Parish Plan Update

There was a small but enthusiastic turnout for last Sunday evening’s Parish Plan update and discussion, with many local issues and organisations directly or indirectly represented. Following an overview from Parish Council Chair Richard Huxford, and an explanation of the potential of the Parish Plan and its benefits to date, the assembled group were introduced to the current priorities which have been drawn from the 37 proposed issues and actions. Breaking into two discussion groups the priorities were considered in sections:

One group discussed social and communication matters involving the needs of local sports groups, interest groups, young people, and the elderly. In conversation points were raised relating to the village hall and other facilities, welcome packs for newcomers, the demise of the happy circle, links between the Runner, the website, notice-boards and other information sources, the role of children and young people in local initiatives and much more.

The other group focused on issues of planning, traffic, services and the environment. Topics covered included footpaths and stiles, as well as signage and maps – with a link to extending the information content and possibly the number of parish notice-boards, also covered in some depth were issues of traffic and the environment; on both counts there was an enthusiasm for further investigation, with a traffic survey and an environmental survey in mind.

Naturally not all issues were fully covered, but the planned Twenty is Plenty scheme will clearly benefit from a traffic survey and longer term planning and heritage issues will be better informed as a result of the environmental study. From a cultural and heritage viewpoint it is quite surprising that in Randwick Parish despite its beauty and rich history and there are no recognised features of ‘special interest’, and from a longer term planning angle it is important that the unique aspects of our parish are recognised and the community’s wishes respected.

One of the important steps needed for the parish plan work to have more impact is the development of a ‘design statement’; this involves further consultation and producing a ‘supplementary planning’ document. At the moment planners have no obligation to consider the community views expressed in the parish plan, however working with the District Council to develop an approved design statement will ultimately mean our voices must be heard and our wishes considered.

Everyone who attended brought new perspectives and ideas, including activities and solutions that hadn’t been suggested before, and at the end of meeting everyone left with a commitment to taking the important actions forward. There were a number of people who weren’t able to make the meeting, and probably others who will be interested in getting involved, so full notes of the event are being written up and will be posted on the website, and as sub-group and working groups make arrangements people will be kept informed through our existing circulation lists and through the Runner.

Thanks to all those who were able to join us to oil the wheels and keep things rolling, 

Calvin