understanding the needs of the council · web viewthis short report sets out the outcomes of the...

Planning for the Future - Building A Bigger and Better Burscough Summary Report, December 2014

Kirkwells Town Planning www.kirkwells.co.uk 1


Introduction

1. This short report sets out the outcomes of the Planning for the Future - Building a Bigger and Better Burscough launch sessions held during November 2014. The sessions were held at the earliest opportunity to begin to engage local residents, groups and businesses on the Burscough Neighbourhood Development Plan.

2. Neighbourhood Development Plans are a new part of the planning system. This gives Parish Councils the power to set planning policy for the future of their area. This power must be exercised within the framework set by national planning policy and the planning policy contained in the West Lancashire Local Plan.

3. In November 2014 Burscough Parish Council were designated by West Lancashire Borough Council as the neighbourhood planning body for the Parish.

4. The rest of this report summarises:

The format of the four launch sessions; What was said at each of those sessions; Summarises the key themes emerging from those

sessions; and Identifies the key actions or next steps that need to

be taken in producing the Burscough Neighbourhood Development Plan (BNDP)



The Launch Sessions

5. Four Launch Sessions were held in November 2014, these were as follows:

Business, 19th of November (morning) Community, 26th of November (afternoon) Natural Environment, 26th of November

(evening) Built Environment, 27th of November (afternoon)

A list of those attending is included at Appendix 1 [to be inserted].

6. Each session followed a common format. An introduction explaining why Burscough Parish Council had decided to prepare a Neighbourhood Development Plan and why they wanted to engage as openly as possible with as many people, groups and businesses in the area as possible. This was because the plan would be Burscough’s plan not the Parish Council’s plan. This was followed by a brief presentation on the key features of Neighbourhood Development Plans – what it would take to prepare one; the benefits of preparing a neighbourhood plan and the ultimate impact on Burscough, see Appendix 2 to this report. The main body of the meeting was then a break out in to small groups to identify and discuss the key issues facing Burscough relevant to each particular meeting. Each session then



concluded with feedback from the groups and a summary of the key issues identified.



Feedback from the Launch Sessions

Business

7. The business session was attended by over [number to be inserted] businesses and the following issues were highlighted.

8. What is good about Burscough?

community spirit village centre reasonably free of litter Wharf facility junior football facilities (when in use) good schools proactive parish council - councillors accessible Tesco positive impact Christmas decorations admired by residents and

visitors canal strong visitor attraction Martin Mere strong visitor attraction (200k

visitors /year) rail connections good The Grove works to an extent employers who have a long history/association with

Burscough some very good employers/industrial estate brings

employment



good events that attract children road network just about OK low crime rate local social life is good sports facilities are generally good The Grove is a good facility Wharf events work for local people new businesses opening but.. growth of quality businesses Hopvine/Tesco Booths services and related shopping, all in Burscough, in

one spot people coming in from other areas attracted to

Burscough poor electricity supply on industrial estate visitor economy important number and breadth of

businesses/services/products available opportunities to promote tourism - can we create a

"day out" community events Facebook page - images of Burscough train cycle availability heritage

9. When asked “what does not work in Burscough the following issues were raised:

Wharf is good but needs further development



schools will need to improve capacity in future bus service to industrial estate train service connection (at Ormskirk) poor lack of policing and CCTV coverage lack of parking lack of secondary and primary school facilities business and parish council relationship could be

better access/exit for Tesco doesn’t work well/dangerous Tesco negative impact rolling stock bad Grove needs improving surface water drainage sewers highway issues development could threaten community spirit over-subscription of GPs/dentists bus services (general) planned development contrary to public wishes businesses need to work together/not work in

isolation calendar of events needed for whole of Burscough markets to be regular in the Wharf Heathfields Estate isolated shortage of affordable housing library not big enough for area lack of pavements on industrial estate work urgently needed on Abbey Lane Sports field No youth centre



public landscaping is poor moorings at canal need to be developed for

business new businesses opening but make sure they stay local people don’t support local business not all know about local business Sunday main day at Wharf not enough marketing of village and Wharf more advance advertising and communication parish council newsletter is not being received by

all businesses poor electricity supply on industrial estate old infrastructure added to over years poor mobile phone signal (O2) slow internet disruption due to Booths development should arrange that work is done over night car boot sales are a problem causing congestion wrong type of trader in car boot sales limits needed on number of properties to let to

students in Burscough Wharf is at the heart of Burscough - or where? Can it be built better for gatherings? cultural heart of Lancashire need to define identity of Burscough utilise Visit Lancashire website signage "welcome to Burscough" needed marketing is poor



