Sampford Courtenay

Parish Plan

2004

Text only version

Contents

Page

1. The Parish of Sampford Courtenay 3

2. Objectives 3

3. Methodology 3

4. Individuals 4

5. Local Business Development 4

6. Educational Facilities 5

7. Transport and Highways 6

8. Housing and Planning 7

9. Health Services 8

10. Other Services 8

11. Shopping 9

12. Leisure, Sport and Recreation 10

13. Communication 11

14. Environment 11

15. The Future 13

1. The Parish

1.1. Sampford Courtenay is a large rural parish of 3350 hectares, lying close to the northern fringes of Dartmoor. The village lies six miles to the north-east of Okehampton (with all major facilities, including supermarkets and a small hospital) and two miles from the small town of North Tawton, where there are local shops, primary school, doctor, dentist and one bank. The city of Exeter is the nearest large shopping centre and lies about 25 miles to the east.

1.2. The community of 528 inhabitants is partly clustered in the village and a few hamlets but many people live in fairly isolated agricultural situations. The village has a pub and a sub-post office, but lacks a shop. The parish has its own recently reopened railway station from which Dartmoor Railway runs a limited service on certain days of the week to Okehampton and Exeter. A bus service links the parish with Okehampton and North Tawton. The parish is served by a network of predominantly narrow and undulating roads together with the A3072, which runs along the edge of the village settlement and connects with Crediton and Holsworthy, and the B3215, which provides a link with Okehampton. The A30 trunk road forms the southern boundary of the parish.

1.3. Sampford Courtenay is noted for its thatched cob cottages and for its success, in recent years, in the Britain in Bloom competitions. Historically, it was the site of the Prayer Book Rebellion of 1549. The village is considered to be one of the most attractive in West Devon, which accounts perhaps for a population of mature inhabitants and several second home owners. Nearly all the properties in the parish are owner occupied.

1.4. There are two Anglican churches in the parish and a Methodist chapel. There has not been a school in the village for the past half century but the Victorian school building still stands and is now the village hall.

2. Objectives

v To provide a voice for the community and to set out information for the benefit of both statutory bodies and service providers in the area.

v To establish priorities for action within the community.

v To preserve valued features of the parish.

3. Methodology

3.1. During 2003 the Parish Council agreed that a new survey of the parish should be conducted. A grant was awarded by the Countryside Agency from the Vital Villages programme and in December 2003 a steering group was formed, comprising representatives from various organisations in the parish. A well attended public meeting was held in January 2004 to launch the process at which residents were invited to indicate issues of concern. These were fed into a questionnaire which was sent out to all 251 households.

3.2. In order that every member of the community should be able to express their comments freely the completed surveys were returned, anonymously, by post to the Parish Clerk. A return rate of 48.2% was achieved, representing the views of 258 people, including children under 14

years who had answered a junior questionnaire. The results were analysed and presented in a Survey Report. A second public meeting was held in October 2004 at which the results were

discussed and the issues identified as being of most concern. The steering group examined the results at length and constructed the framework for the parish plan. It was decided to provide each household with a summary in brochure form, with a full plan to be presented to relevant bodies among the service providers, public and voluntary sectors in the area.

Sections 4 to 15 examine the results of this consultation with the community.

4. Individuals

4.1. The respondents were about equally divided as to male/female with a majority indicating their age range. 64% were aged between 41 and 70; 41 people were over 70.

4.2. A high response to the survey came from newcomers to the parish (five years or less).

4.3. According to the survey 42% of respondents were in employment, the majority in full time work. Employment in agriculture and the public sector were to the fore, with no more than 6% working in leisure and tourism. More people worked at/from home or within the parish than elsewhere.

5. Local Business Development

5.1. We asked what types of employment should be encouraged in the parish. The development of small businesses, particularly those related to agriculture, would receive the support of most respondents, whereas industrial workshops would be the least popular. Rural crafts, architect or financial services etc. would be seen as appropriate small businesses, as would those promoting small-scale tourism. The parish feels a light touch is required to achieve acceptable developments.

5.2. Vision: Encouragement and support of all appropriate businesses and employment

opportunities within the parish, provided the scale of developments remains in

keeping in settlement locations.

Encouragement of small-scale tourist enterprises.

5.3. Actions: Encourage small businesses appropriate to a rural parish.

Encourage bed & breakfast, caravan sites, tea rooms, open garden events.

Provide a visitors’ information board and maps for paths and green lanes.

5.4. Partners for action: Sampford Courtenay Parish Council

West Devon Borough Council

The Prince’s Trust

Dartmoor Railway

Local groups (Flower Show/Village Hall Committee,

Parish Plan Group)

5.5. Time scale: Ongoing

6. Educational Facilities

6.1. There is thought to be an ongoing need for childminder and play group/pre-school facilities but in a rural parish this would not amount to the involvement of large numbers of residents.

