Prepared Autumn 2012 By Becx Carter Finalised Spring 2013 ... · original blue box theatre...

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Newlands Valley Community Plan

Prepared Autumn 2012 By Becx Carter

Finalised Spring 2013- By Above Dewrent Parish Council in liaison with Becx Carter

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Contents

Page

General Introduction 3

Parish Background 4-5

Graphical Findings of Questionnaire 7

Summary of other key questionnaire responses 8-13

Action Plan of findings 14-20

Acknowledgements & Key contacts 21

Newlands Valley Community Emergency Plan 22

Appendix 1- Questionnaire 23-27

Appendix 2- Community Meeting Minutes 28-30

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Background

Following a meeting that was held in Portinscale in March 2012 where a discussion was held

regarding the preparation of a Community Plan for the Portinscale & Newlands Valley area it

was felt by the residents of the Newlands Valley that the issues facing the two areas were

dramatically different and as such the residents of the Newlands Valley decided to move

forward with a community plan specifically for their area, whilst Portinscale worked on one

for the Portinscale area. A working group made up of Jennifer Grange, Charlotte Hill & Keith

Harryman was formed to work on the Community Plan for the Newlands Valley. Becx Carter

a consultant was brought in to collate the results and produce the final document.

The overall aim is that once the various communities in the Above Derwent Parish area

(Portinscale, Newlands Valley, Thornthwaite & Braithwaite) have completed their plans a

summary document will be produced bringing all the various factions together into common

themes that will then be worked on by the Above Derwent Parish Council.

One of the questions that was asked as part of the Newlands Valley Community Plan

Questionnaire was what do you like least about living in the Newlands Valley, a summary of

these results will show what the Newlands Valley Community Plan, hopes to work on and

aims to address (within reason). Key themes that were raised in the what do you like least

about the Newlands Valley question were; Traffic & transport for example, too much traffic,

damage to/and quality of repairs to the roads, access in bad weather, distance from public

transport facilities, lack of facilities for example children’s play area, recycling and internet

speed, environmental issues for example shooting, parking in green fields, erosion of the

landscape, too many visitors. These are all issues that are being considered as part of this

plan, and the action plan at the end of this document will identify actions & associated

timescales which aim to solve or improve upon the issues raised.

Location covered by this Community Plan

The Newlands Valley is situated in the Lake District SSW of the popular tourist hub of

Keswick. For the purposes of this community plan the area covered starts at the

Swinside Triangle (OS NY 246 219) and continues in a clock wise direction including

Swinside Lodge, all the residential properties at Hawse End, round towards the

Catbells Z-bends including Gutherskill, on towards Skellgill, round to Littletown, then

on up the valley including Low Snab, Low House Farm, High Snab, Gill brow,

Keskadale Farm (this being the furthest property in the Newlands valley on its

approach to Newlands Pass OS NY 210 194), Aikin, Bawd Hall, Birk Rigg, Rigg Beck,

Rowling End Farm, Stony Croft and Uzzicar. The area covered by this Community

Plan finishes before (and Excludes) Little Braithwaite as this was felt to fit more

closely with the Braithwaite area. The Newlands Valley Community Plan then

continues back up the road that runs under Swinside, and finally encompasses all

houses within the above described area including Swinside and Stair.

General Overview

The Newlands Valley is to be found South West of Keswick on the Western Side of

Derwentwater, and is surrounded by some of the area’s most popular Wainrights including

Catbells, Maiden Moor, Hindsgarth, Robinson, Causey Pike & Barrow. A number of small

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becks run through the area draining water from the surrounding fells, including Keskadale

Beck, Scope Beck and Newlands Beck.

The Newland Valley is part of the civil parish of Above Derwent and is located within the

Allerdale Borough Council area.

The area is dominated by its natural scenery as mentioned above and as such one of its

main industries and employers is tourism including a number of accommodation providers,

including The Swinside Inn Pub, Swinside Lodge Hotel & Littletown farm B & B, and outdoor

Adventure activities provided by the Newlands Adventure Centre, and Hawse End, the other

main industry/employer in the valley is upland farming. Within the area of this plan there are

six working Upland Farms (Littletown, Low House Farm, High & Low Snab, Keskadale and

Uzzicar with some of the land also farmed by Little Braithwaite & Ullock Farms). The main

livestock farmed by these farms are upland sheep; however there are a few small beef &

dairy herds remaining in the valley farmed by Keskadale & Little Braithwaite and Ullock

Farms.

History

The earliest signs of human activities in the valley have been found outside the scope of this

plan at Ullock where evidence of a Bronze Age burial site has been found. The name

‘Newlands’ was first used in the 13th century when it was used to describe new land that was

created at the base of the valley between Portinscale and Braithwaite by the draining of a

large marshy area.

Mining was once a key industry in the local area and the evidence of this can be seen

around the Newlands Valley area; many minerals including lead, copper, silver and even

gold have been extracted from the valley over the years.

Key Settlements

The valley is sparsely populated, with many buildings standing alone, there are however a

couple of small hamlets in the Newlands Valley area including Stair, Swinside and Littletown.

Littletown’s claim to fame is that it was featured in the writing of Beatrix Potter, in The Tale of

Mrs Tiggy-Winkle, Lucy’s Pocket Handkerchief can be found on the fell side above

Littletown.

The most well known house in the Newlands Valley was Rigg Beck or as it used to be known

the ‘purple house’ which provided accommodation for many actors and speakers at the

original blue box theatre including Ted Hughes, Tenzing Norgay, Doug Scott, and Bob

Hoskins. The building was destroyed by a devastating fire in June 2008 and a replacement

modern stone & slate building on the site has recently been completed.