10. When asked to highlight the key issues the groups identified the following:

lack of infrastructure lack of social provision for teenagers and pre-teens fracturing of community between Burscough Bridge

and Burscough town possible separate identity of Heathfields and Yew

Tree Farm affordable housing key issue - urgent moorings at canal for business use encourage tourism footfall communication is central more advertising get business together with parishioners traffic on Liverpool Road a central point to advertise local jobs because we

do not have a job centre or recruitment agency for local people

poor electricity poor sewerage bus service to industrial estate public transport generally poor use CIL to subsidise public transport higher parking standards on new developments

required developing a "Brand Burscough"- who is marketing

aimed at importance of Hooper Swan



piggy back on Martin Mere reputation external perception of Burscough marketing Lancashire, using Lancaster as focal

point, pulls away from Burscough sell Burscough as package first impressions important appalling signage at top of Abbey Lane - bad

entrance maximise accommodation - B&B etc. 70% of Martin Mere visitors are general 30% are

niche 60% within an hours travel time £5m in local economy

can we use weddings in Burscough "Weddings at the Wharf?"

differentiate internal/external marketing market with other destinations e.g. Rufford Old Hall use of social media collate attractions together attract coach companies to stop off we need a package twin Burscough with Icelandic town where swans

breed

11. Many of these detailed issues can be dealt with in the BNDP. The key themes to emerge are:

The community spirit and strong identity The importance of the village centre The existing road and rail links



The importance of the industrial estate The potential to build on benefit from visitors to

the area, particularly Martin Mere The benefit of local heritage including the canal

and Wharf Infrastructure

12. There was an interesting comment that the mistakes made at the Heathfields development should not be repeated and this could be a key focal point of the BNDP particularly given the large-scale development proposed at Yew Tree Farm.

13. As well as these “planning” issues the session raised a number of non-planning issues. The one that came through very strongly was around the branding and marketing of Burscough. This is not an issue for the BNDP but could be dealt with elsewhere. In a related way the BNDP itself needs a strong brand and needs to be marketed in the right way so as many residents, people working in the area and businesses know about the BNDP and have the opportunity to comment on it as possible.

Community

14. When asked a similar set of questions the audience at the Community event identified the following:

Good about our Bad about our What could we



community community do about it in a Neighbourhood Plan?

Strong sense of village identityFace to face contactSchools Schools -

Threat from new provision – re selection and expansion

Schools parking – not just for students – not enough for staff

Quality of lifeUrban/rural balanceRail and road links

Railway not so good if you need your car to get to railway

Good number Lack of Engaging young



of buildings for community use

facilities for young people (14 – 18)

people – partly through schoolsAudit of what is available and costs

Public transport to industrial estate non-existent – not fair on young/apprentices who cannot afford carPublic transport – some links to surrounding areas are poor.

Integrating new developmentPace of changeThings to protectCemetery spaceBrownfield sites should be used first



Housing and facilities for all – ageing pop. And disability includedIT for public use

Identity and quality of life

These need to be protectedThe Plan should be based on fairness and equality

Links to visitor economy

Must be supported and developed

Traffic and Air quality

Must be dealt with

Flooding risk and infrastructure

Are probably important

GPs and dentists will become over subscribedLeisure facilities require protecting and enhancing

Burscough FC Important to



BurscoughAgriculture Needs

protectingPolice fire community safety – will become more stretched.

15. The key issue from this group were:

The strong sense of identity Car parking and traffic Quality of life and the urban/rural balance Lack of facilities for young people Lack of public transport in key areas The visitor economy Infrastructure



Natural Environment

16. The group looking at natural environment issues identified the following:

Good Bad What could we do about it in a Neighbourhood Plan?

Martin Mere Encourage expansion. Protection of existence and character.Encourage linkages between facility and Burscough village.Coach parking

Richmond Park and other parks

Protection and enhancement

Play areas Protection and enhancement

Good network of footpaths/canal towpath

Lack of Bridleways.Lack of lighting on footpaths,

Protect, maintain and enhance.Make linkages/Improve connectivity



linear paths etc.Lack of cycleways.Canal – dirty (Waterways Trust)

within and beyond Burscough.Links to green infrastructure.Access for all

Informal open spaces (wildlife areas)Brickie – Rich wildlifeFishing Lakes etc.

Potential for better use.