6.2. The survey identified a strong demand for adult educational classes with the wish that they would be held within the parish as far as possible and preferably in the evening. Language study would be popular, as would local history and DIY. Some interest was expressed in distance learning. A reading group and computer training would also receive support.

6.3. Vision: The provision of pre-school facilities as appropriate.

The establishment of adult learning in suitable accommodation and through

distance learning.

6.4. Actions: Identify known childminders and availability of distance learning projects; liaise

with local college; publicise in parish magazine; seek group leaders.

6.5. Partners for action: Sampford Courtenay Parish Council

Okehampton College

Parish Plan Group

Volunteers from the community

6.6. Time scale: Medium term

7. Transport and Highways

7.1. The survey revealed that most households rely on the car for transport. In 52% of households there is a car for each person and only five households kept no roadworthy vehicle. Public transport services are used on a regular basis by very few people, whether to go to work or for other purposes. Bus or coach travel currently has no apparent appeal for more than 50% of respondents. There is a need for bus timetables to be available.

7.2. Occasional use of the train would be more popular, were the service to become more frequent throughout the week, and 64% of respondents would consider using it to travel to Exeter. The service to Okehampton would be used by around 36% on an occasional basis. Since Sampford Courtenay station is not within reasonable walking distance for the majority of residents the use of a car to reach the station would be necessary. However, if the bus services were to connect with the train services this would be an alternative proposition and others would use bicycles, perhaps to travel by train to use the cycle track beyond Okehampton. At present, Dartmoor Railway’s timetables are not widely available.

7.3. 94 people like the idea of a community bus but shared transport schemes are not popular. Taxi services are considered to be adequate but 63% of respondents never use them.

7.4. The survey produced considerable comment on speeding traffic on roads through the parish and several danger spots were identified, mainly at road junctions. Most respondents thought that there is a clear need for speed restrictions, whether advisory or mandatory, but resources to enforce compliance at the most hazardous places are perceived to be inadequate. There is a reluctance by a small number of residents to inflict more road warning signs on the rural landscape. There is no clear agreement on how to tackle the problem of excessive speeds but this environmental issue concerns parishioners more than any other.

7.5. Vision: The provision of public transport services adequate for residents’ needs..

An improved train service linked to bus services.

Bus and train timetables that are always available and up-to-date.

The reduction of excessive speeds on the parish roads.

7.6. Actions: Encourage the expansion and inter-connection of bus and train services.

Obtain up-to-date bus and train timetables for public display.

Continue to press for speed restrictions at Belstone Corner on the B3215.

continue to request the police to enforce compliance with speed limits at the crossroads by the New Inn and on Rectory Hill.

Continue to monitor other danger spots.

Maintain regular contact with haulier firms regarding non-compliance with speed

7.7. Partners for action: Sampford Courtenay Parish Counci

Devon County Council

West Devon Borough Council

Dartmoor Railway

Bus operators

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary

7.8. Time scale: Ongoing

8. Housing and Planning

8.1. The parish has around 250 dwellings. The survey indicates a fair degree of mobility in the housing market.

8.2. Only seven households say they will, or may, need alternative accommodation within the next five years.

8.3. There is some concern that property values make it difficult for young families to settle in the parish and there is a potential need for some element of low cost or affordable housing, but the survey showed clearly that most parishioners do not want to see more than single dwelling development, perhaps in-fill or conversion of existing buildings. It is difficult to see where development could take place within the village settlement boundaries at the present time.

8.4. As a principle, new dwellings should be designed in architectural styles that most complement existing properties in the village and the other historic settlements in the parish.

8.5. Vision: The retention of existing development boundaries.

Development that respects the scale and style of surrounding properties and

endeavours to reflect the historic nature of the parish.

An open mind on the need for affordable housing for local people.

8.6. Actions: Remain vigilant regarding building styles and maintain a tight control over all construction in the parish to protect the environment.

8.7. Partners for action: Sampford Courtenay Parish Council

West Devon Borough Council

8.8. Time scale: Ongoing

9. Health Services

9.1. Most people have no difficulty in getting to the local health services provided they have the use of a vehicle, are not too elderly and the weather is not bad. Only 3% of respondents consider they have a problem collecting prescriptions although the nearest chemist has limited opening hours. The availability of dental treatment under the NHS came in for criticism with 36% of respondents wishing to be registered with a NHS dentist locally.

9.2. The service provided in the area by doctors and hospitals is considered to be reasonable to good by most people although the new hospital at Okehampton is not commended by all who have had occasion to use it. Meeting appointments at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital is rather difficult for users of the existing bus services.

9.3. The survey asked whether a weekly GP surgery in the village is needed. 58 respondents were in favour. It was felt that a nurse might provide a useful service if resources allowed.

9.4. Vision: The provision of health services to meet the needs of residents, not least the elderly and those without transport.

9.5. Actions: Press for continuation/expansion of NHS dentist treatment locally.

Investigate provision of a weekly GP (or nurse) surgery in the village.