One of the questions asked in the Newlands Valley Community Plan Questionnaire was

what did the respondents like most about the valley, I feel this is a valid place to include

these findings as it sums up the Newlands Valley in the words of the residents. The majority

of questionnaire respondents stated that the peace and quiet, views and beauty were the

things they liked most about the Newlands Valley, other strengths that were raised were the

quality of life, the community and its people, the low crime rate and of course the Pub!

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Demographic of the area

The Newlands Valley forms part of the above Derwent Parish which at the 2001 census had

a population of 1207 (587 men, and 620 women) and a total of 516 households. Of which

around 70 can be found within the boundaries of the Newlands Valley (based on number of

questionnaires delivered and a property count from detailed mapping). Considering the

standard demographic across the Lake District of a predominately top heavy population split

there are a number of children currently living in the Newlands Valley area (in excess of 10)

who mainly attend Braithwaite Village School, with a view to progression to Keswick

Secondary School.

The questionnaire was circulated to all the Households in the Newlands Valley area (approx

70), and 26 responses were received in total, this is a response by 37%, bearing in mind that

a number of the households in the Newlands Valley are second homes/holiday cottages the

Newlands Valley Community Plan Steering Group were satisfied with this response.

Process

The development of the community plan commenced following a public meeting in

Portinscale. Below is a summary of the steps that the steering group have taken, along with

the future steps that they intend to take following the completion of this plan:

1. First meeting of the steering group, Charlotte Hill, Jennifer Grange, Keith Harryman

in late March early April 2012

2. Draft questionnaire produced

3. Meeting between Jennifer Grange, Charlotte Hill & Jackie Knights (clerk to Above

Derwent) to proof the questionnaire

4. Questionnaire circulated to all properties in the Newlands Valley- First week of June

2012

5. Public meeting held at Stair Institute 4th July 2012 to discuss the findings of the

questionnaires returned and how to progress from here

6. Final deadline for all questionnaires to be returned- 18th July 2012

7. Draft Community Plan to be completed by the end of September 2012

8. Draft Community Plan to be circulated to all those who attended the public meeting

9. Any alterations/changes to be finalised October 2012

10. Final Newlands Valley Community Plan to be completed and put before the Above

Derwent Parish Council November/December 2012.

11. Newlands Valley Community Plan to meet and refresh/update the Newlands Valley

Community Plan in 3 & 5 years time.

Summary of results

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The questionnaire that was circulated to all the households in the Newlands Valley covered

many different areas, and included a total of 24 questions, some of the results can both be

demonstrated in a quantifiable and graphical manner (predominately questions 1-17), but

there were also those which required written responses (18-23). A fully copy of the

questionnaire that was circulated can be found at Appendix 1 of this plan.

This plan will firstly consider the results that can be presented in a graphical manner (all of

the following questions had answer options of yes, no or don’t know- along with an option to

make further comments/suggestions)

Q.1 Do thing the valley would benefit from an improved recycling scheme?

Q.2 Do you think the valley would benefit from improved children’s recreational facilities,

such as a playground area?

Q.3 Do think the valley would benefit from an improve internet/broadband service?

Q.6 Do you feel the public transport available in the valley is satisfactory

Q.7 Does parking on roads in the local area cause you any access issues or concern?

Q.8 Do you feel there is sufficient parking provision for tourist and visitors in the valley?

Q.9 Do you feel the condition of the footpaths in the valley is satisfactory

Q.10 Some areas in the country have snow ploughing and gritting organised by the local

community rather than relying on council services. Do you feel Newlands Valley would

benefit from a similar scheme?

Q.11 Local residents at Swinside would like some ‘Slow down for children & animal signs’.

Would you support this?

Q.12 Are there any other places in the valley where specific signage would be useful?

Q.13 Do you feel there is adequate provision for affordable local housing in the valley?

Q.15 Do you feel there is a need for other specific housing provision? E.g. Provision for

downsizing

Q.16 Do you feel the pub, institute and church are vital for the Newlands Valley community?

Q.17 Would you like to see additional community activates/events at these places (or

others?) If so what?

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Graphical Representation of the results of the Newlands Valley Community Plan Questionnaire

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Summary of Key Quantifiable results

It is obvious from the graph above that a number of the questions received very strong

support and these will be prioritised at the highest priority in the action plan below:

• 88% of respondents felt that an improved recycling scheme would be of benefit to the

area

• 50% of people felt that a play area would be a good idea, and 19% felt that it wasn’t

necessary

• 92% of respondents felt that an improved broadband scheme was very important

• 50% of respondents felt the public transport in the valley was NOT satisfactory

• 84% reported that parking on the roads in the local area causes issues

• 84% felt that there was NOT sufficient parking provision for tourists within the

Newlands Valley are

• 46% of respondents felt that the condition of the paths were satisfactory (36% felt

that they were not satisfactory)

• 84% felt that the Newlands Valley area would benefit from a community organised

gritting scheme

• 92% agreed that additional signs at Swinside ‘slow down for children & animals’

would be beneficial

• 53% also felt that there were other areas within the Newlands Valley that would

benefit from improved signage

• 50% of replies felt that there was NOT adequate provision for local housing in the

area

• 57% of those that replied weren’t sure if there was a need for specific housing

provision in the area, only 26% felt that there was no need for other specific housing

provision

• 92 % of respondents felt that the community spaces in the valley were vital (e.g. the

Pub, Church & institute) actions to support the sustainability of these venues will be

prioritised in the action plan at the end of this report

• 65% of those that replied would support additional community activities/events at

these places, 15% of respondents would not support additional events.

