We received many pieces of feedback from the recent Parish questionnaire. The purpose of this Q & A is to respond to particular factual questions that were raised in the questionnaire responses and so the answers are provided as matters of factual information only. The note does not attempt to respond to all of the broader personal observations or opinions that people have provided – though, be assured that every comment is being considered in the course of this current review of the Plan.

  • Green spaces, who will be responsible for maintenance?

On the sites identified in the Plan, it will be the responsibility of the landowner to maintain the site – directly or in partnership with others. This has been agreed with each of the respective landowners for the proposed Local Green Spaces in the Neighbourhood Plan.

  • How will local people gain access to LGS3?

There are no plans to create a public access arrangement to LGS3. The designation of a Local Green Space through a Neighbourhood Plan does not in itself grant public access.

  • Can the cricket pitch be part of this (LGS policy) including the pond near Springs Lane?

The cricket club and associated land is privately owned and any decision to designate as green space rightly rests with the landowner.

  • Any possibility of a green space at Smiddy Hill end of the village?

We were unable to identify any suitable land for green space designation. The criteria for assessing and subsequently designating Local Green Spaces are -The green space must be in reasonably close proximity to the community it serves; -The green space is demonstrably special to the local community and holds a particular local significance, for example because of its beauty, historic significance, recreational value, tranquillity or richness of its wildlife; and -The green space is local in character and not an extensive tract of land.

  • Not quite sure what a design code is? (ROFF design code)

It is a document that lays out clear and agreed guidelines for the future development and layout of the estate. In this case particularly, street layout, building design and open green areas.

  • Anything left Champagne Whin site on Springs Lane former munitions site to be retained?

We believe that nothing in that area could qualify as a local heritage asset.

  • Can the cricket club be included (Community Facilities)?

The cricket club is on privately owned land and as such cannot be designated as a Community Facility.

  • Provision of a community shop at the pub?

One of the key community actions is to consider the viability of a local shop. I feel sure the matter will be raised at some stage with the pub, though clearly it will be a matter for them to consider.

  • Would this lead (allocation of the coal site for new housing development) to building to the left of the coal yard?

It doesn’t follow that further housing would be allowed. The allocation of the coal yard site for housing is in part due to the brownfield nature of the site. General planning principles favour the use of brownfield land first, hence why this site is considered suitable for new development.

Policy HG4 in the Neighbourhood Plan seeks to preserve the medieval nature of tofts and crofts in Walton, which would apply to the left of the coal yard. Allocating sites through a neighbourhood plan means that development in the parish will be “plan-led”, and reduces the risk of speculative development coming forward.

There were many other helpful points raised through the questionnaire and so, thank you for those. They will be considered in respect of the final version of the Plan or fed directly into the Key Community Actions agenda.

Brodie Clark.

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