Protection as open space/wildlife sites

Rural setting and accessibility to open countryside

Protection and enhancement

Village identity

Protection and retention of existing scale

Top Locks/Canal Heritage

Protection

Agricultural land

Protection

Renewable Potential on



Energy buildingsWind power Encourage but

needs management

Poor drainage/sewage/surfacewater run off

Encourage SuDs, water attenuation, water recycling

Lack of informal play spaceParking/Access at Richmond Park/Schools

Address parking issues within the Parish

Hydro powerBurscough Curves – Need bringing back into use.Lack of maintenance of outside playing areas at sports centreAir QualityIntensive and



overdevelopment does not work.

17. In summary the key issues from this group were:

Benefit of Martin Mere The area’s parks The network of footpaths – but lack of cycle and

bridleways The area’s rural setting The village identity Car parking The Burscough Curves need bringing back in to use

Built Environment

18. The Built Environment group identified the following:

Good Bad What could we

do about it in a Neighbourhood Plan?

Canal and associated HeritageMartin MereExisting Protection and



open spaces enhancement of local green spaces

Rural identity

Independent rural businesses (Taylors)

Support and protect

FootpathsFairy Lights Street furniture

policyIndustrial estate – expanding well; no amenity issues.Reasonably good mix of housing stock small townhouses to 4/5 bed detached. (Not necessarily priced



affordable)Ainscough’s Mill being developed in a sympathetic mannerMartland Mill – works wellOriginal factory fronts (Superwoods) are assets to the area. Should be improved.

Possibility of a local list of importance

Good mix of churches designed well. Heritage.


Lot of remnants on Ringtail Industrial Estate.


Canal Policies to



towpath and other areas are not accessible to all.

address accessibility

Public Transport is not accessible to all

Design policies to encourage equality and fairness and accessibility

Affordable Local Houses – more required.

Policy to address. Housing Needs Survey required.

Car Parking – Burscough has a shortage of car parks in the village centre.Shop front design – requiredVariety/type/style and size of houses – not a repeat of Heathfields

Integration



Width of footpaths/cyclepaths etcFootway on Industrial Estate – non existentVictoria, Orrell and Mart Lane – area has a character should be protectedLandscaping required on Industrial EstateWharf does and doesn’t work

19. In summary, the key issues emerging from this group were:

The canal and associated heritage The benefits stemming from Martin Mere The area’s open spaces The area’s rural identity



The industrial estate and independent rural businesses

The mix of churches The area’s original factory fronts Accessibility issues in terms of public transport and

the canal towpath The mistakes made at Heathfields should not be

repeated



Key Themes to Emerge from the Four Groups

20. The key themes to emerge from the four groups are as follows:

The community spirit and strong sense of identity

The importance of the village centre The existing road and rail links The importance of the industrial estate and

other businesses The potential to build on benefit from visitors to

the area, particularly Martin Mere The benefit of local heritage including the canal

and Wharf The need to upgrade the area’s infrastructure to

keep pace with future growth Transport issues – including traffic, car parking,

the network of footpaths – but lack of cycle and bridleways

Quality of life and the urban/rural balance Lack of facilities for young people The area’s parks and open spaces

21. It is recommended now that these key themes are worked up in to the Vision and objectives for the BNDP.



22. A basis for the Vision could be the strong sense of identity and the desire to preserve the urban/rural balance that gives the area its special quality and character.

23. Each of the themes should also be worked up in to an objective e.g.

“The area’s parks and open spaces” could be worked up as the following objective – To protect and enhance the area’s local green spaces

Or:

Transport issues – including traffic, car parking, the network of footpaths – but lack of cycle and bridleways – could be worked up to be – To improve movement and accessibility for all modes of transport

24. Each of these objectives could also use the more detailed information collected at the four sessions. For example on transport that would include things such as public transport, the lack of cycle and bridleways, Burscough Curves and car parking around schools.

25. It should also be remembered that there is also opportunity for those preparing the BNDP to add to this list, or take away, as the plan develops.



26. One final theme that should be considered in the BNDP is links and integration of Yew Tree Farm with the existing community in Burscough. Particularly, given the strong feelings the Heathfields development generates.



Next Steps: Actions

27. A number of key actions are recommended to move the BNDP on:

a. A Vision is developed for the plan based on the key themes identified in para 20 above. This could be based on the strong sense of identity and the desire to preserve the urban/rural balance of the area that came through in all four sessions;

b. A set of objectives and targets needs to be developed from each of the themes identified in para. 20. These could be added to by the BNDP Working Group;

c. The next phase of community engagement needs to be identified as part of a long-term work programme. This should include feedback on the four launch sessions. This should take the form of “you said this, this what we think and how we think we can tackle it”;

d. This report should be made publicly available and put on the Parish Council web site; and

e. The Steering Group should give some thought to the branding of the BNDP and the key messages needed to both publicise and raise awareness on the BNDP and to ensure people understand what it can, and cannot do.