Analysis of the written results

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Along with the responses to the questions that could be answered using yes/no/don’t know

(results have been analysed above), all of the questions had an option to provide further

detail/comments, and Q.17-Q.23 were purely for written answers, a summary of the key

findings from these questions is given below. They have been broken down into the same

sections that were found on the Newlands Valley Community Plan Questionnaire

All the responses in this area are prioritised by the number of people that said them from

most to least

Facilities (Q.1-Q.5)

Recycling- This has already been identified as being of importance to 88% of respondents to

the questionnaire, other issues that were identified in the written responses were:

• Either a door collection or a community collection point would be beneficial (e.g. at the Stair institute)

• Bottles, Paper & Plastic and Garden waste were all identified as being important

• Portinscale & Braithwaite already have such a collection so why shouldn’t it be widened to include the Newlands Valley Area

• Where would it go? The site would need to be considered to ensure that collection vehicles could access it (bearing in mind a number of the bridges in the area have size restrictions on them)

Childrens Play area- This issue didn’t receive such strong support, but the comments given were:

• Is there sufficient demand in the area?

• Where would it go? (sites suggested included Hawes End, Swinside, Newlands Adventure Centre, Stair Institute)

• The natural surroundings are sufficient

• A playgroup/youth club would be good Internet- An overwhelming majority of people agreed that internet/broadband speeds need to be increased in the area, additional comments included;

• It is essential for residents but more importantly for businesses in the locality

• Speed needs to be dramatically increased

• Where would the funds come from for this improvement?

• Mobile phone coverage also needs to be improved Local Amenities- This question identified a number of ways that information is used to communicate with communities in other areas, and requested that people select their preferred choice/s the following responses were received:

• A community notice board- 18 people in support (suggested sites- 15 people supported the Stair institute, 4 respondents supported a notice board being placed at the Swinside Inn Pub, other suggestions included Littletown, Newlands Adventure Centre, Newlands Church, Stair Mill)

• A Newlands Valley Community Website- 12 respondents in support

• E-newsletter- 9 respondents in support

• More frequent paper news letter- 7 respondents in support.

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*NB since the Newlands Valley Community Questionnaire was circulated the Above Derwent Parish Council approved and have ordered a Community notice board to be sited at the Stair Institute, which was erected in November 2012. Community Projects- This question provided a number of suggestions of potential community projects to gauge support for them:

• A community lengths man (someone to do practical repairs/environment work)- 20 respondents were in support of this

• Renewable energy schemes- 16 respondents in support (1 respondent stated they wouldn’t like to see large scale Wind Turbines in the area)

Infrastructure/Transport (Q.6-Q12)

Public Transport- Half of the people that responded to the questionnaire felt that public

transport was not satisfactory in the Newlands Valley, comments around this that were

raised included:

• Bus services could be improved, and made more regular

• To many buses could interrupt the peace and quiet in the valley

• Services are sufficient as they are

• There isn’t sufficient demand to warrant an improvement Does parking on roads cause issues- ¾ of respondents to the questionnaire felt that parking on roads in the Newlands Valley area created problems, suggestions that were made included;

• Such parking is causing damage to grass verges

• Parking for Catbells access needs to be improved

• Parking at Nicole End Road end causes problems

• Issues often arise with people parking in passing places/reducing the road to one lane

• Obstructs access to farm fields

• Parking needs to be improved at Littletown

• Parking on the road outside the Stair Institute causes issues Sufficient parking for tourist- The majority of respondents to the Newlands Valley Community Plan Questionnaire felt that there was not sufficient parking provision for tourist, comments around this issue that were raised:

• Catbells Car park should be open full time & improved (10 ) (See NB’s below)

• Catbells car parking as it currently is causes a problem (3)

• More parking provision is needed in the area (2)

• Parking at Gutherscale needs to be improved (2)

• Parking on Swinside Triangle causes problems (1)

• Where would additional car parks go?

• Parking at Littletown needs to be improved

• Any additional parking needs to a balance between need for the parking, and protection of the natural landscape

*NB- When the draft version of this community plan was circulated to all those who had responded to the questionnaire, and attended the meeting a number (3 households within

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the Newlands Valley) contacted the consultant to ask that it be noted in the final draft of the plan that they would not support the opening of a car park at Catbells full time (15 respondents to the questionnaire raised the issue of parking at Catbells & supported the opening of a permanent Catbells car park). They also requested that it be noted that the issue of a permanent car park at Catbells has a long history. ** NB- Further to the above an additional Newlands Valley resident (who had not responded to the initial questionnaire) contacted the consultant and asked that it be noted in the final version of the plan that they would fully support the full time opening of a car park at Gutherscale as it would help alleviate the significant parking issues that are currently occurring. Condition of Footpaths in the Newlands Valley- This question didn’t receive such a strong response as other questions, with 46% of respondents feeling that the condition of footpaths were satisfactory, and only 36% felt they were not satisfactory, other comments raised included:

• Newlands Beck Path need to be fixed *

• The footpaths need regular maintenance

• Drainage is an issue in some areas (including Gill Bank Field)

• Access up Swinside would be beneficial

• Paths need to be protected from mountain bikers *NB- Since this questionnaire was circulated and completed the refurbishment of Newlands Beck Path has been completed and was re-opened for Public use in September 2012

Community Gritting- 84% of respondents felt that this would be a good idea, comments/suggestions that were received included:

• A more rapid response could be achieved if the community were responsible

• Where would the grit come from?

• The valley could be split up into different areas with residents taking responsibility for certain areas

• Would be more reliable that the council

• Could this be combined with the lengths man scheme?

