Observation. The questionnaire failed to explain how the information gathered would be used at higher levels in planning of development within the village. Concern was expressed that a statistic showing that 34% of respondents felt that additional housing was necessary might provide the opportunity for WCC to impose housing development, despite the fact that the majority (52%) felt that there was no need for additional housing; allegedly, this had happened as the result of a parish plan published in Hampshire. It was considered that people may have not realised the significance of the answers they were providing.
Answer. The presentation was only feeding back the opinions of those consulted and did not constitute a plan. There was scope for further investigation into housing requirements should anyone wish to volunteer. The parish plan did not allow planning procedures to be circumvented.
Observation. The Redhills footpath is in appalling condition and despite a petition being presented, no action had been taken. If direct action by residents had had no effect, what would be the value of including similar sentiments in the Parish Plan?
Answer. Footpaths would be included in the Parish Plan which would be adopted in turn by the Parish Council; however, the PPSG could not itself guarantee action on the plan it presented.
Question. What is the timeline for the Parish Plan and for Special Interest Groups?
Answer. The intention is to publish the Parish Plan by September; however, as a living document intended to provide a vision for the next 10 years, there would probably be future updates. Special Interest Groups have no set timeline however those that provide data to feedback into the Parish Plan would need to match the September timeline.
Question. How will the plan be published?
Answer. Probably by a leaflet provided to every household but with an electronic copy available to all on line. Hard copies of the full document would be held for review by those unable to access the internet.
Observation. The Metrocount was supported but power supplies would be required for any speed activated signs.
Answer. Renewable energy sources might provide the solution.
Observation. Speed measurement (ie Metrocount) should be taken in the lower Village where speeding is probably more prevalent. Speeding traffic tends to slow down in the Upper Village due to the known risk of mobile speed cameras.
Answer. The location of the count had already been decided.
Observation. The results of the questionnaire could be skewed by children providing answers to questions of which they had little or on knowledge.
Answer. An audit trail of the demography of those filling in questionnaires should avoid this situation.
Observation. The absence of a school in the village would have a big impact in the character of the village and therefore there is good reason to sustain the school. One of the factors is the local take up of school places and there is a critical mass below which the school ceases to be viable. Sustainment of the school is linked to development of the Parish and should form part of parish planning but as an issue, may lie beyond the remit of the PPSG.
Answer. Noted.
Question. How does the Parish Plan relate to other plans, eg county planning?
Answer. Councils developing strategic plans must take note of parish plans.
Question. With the conclusion of funding for the PPSG, will activity on the Plan cease in September? It has been pointed out that the plan is a living document and should therefore receive periodic reviews and updates.
Answer. The Parish plan will be adopted by the PC who will then be responsible for the review of progress against plan. It should be noted that the PPSG funding was only intended to cover the costs of producing a plan, not for its execution.
Question. PPSG funding was provided to cover activities for a finite period of time which has now passed. Is there a risk of funding being removed?
Answer. No, funding is secure.
Question. If someone wished to initiate a Specials Interest Group, do they need to wait the publication of the Plan before taking action?
Answer. No, there is no requirement for the SIG to await publication, indeed SIGs providing information to the Parish Plan will need to report before Parish Plan publication.
Question. Why was the Parish Hall not considered to be of sufficient importance to merit a Special Interest Group?
Answer. A Village Hall committee already exists.