APPENDIX 1 – LAUNCH EVENTS – LIST OF ATTENDEES

Neighbourhood Planning: Building a Bigger and Better Burscough

Numbers

Event Total number Number from target group

Business and the Economy 47 31 businesses represented

Community 16 12 residents or representatives of community groups

Natural Environment 12 6 residents or representatives of community groups

Built Environment & Heritage 15 9 residents or representatives of community groups

Event: Business and the Economy, 19 th November 2014

Sue Smith Face for Business

David Cowburn Armistead BarnettSuzy Blyth Blyth SpiritNigel Kirkwood Tachograph Analysis Consultants LtdAndrew Egglesden Bachy Soletanche LtdBen Webster Memory Box PicturesBrian Kennedy Burscough Parish CouncilCarol Morris Sewing StreetJohn Walton Dublcheck Cleaning ServicesPhil Tyrer Dublcheck Cleaning ServicesJulie Atherton Burscough Parish CouncilDavid Crompton Crompton PropertyRuth Crompton Crompton PropertyJayne Marsh The Little Flower ShopTony Lunney Domino PartnershipHayley Webster The WharfCarol Canipa RBSJohn Eminson Post OfficeColin Wareing Colin and Caroles CreationsAnthony Wheble City & Suburbia & Steve Davies SolicitorsJane Bell Gallery at the Wharf

Roger BellBurscough PC and West Lancs Borough Council



Sarah Cowell Unique Party SuppliesNick Brooks Martin MereJeannie Pritchard Pritchard Ceramic & Dolls HospitalPenny Fletcher Gallery at the WharfSandra Jones Newburgh Parish CouncilTim Buxton Bachy Soletanche LtdCatherine Grice The FarmVictoria Pye Moving Works

George PrattNeighbourhood Planning Management Group

Gavin Rattray Full Stop LtdNick Ecclesley NRE SurveyorsSimon Kenyon Villages in PartnershipAlan Birch Burscough Heritage GroupMargaret Birch Burscsough Heritage GroupAnn Moss Pet ParaphernaliaAlastair Moss Pet ParaphernaliaGlenda Hazlewood Creative Kitchen / Bedroom DesignPeter Richards West Lancs Borough CouncilGraham Warrilow Burscough Parish CouncilJohn Crawford Burscough Parish CouncilShirley Ashton Burscough Parish CouncilAlan Bullen Burscough Parish CouncilBrian Bailey Burscough Parish CouncilJon Routledge Octagon Wealth ManagementChris Smith Blue Mallard

Event: Community, 26th November 2014

Alan Birch Burscough Heritage GroupMargaret Birch Burscough Heritage GroupBarbara Folland ResidentNeil Folland ResidentGavin Rattray Burscough Actiion GroupBrian Bailey Burscough Parish CouncilRichard Jones St Johns ChurchJohn Crawford Burscough Parish CouncilSimon Kenyon` Villages in PartnershipSue Little Lancashire Adult Learning CollegeGraham Warrilow Burscough Parish CouncilKaren Cartwright St Johns Primary School



Tom Spencer Burscough Heritage GroupRuth Crompton ResidentDavid Crompton ResidentJohn Taylor Burscough Parish Council

Event: Heritage and the Built Environment, 26 th November 2014

Nicola Smith Burscough Parish CouncilAlan Birch Burscough Heritage GroupMargaret Birch Burscough Heritage GroupCerys Edwards West Lancs Borough CouncilGavin Rattray Burscough Action GroupAlan Bullen Burscough Parish CouncilCharlotte Carlin Lancashire Adult CollegeDavid Crompton ResidentRuth Crompton ResidentSteven McCluskey Burscough Action GroupJackie Gudgeon ResidentBrian Bailey Burscough Parish CouncilJohn Crawford Burscough Parish CouncilJohn Taylor Burscough Parish CouncilJackie Rotherham Resident

Event: Natural Environment, 27 th November 2014

Alan Birch Burscough Heritage GroupMargaret Birch Burscough Heritage GroupJackie Gudgeon ResidentAlan Bullen Burscough Parish CouncilJulie Atherton Burscough Parish CouncilCynthia Dereli LCC and WLBCGraham Warrilow Burscough Parish CouncilRuth Crompton residentDavid Crompton residentJohn Crawford Burscough Parish CouncilSteven McCluskey Burscough Action GroupBrian Kennedy Burscough Parish Council



APPENDIX 2 – PRESENTATION SLIDES FROM THE NOVEMBER WORKSHOPS


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