• Specific problem points that were mentioned included Gutherskill bends, Skelgill road Slow down signs- 92% of the completed questionnaires supported the erection of ‘slow down for children & animals sign’ at Swinside, other comments that were received:

• 20mph signs at Swinside Location for other signs- Half of the questionnaires felt that other additional signage would be useful;

• Slow down signs at the Stair Institute

• No parking signs at key points (between stair bridge & the smaller bridge, at Ellis Crag, on passing places)

• Slow down signs at the crossing between Newlands Adventure Centre & their activity field

• Warning signs of the S-bends at Gutherscale, to prevent large vehicles getting stuck

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• Red Squirrel signs

• Marketing signs e.g. for local accommodation providers, the Swinside Inn, Littletown Farm

• Slow down for children at Littletown

• Information signs at Hawse End warning it is a dead end

• Signage prohibiting overnight camping in campervans Housing (Q.12-Q.15) Adequate housing provision- 50% of respondents felt that there was not adequate provision for local housing in the Newlands Valley, comments received were:

• Permission wouldn’t be granted

• New builds should be for locals only

• Existing unused buildings should be converted first e.g. barns Should new housing be infill or in new areas- This was a purely written response question and the responses received were:

• New housing should be in existing settlements

• Infill & brown field should be considered first

• A small increase in the number of houses would be beneficial to increase community sustainability (though only in small numbers e.g. less than 4)

Other specific housing provision- This was the least answered question on the questionnaire with only one written response.

• There is a need for houses for people downsizing Community (Q.16-Q.17) Are the community spaces vital- Over 90% of respondents felt that community spaces were vital, additional comments included:

• Church services are not supported sufficiently

• Every community needs these spaces

• More variety needs to be provided for different ages/interests

• Village institute is underused Additional community activities- 2/3rd of respondents supported the idea of additional community activities, suggestions received were:

• Youth/children’s club

• Summer BBQ at the institute

• More events in general

• Quiz and local team at the Swinside Inn

• Summer fair at Stair

• No further events needed the peace should be enjoyed NB- The Swinside Inn has stated they would be willing to support local events/charities Q.18-Q.23

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The results of Q, 18 & Q.19 are discussed in the introductory parts to this Community Plan What would you most like to change about the valley?- Many of the answers given to this question have already been addressed by earlier questions e.g. internet speeds, recycling, road conditions, parking provision, gritting, and the re-opening of Newlands Beck Path a summary of other responses are given below:

• Mains gas availability

• Less empty holiday homes

• Removal of double yellow lines, that are not enforced and are unsightly

• Improved maintenance of the landscape (this could be linked to the valley lengths man scheme)

• No change, love the area as it is Any additional comments that have not been addressed- Only comments that are not already covered in the questionnaire are included here:

• Road condition- With particular reference to the use of the roads for cycling

• Access on to Swinside for local residents/visitors

• A community emergency plan for the area would be beneficial- Included at the end of this document

• Management of cyclists in the area e.g. preventing them cycling on footpaths

• It is crucial that in actioning any of this questionnaire that a balance be maintained between residents needs & tourist needs

• Sporting activities should be managed so as not to be over intrusive

• Blockages in the valley becks need to be managed/dealt with

• A defibrillator should be kept at a central point Community Emergency Plan (Q.22-Q.23) The final two questions of the questionnaire related to the creation of a basic Community Emergency Plan for the Newlands Valley, which would be used to link in with an overall emergency plan for the Above Derwent Parish. Do you feel you might need assistance in event of an emergency? 54% of respondents felt that they would not need help in the event of an emergency, other responses that were received:

• It is useful to have a central point for local knowledge as some properties are not detailed on maps etc. So external emergency services wouldn’t necessarily know to check on them

• Specialist Vehicular support maybe necessary in the event of some weather events e.g. 4 * 4’s

• Many properties in the valley have non utility reliant cooking facilities which would be a positive in certain events

• 3 respondents identified that they may need help in the event of an emergency (the names and addresses of these three households can be found in a separate document held by the Above Derwent Parish Council and the steering group members)- Not published here for safety reasons)

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The final question in the questionnaire asked people to identify skill/assets that they had that may be beneficial in the event of an emergency these are listed at Page 22 of this document, contact details for these contacts will be held again by Above Derwent Parish Council & by the steering group members to be used in the event of an emergency).

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Action Plan

Topic/Section Action Timescale Owner/Leader on the Action Updates

Community Involvement Draft Newlands Valley Community Action plan to be circulated to all the contacts, requesting feedback and volunteers for involvement in any of the action points

September-November 2012

Becx Carter- Consultant drafting the Newlands Valley Community Plan

Community Involvement A public meeting to be convened in 3 years time to refresh/update this document

2015 Above Derwent Parish Council/Newlands Valley Community Plan Steering Group

Improved recycling scheme, either community or doorstep

Above Derwent Parish Council to contact the local authorities (ABC & CCC) to look into the possibilities/practicalities of this

With 12 months (By April 2014)

Above Derwent Parish Council (as it is likely that will tie in similar actions from other communities within the Above Derwent Parish area)

Play area for young children Newlands Valley Community Plan Steering group to speak with Newlands Adventure and the Swinside Inn to see if either of them are considering/would consider installing a play area for their customers which could also be used for valley residents

Initial conversation to take place within 6 months

Newlands Valley Community Plan Steering Group

Improved Broadband for the area

Broadband speed measuring information to be circulated to all email addresses collected during the Newlands Valley Community Plan process, and residents to encourage

Within 3-6 months * This has now been achieved as part of the Above Derwent Parish Councils Rural Community Broadband

Newlands Valley Community Plan Steering Group & All respondents to the Questionnaire

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other residents to undertake the tests as well.

Fund Bid


Results of Broadband speed test to be collated for the Newlands Valley area to produce a body of evidence demonstrating the poor speeds currently available. This information to be passed to Above Derwent Parish Council, and the Broadband Hub Co-ordinators for the area.

