We need your opinions

on the following development policies for our neighbourhood plan.

• Development Policy

• Design Policy

• Heritage Policy

• Open Space Policy

• Employment Policy
  

This form will ask for your opinions about how we present ouir policies within the neighbourhood plan.

Development Policy

The rural location, character and community spirit are top of 'likes' in this parish. To maintain this, the below was discussed and agreed.

1. Peacemeal development would be preferred that would be appropriate to the size of village adhearring to LCC plan.

2. Opinions were divided whether this should be in-fill or ribbon development on the outskirts.

3. Types of houses welcomed would be smaller dwellings that would allow younger families to afford and /or aging residents to downsize. This is allow continuation of a well knitted community.

   
   

Design & Heritage Policy

The following statement from the Conservation Area Appraisal document was referred.

"The design and materials to be used in new buildings or in extensions to existing buildings should, in form, colour and texture, be in harmony with the traditional buildings in the Conservation Area. This means the use of appropriate red brick and pitched roofs with red clay or concrete pantiles."

It was agreed that this should be the the rule of thumb for any new builds to ensure the character and feel of the village is continued within new development sites; to insist new applications adhere by using old style/reclaimed brick walls, include pitched roof design, roofs of traditional material - including slate roof tiles and clay pantiles. Traditional design is important in terms of door to window ratio and no building is to extend beyond 2 storeys, with no objection to roofspaces and skylight windows being used. This also applies to any flats or buildings of multiple occupancy.

Particular favour was noted on the single storey buildings within the Conservation Area near the church that should be used as inspiration in terms of design for Bungalows and smaller such dwellings.

Adopting the Springthorpe Blue colour for sills and doors as a way to keep new buildings in character with the village as a whole and to add a sense of community belonging.

It was deemed important that we should avoid any destruction of significant historical buildings and homes.

Open Space Policy

Current designated open spaces

1. John Neil field opposite the Old Rectory

2. Carriage drive field behind Whitehouse Farm.

   
   

   Interest was garnered that the village would definitely like to keep the playing field in the capacity of a playing field, for both dog exercising and a community space for sports and activities. Open spaces are particularly important with the impending solar farm.

Employment Policy

It was recognised that no industrial units were present in the Parish, except for the 3 farms. Parish would welcome new businesses including home-based businesses

We understand that additional businesses in the village will

• increase traffic

• increase requirement for vehicular parking

Recommend that all new businesses

• always provide off road parking

• are aware of poor broadband connectivity

• submit a mitigating travel policy - see below.

Recommend that, to recognise the limitations of the small rural roads through the village and the impact of increased traffic number and size of vehicles, any new businesses, expansion or collaborations of existing businesses should mitigate further negative effects on traffic through submitting a sustainable and mitigating travel policy.