NDP takes 2-3 years. And, it takes collaboration and consultation. It is a very important document which needs buy-in from ALL parts of the Parish. Therefore, this meeting is a key stepping stone in the process. We will use this this SWOT Analysis to help us to create an early outline for the Plan itself. It will also help us to understand what our community values and what it sees as important to its future.

Please let us know if you can make it. Don’t forget: We need – and value – your participation.

Sutton Benger Big Plan

iStock_000016259260SmallSutton Benger Neighbourhood Development Plan. This is a two year project to capture all that we value and see as priorities for the Parish of Sutton Benger ‘s future. Once completed, the NDP becomes a key document in all planning proposals. It is a massive undertaking (by volunteers) and this website is intended to help keep you all posted with progress. We will also use it to publicise meetings and request specialist help and skills as the Plan progresses.