See * above Above Derwent Parish Council (as it is likely that will tie in similar actions from other communities within the Above Derwent Parish area)


Above Derwent Broadband Hub Co-ordinators to lobby on behalf of their communities for improved broadband speeds in the area. Also to speak with CCC on if the infrastructure may be replaced to areas like Littletown where the issue is the infrastructure e.g. the lines. Liaise with BT and if applicable work with other parishes to increase the strength of the lobbying

Within 6- 1 year (By Spring 2014)

Above Derwent Parish Council/Broadband Hub Co-ordinators

Parking on roads Above Derwent Parish Council for it to be fed back to pursue & lobby relevant authorities. The results of the Community Questionnaire that form the base of this plan, provide a base of

Within 6 months (By September 2013)

Above Derwent Parish Council

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evidence to demonstrate that a number of local residents are concerned about the issue

Parking on roads/Sufficient Parking for tourists

Research to be undertaken on the idea of a permanent Car Park on Lingholm Land at Gutherscale bend to reduce the parking congestion, where possible Parish Council support to be offered to this scheme as the majority of respondents to the Newlands Valley Community Plan support this action

Within 6 months (prior to the commencement of the next tourist season)

Newlands Valley Community Steering Group in conjunction with Above Derwent Parish Council?

Parking on roads/sufficient parking for tourists

Clarity to be obtained on parking violations, obstructions and too whom they should be reported e.g. the relevant phone number, and process for such violations. Number & process of reporting to be included on a sheet of emergency contacts to be distributed throughout the parish

By July 2013 Above Derwent Parish Clerk

Parking on roads/sufficient parking for tourists

Investigation to be undertaken on potential parking solutions elsewhere in the Newlands Valley area e.g. at Littletown.

Within 1 year (By June 2014)

Above Derwent Parish Council (Using evidence from the Community Plans from across the Above Derwent area)

Parking on roads/sufficient For any potential solutions to As necessary when the Above Derwent Parish Council

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parking for tourist the parking issues, a full consultation with local residents should be undertaken to ensure a consensus is achieved, and that everyone has their chance to air their views about any specific proposals

two above Action Points are actioned

Condition of Paths in the area LDNPA paths ranger to be contacted and the issue of ongoing path maintenance to be raised, and if possible a plan of maintenance to be agreed with the LDNPA

Within 6 months (By October 2013)

Above Derwent Parish Council in conjunction with Newlands Valley Community Steering group for specific information on paths issues. Above Derwent Parish Clerk to meet with Pete Barron (LDNPA ranger) to discuss these issues

Community Organised Gritting Scheme

A Grit Tour of the Above Derwent Parish area including the Newlands Valley to be organised with the relevant person from CCC to establish where Grit Bins could be sited, and where the key sites on the roads are

By October 2013 Above Derwent Parish Council with Keith Harryman as lead?


Above Derwent Parish Council to investigate the possibility of introducing this on a small scale before the Winter of 12/13, e.g. Grit supplies to be dropped off at key areas to ensure that supplies are available for

Within 3 months- By October 2013 (link with above action point)

Above Derwent Parish Council (as it is likely that will tie in similar actions from other communities within the Above Derwent Parish area)

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local people to use. E.g. Swinside Corner, Ellis Crag Corner, Gutherskill Bends, Stair Institute


Information on where grit will be available from, and when grit deliveries are to be expected to be placed on the Community Notice Board at the Stair Institute

When required by the weather!

Above Derwent Parish Clerk to pass the information to Newlands Valley Community Plan Steering Group who will post the information


A Grit Representative for the Newlands Valley area (potentially in conjunction with adjoining areas) to be appointed, to monitor grit stocks/chase up the local authority when grit supplies are running low. Potential linkage with a community Lengths man?

Within 3 months- Consider personnel for this role by September 2013

Above Derwent Parish Council & Newlands Valley Community Plan Steering Group

Signage Above Derwent Parish Council Clerk to confirm the relevant legislation on signage (e.g. can such signage be erected by local people without permission/what permissions are available)

Within 6 months- By December 2013

Above Derwent Parish Clerk

Signage Above Derwent Parish Council to consider potential funding for the creation of ‘slow down for children and animal signs’ (or similar)

Within 6 months- By December 2013

Above Derwent Parish Council

Local Housing Above Derwent Parish Ongoing 1-5 years Above Derwent Parish Council

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Council to keep abreast of housing developments, with particular regard to community led planning, and where necessary lobby for appropriate housing

Local Housing Sites/buildings for potential new housing developments/housing conversions to be researched, and local needs to be considered based upon most recent local housing needs survey

Ongoing 1-5 years Above Derwent Parish Council, ABC, Cumbria Rural Housing Trust

Local Housing Monitor proposed reuse & planning applications/change of use of redundant barns and buildings to ensure that they are not lost to the valley for housing.

Ongoing 1-5 years Above Derwent Parish Clerk

Local Housing Above Derwent to aim to reduce/monitor the number of empty holiday/second homes. Above Derwent to support LDNPA process in lobbying for planning permission/change of use to be required to change properties from main dwellings to holiday homes. Above Derwent Parish Council to consider residents needs when responding to

Ongoing 1-5 years Above Derwent Parish Council, in conjunction with other local parishes and the Derwent 7.

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planning permissions re holiday lets

Community Spaces Stair institute committee To consider applying for grants for the improvement of the Stair institute e.g. Neighbourhood Forum grants, Energy saving grants?

Ongoing 1-5 years Stair Institute Committee with help from Above Derwent Parish Council Clerk, in conjunction with Action with Communities in Cumbria who may be able to provide advice on potential grants, also maybe worth liaising with the Thirlmere Village Hall committee on their very successful renovation

Community Spaces Stair Institute to be more widely promoted for a variety of uses including overflow overnight bunk style accommodation when other local accommodation providers are full e.g. Catbells Camping Barn, Potential links with Thirlmere Village Hall who utilise their village hall very well. Local residents to encourage the usage of the Village Hall for events

Within 1 year (By June 2014)

Stair institute Committee & Newlands Valley Residents

Community Spaces Stair Institute to be added to the Above Derwent website (if it is not already) with up to date booking numbers and prices to try and encourage greater use of the space

Within 3 months (By September 2013)

Above Derwent Website manager & Stair Institute Committee/Manager (Anne Graves? – To send information to Above Derwent Website manager)

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Community Spaces Stair Fair/bring & share event to be considered for Summer 2013 to further encourage the use of the Stair institute

2013 Newlands Valley Community Plan Steering Group

Local Amenities Newly erected Community Notice board at Stair Institute to be utilised for community information sharing

Ongoing All

Local Amenities Above Derwent Website Manager to research the possibility of having a Newlands Valley specific page within the Above Derwent Website for area specific items

Within 6 months Above Derwent Website Manger & Newlands Valley Community Plan Steering group

Community Projects Idea of a community lengths man for Above Derwent to be researched based on the finding of the community plans for the other areas

By Summer 2014 Above Derwent Parish Council

Community Projects Funding opportunities to be researched for a community lengths man

Within 2 years Above Derwent Parish Council/Working group of the combined community plans?

Community Projects Above Derwent Parish Council to bear in mind the support for potential renewable energy schemes if the opportunity arises

Ongoing Above Derwent parish Council

Transport This topic had very differing views therefore further consultation with Newlands Valley residents would be required before a formal action/s could be put together

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Access to Swinside Landowner to approached regarding the possibility of some controlled access to Swinside for local residents/visitors e.g. 1 Saturday a month during peak season

Ongoing Above Derwent Parish Council & Newlands Valley Community Plan Steering Group

Footpaths Liaison with LDNPA, and Landowners re the enforcement of footpaths only/no mountain bikers, possible linkage to signage?

Ongoing Above Derwent Parish Council in conjunction with LDNPA & landowners, and other local parish councils

Road Condition/Potholes/Blocked drains

Parish council to take advantage of any opportunities to open dialogue on these issues e.g. community travel plans etc

Ongoing Above Derwent Parish Council liaising with County Highways & ABC

Road Condition/Potholes Reporting number for potholes/highways issues to be publicised on the Community Notice Board at Stair Institute to enable local residents to inform the relevant authority of issues. Local residents to also inform Parish Clerk of reported issues to enable monitoring of issues to take place. Where possible Above Derwent Parish Council to liaise with other local parishes on Road conditions/potholes issues to

Within 2 months Above Derwent Parish Clerk to publicise the contact details All to utilise

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provide strength in numbers

Sports Activities in the valley Liaison is already taking place between Above Derwent Parish Council and a working group with relation to Stonycroft ghyll, this should be continued and if necessary suggestions should be made to expand it?

Ongoing Above Derwent Parish Council, National Trust, Landowners, and local outdoor activity groups

Red Squirrels Concern was raised about the plight of the Red Squirrel and the need for signage in the Newlands Valley to alert people to the presence of Red Squirrels. Contact should be made with the protection officials for reporting sightings of greys, and to request advice on the availability of signage etc

With 3 months Parish Council, liaising with Red Alert, Friends of the Lake District, LDNPA?

Swinside Tree Felling A discussion to be held with the land manager of Swinside to encourage them to publicise their potential activities on the Newlands Valley Web Page and the Community Notice Board to ensure the community understand what is occurring & why e.g. felling due to Phytophtora Ramorum infection

Within 6 months Above Derwent Parish Council and Newland Valley Community Plan Steering Group

Useful/Emergency Contacts sheet

A sheet of useful numbers to be circulated to all members

By September 2013 Above Derwent Parish Clerk

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who contributed to the Newlands Community Plan- This sheet will included highways hotline, grit number, etc

Defibrillator Research to be undertaken into the siting of a defibrillator within the Newlands valley for use in an emergency

By December 2013 Above Derwent Parish Clerk & Keswick First Responders

Blockages in becks/waterways A system/process of managing dealing with blockages in becks/waterways within the Newlands Valley to be developed in conjunction with the Above Derwent Flood Action Group-Information on the methodology to be included in the useful information sheet

By October 2013 Newlands Valley Community Plan Steering Group, Above Derwent Flood Action Group, Keith Harriman?

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Summary of findings An in depth look at the findings of the Newlands Valley Community Plan can be found above; broadly the findings can be grouped into a number of key areas:

- Transport & parking

- Natural Environment

- Manmade Environment

- Facilities

- Community Spaces & Community Projects The actions that are going to be undertaken to help address some of the issues found as part of the Community Plan can be seen in the above action plan table. The next stage of this process is that the completed plan will be put before the Councillors of the Above Derwent Parish Council for their approval. Once this has taken place an overview action plan will be produced that will look at key themes between all the Community Plans in the Above Derwent Parish Council area (Thornthwaite, Braithwaite, Portinscale, and Newlands Valley). The aim of the over arching action plan is to address common actions across the areas in a timely and economic manner. If anyone would like to volunteer to help with achieving any of the action points please get in touch (see the key contact details section below). The Newlands Valley Community Plan will then be revisited in around 3-5 years time to update and modify it depending on the actions that have been fully completed and any new actions that have arisen. Key Contact Details Main Contact: Jackie Knights- Above Derwent Parish Clerk [email protected] or 017687 80517 Consultant: Becx Carter - [email protected] or 077866 78283 Acknowledgements Sarah Fray- For her help with results co-ordination Jackie Knights- Above Derwent Parish Clerk Jenny Grange, Charlotte Hill and Keith Harryman- Newlands Valley Community Plan Steering Group Residents of the Newlands Valley

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

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Community Emergency Plan Skills & Resources

Name Contact Details Skills Resources

Rob & Jen Grange First Aider, Mountain Rescue Member

Generator, Mountain Rescue Radios

Charlotte & Paul Hill Medical professional Non utility reliant cooking facilities, Generator

Ed & Jane Ma Small generator, 2 vehicles appropriate for all weather access

Rob & Jo Bright Unlicensed Chainsaw

John & Fiona Edmonson Tractor & vehicles appropriate for all weather access

Ken Hodgeson Tractor, vehicles appropriate for all weather access & Chainsaw

Mary & Noel McGuiness Retired doctors no longer practicing but would offer advice in an emergency situation

Rik & Debbie Beaumont 1st Aid qualified staff 4 minibuses for movement of large numbers of people, canoes in the event of flooding

Swinside Inn Happy to provide shelter/group meeting point

T & M Beaty Tractor

Harryman family Tractor, and vehicles appropriate for all weather access

Martin & Shannon Relph Qualified Emergency Nurse Tractors, and vehicles appropriate for all weather access

Rob & Sarah Moir Tractor, and vehicles appropriate for all weather access

Peter & Christine Hughes Vehicle appropriate for all weather access

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Appendix 1

Newlands Valley Community Plan

Many parishes across the country have a community plan. A community plan brings together

the voice of the community and will develop an action plan for the future. It helps to identify

what we would like for our valley and can influence decisions on local policy, services and

funding. Thornthwaite has already made progress with their part of the community plan and

Braithwaite are well underway. It was decided that Newlands should have a separate Valley

Plan to Portinscale as it was felt we have very different needs from the village.

It would be very helpful if you could fill in the questionnaire below which will be distributed to

each property in Newlands Valley. The questions will feed into and help form the Community

Plan.

Please could you drop off your completed questionnaire either at Newlands Gate at

Swinside, Keskadale Farm or the Swinside Inn by the 8th June.

There will be a public meeting at the Stair Institute at 7pm on Wednesday 4th July 2012 to

discuss the results of the questionnaire and how the Community Plan will be formed.

Everyone is invited to make any comments and voice their ideas and opinions.

The completed plan will be available on the Above Derwent website however, if you would

like a copy of the plan sent to you by email, please fill in your email address on the

questionnaire. Paper copies will be available at request from the Parish Clerk.

We look forward to hearing your views for the valley and bringing together a plan that will

help us improve Newlands Valley for the future. If you would like to get involved we would

value help putting the plan together and also with any projects that may result from it.

Many thanks,

Jenny Grange, Charlotte Hill, Keith Harryman.

Contact:

Jenny Grange 78222

Keith Harryman 78544

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Newlands Valley Community Plan Questionnaire

Name/s: _________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________

House name/Number: _______________________________________________

Number of adults living in your property: _________________________________

Number of young people under the age of 18 living in your property:___________

Email address: _____________________________________________________

Facilities:

1. Do you think the valley would benefit from an improved recycling scheme?

Yes / No / Don’t know

Please comment: _____________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

2. Do you think the valley would benefit from improved children’s recreational facilities,

such as a playground area?


Please comment: _____________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

3. Do you think the valley would benefit from an improved internet/broadband service?


Please comment: _____________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

4. Do you feel the valley would benefit from better local communication amenities? If so,

what would you be interested in? (please tick)

a) A valley website

b) Notice boards – if so, where? _________________________________

c) A more frequent paper news letter

d) An email newsletter

e) Other____________________________________________________

5. Would you support community projects such as:

a) Renewable energy schemes e.g. hydro-electricity

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b) Valley ‘lengthsman’ (someone to do practical repairs/environmental work etc.

- could be shared with other parishes)

c) Other? Please comment: ____________________________________

________________________________________________________

Infrastructure/transport:

6. Do you feel the public transport available in the valley is satisfactory?


Please comment: _____________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

7. Does parking on roads in the local area cause you any access issues or concern?


Please comment: _____________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

8. Do you feel there is sufficient parking provision for tourists and visitors in the valley?


Please comment: _____________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

9. Do you feel the condition of the footpaths in the valley is satisfactory?


Please comment: _____________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

10. Some areas in the country have snow ploughing and gritting organised by the local

community rather than relying on council services. Do you feel Newlands Valley

would benefit from a similar scheme?


Please comment: _____________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

11. Local residents at Swinside would like some ‘Slow down for children & animals’

signs. Would you support this?


Please comment: _____________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

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12. Are there any other places in the valley where specific signage would be useful?


Please comment: _____________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Housing:

13. Do you feel there is adequate provision for affordable local housing in the valley?


Please comment: _____________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

14. If there were to be more housing in the valley would you prefer it to be close to

existing settlements (infill) or in new areas?

Existing settlements / new areas

Please comment: _____________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

15. Do you feel there is a need for other specific housing provision? e.g. provision for

downsizing.


Please comment: _____________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Community:

16. Do you feel the pub, institute and church are vital for the Newlands valley

community?


Please comment: _____________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

17. Would you like to see additional community activities/events at these places (or

others)? If so what?


Please comment: _____________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

18. What do you like most about living in the valley?

___________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

19. What do you like least about living in the valley?

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___________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

20. What would you most like to change in the valley?

___________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

21. Do you have any comments/ideas that have not been addressed through this

questionnaire?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________

As part of the Community Plan we intend to address emergency planning issues and

provide information of who to contact in the event of an emergency.

Please could you answer the following questions:

22. In the event of an emergency, such as the 2009 floods, do you feel you might be in

need of assistance? For example for help with mobility, transport, provisions etc.


Please comment: _____________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

23. Do you have any skills or equipment that may be valuable in the event of an

emergency? For example are you a medical professional, first aider or hold a

chainsaw licence? Do you have a tractor, generator etc.

___________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

Thank you very much for taking the time to fill in this questionnaire and we do hope to see

you at the meeting on the 4th July at Stair Institute (@7pm)

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Appendix 2

Notes from the Newlands Valley Community Planning Meeting

held Wednesday 4th July 2012 at Stair Institute

In Attendance:

Jenny Grange- In the Chair Becx Carter- Recorder Keith Harryman Rik Beaumont Debbie Beaumont Penny Fowler Bob Fowler Roland Harries Mandy Pfleger Judy Williams Jill Maddisoy Jane Marr Below are notes that were taken during the discussion that was held regarding the Newlands Valley Community Plan. This meeting took place on the 4th July 2012 at Stair Institute, which was 4 weeks after the Newlands Valley Community Plan questionnaire was circulated to all households in the Newlands Valley area. Prior to the discussion commencing a bit of background was provided by the chair of the meeting, on the overall aim of a community plan and the stage that the Newlands Valley Community Plan is at, a summary of these is given below: What is a community led plan? A community led plan is an action plan for the future needs and want for the Newlands Valley based on what the community needs & wants, the final document will be put together in the form of a written plan. The Newlands Valley Community Led Plan will help the parish council for the area (Above Derwent) make decisions on directions/key decisions for the future. The plan will also be a useful document in support of the upcoming implementation of community led planning, and the devolution of local planning laws. A completed Community Led Plan can also be used as supporting evidence to any necessary grant applications for funding to support action/s listed in the plan. A further benefit of the work that is being done on the Newlands Valley Community Plan is that information is also being collected for a brief emergency plan for the Newlands Valley, which will tie in with the Keswick Emergency Plan. What stage is the Newlands Valley Community Plan at? A questionnaire was circulated to all households in the Newlands Valley along with an invitation to this meeting during the first week of June. 15 questionnaire responses have been received prior to the meeting, and the chair is aware that there are some other questionnaires still to be returned. This meeting is an opportunity for everyone to discuss the responses to the questionnaire, and to voice any other issues/concerns/suggestions regarding the Newlands Valley Community Plan. What happens next?

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The meeting agreed that all questionnaires that hadn’t yet been retruned should be completed and returned to Newlands Gate by the 18th July. The responses graph will then be updated to include all responses The meeting agreed it was key that the plan be a brief & useful working document, rather than being a lengthy document which was unwieldy to work with, and keep updated The draft plan including the emergency plan appendix will be circulated to all those Newlands Valley residents that have provided their email addresses. The final plan will be published on the Above Derwent Parish Council website to enable everyone to view it, and it will also be used by the Parish Council alongside the other community plans for Thornthwaite, Braithwaite & Portinscale to direct/guide future work by the parish council. The meeting agreed that the plan should be reviewed every 3-5 years to ensure that the document doesn’t stagnate. Suggestions & Comments that arouse out of the meeting to be considered in the Newlands Valley Community Plan:

• Newlands Adventure Centre have already had a portion of Newlands Beck surveyed for potential hydro electric installation but it was found that there wasn’t a great enough fall to feed a hydro electric system.

• Parochial Church Council wished to flag up the issue of the church yard, as of 2013 they may have to close the church yard for burials due to lack of space because of waterlogged ground, and too many tree roots. The only way this could be avoided is acquire at a reasonable price some adjoining land. If anyone hears of any possible solutions they should contact the Parochial Church Council as otherwise residents of the valley will no longer be able to be buried in the valley.

• Broadband- The attendees at the meeting asked that the broadband line speed testing document be circulated to them all, and speeds to be fed back to enable them to be passed on to the Broadband Hub Coordinator for the area

• Broadband- There is an issue with the quality of the line in some areas of the Newlands Valley in particular on the way up to Littletown, which would make improving the broadband speeds very expensive/difficult

• Road condition/pot holes/blocked drains- Were raised as a significant issue for the whole area, residents requested that a reporting system for such issues be included in the Newlands Valley Community Plan so that all residents were clear on how/to who issues should be reported to ensure that they were dealt with/and recorded

• Suggestions for increased use of the Stair Institute- Summer BBQ, Stair Fayre, A bring & Share community evening. It was also suggested that the use of the Stair Institute should be flagged up in the Community Plan as it is a good community resource but it is currently very under utilised. It was suggested that it maybe beneficial if the Stair Institute was marketed for overnight group accommodation to increase its usage and generate small amounts of revenue. It was also suggested that grants be considered to upgrade/repair the village hall (green grants, Cumbria Community Foundation, Neighbourhood Forum)

• Issues around the deforestation on Swinside, and the damage the forestry lorries/machinery is causing to the area. JG & BC informed the meeting of the issue with the Phytophthora Ramorum disease that has been found in some Larch Trees on Swinside and as triggered the compulsory felling of swathes of the area

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• Car Parking- Was raised as a concern by everyone in attendance at the meeting, particularly during the summer tourist season. It was felt that this was an issue that may apply across the entire Above Derwent Parish Council area, and that should be looked at as a matter of priority. A suggestion was made that may mitigate some of the problems in the Newlands Valley area was if Swinside were to offer parking for a fee- This will be included as a potential solution in the community plan that could be researched if the community wished to do so

Prepared Autumn 2012 By Becx Carter Finalised Spring 2013 ... · original blue box theatre...

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