9.6. Partners for action: Sampford Courtenay Parish Council

Parish Plan Group

Primary Care Trust

9.7. Time scale: Medium term

10. Other Services

10.1. The effectiveness of the emergency services is unknown by many. The ambulance and fire services are viewed favourably but 51% of respondents expressing an opinion about the police feel that the service is poor. There is firm, but not overwhelming, support for volunteer surveillance schemes such as Neighbourhood Watch, Good Neighbour and Farm Watch.

10.2. The public toilets in the village should remain open, according to the survey results and comments at both public meetings, despite the burden of maintenance and running costs now falling entirely on the parish council.

10.3. The need for the continued existence of the village hall is strongly felt. The refurbishment of the hall to bring it up to modern standards is badly required.

10.4. The public phone box should be retained.

10.5. More than 100 respondents say there is a need for extra litter bins.

10.6. Off street parking in the village would be welcomed by 81 respondents.

10.7. The mobile library facility in the village was withdrawn some years ago due to non-usage. There is still a fortnightly service to The Beeches, but the survey results suggest that there may now be a renewed need elsewhere in the parish.

10.8. Vision: Initiatives that maintain the low crime rate.

Effective communications between parish residents and community police officers.

Public toilets in the village for the use of residents and visitors.

Up-to-date facilities at the village hall.

The elimination of litter in the parish.

The reduction of on street parking in the village.

A library service that meets the requirements of residents.

10. 9. Actions: Improve communications between parish and community constable.

Publicise community policing.

Maintain the public toilets.

Refurbish the village hall.

Investigate the provision of additional litter bins in the parish.

Examine feasibility of off street parking in the village.

Identify locations within the parish where a mobile library would be supported.

10.10. Partners for action: Sampford Courtenay Parish Council

West Devon Borough Council

Village Hall Management Committee

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary

Roundabout

Okehampton Library

10.11. Time scale: Short term to ongoing

11. Shopping

11.1. The local shopping facilities at North Tawton, within two miles of the village, are adequate but little used by most for shopping trips other than for last minute items. There is cramped parking and poor traffic flows. Okehampton provides good facilities for large scale shopping trips with, currently, adequate parking facilities and there are reasonable bus connections to and from the town.

11.2. The village post office is only open on weekdays but provides a wide range of postal services. Nevertheless, it is used by only 28% of respondents and Okehampton main office is the most used.

11.3. Over half of respondents think that a village shop would bring a central focus to the parish. While it is accepted that, realistically, it might not be viable purely as a business proposition 115 people appear convinced, none the less, that there is a need for a community shop.

11.4. A regular train service, well publicised, would probably be used by more people to shop in Exeter for more specialised purchases such as for Christmas shopping.

11.5. Vision: The continued existence of a village post office.

The provision and improvement of local shopping facilities.

11.6. Actions: Press for improvements to car parking at North Tawton.

Encourage expansion of rail service to Exeter.

Examine viability of a community shop.

11.7. Partners for action: Parish Plan Group

North Tawton Town Council

Dartmoor Railway

11.8. Time scale: Medium term

12. Leisure, Sport and Recreation

12.1. Many suggestions were made in the survey for new activities, both indoors and outdoors. Some, such as organised footpath walks, would need no investment in equipment and could be easily implemented. Yoga/keep-fit would be popular, as would art/music/drama activities. Other suggestions are more ambitious - such as a swimming pool or tennis courts - and may not be feasible given the size of the parish population. Indoor pursuits would benefit greatly from a refurbished village hall if the rooms there could be made more comfortable all year round, with particular attention given to heating and insulation and the provision of decent kitchen facilities.

12.2. The village green has basic sports equipment for children but there is a need for a better play area.

12.3. Attention needs to be given to improving awareness of parish events. To some extent the scattered nature of the population of the parish, apart from the two main settlements, means that the parish magazine - the main source of information - may not reach all households in time each month.

12.4. There appears to be sufficient support to resurrect entries in the Britain in Bloom competitions, in which the parish enjoyed considerable success two decades ago. The community would be brought together and there might be subsequent tourist benefits.

12.5. Vision: An active and well supported village hall.

The introduction of new leisure activities.

Improvements to the children’s play area on the village green.

Resumption of entry to Britain in Bloom competitions.

12.6. Actions: Refurbish and extend the village hall.

Investigate provision of yoga/keep-fit, art/music/drama/dance.

Strive for more effective communication of events.

Improve the village green play area.

Consider re-entry to Britain in Bloom.

12.7. Partners for action: Sampford Courtenay Parish Council

West Devon Borough Council

Village Hall Management Committee

Flower Show Committee

Roundabout

Local volunteers

12.8. Time scale: Short to medium term

13. Communication

13.1. Visual information concerning Sampford Courtenay could be improved by providing a parish map according to 51% of respondents. Other suggestions include better notice boards and a visitors’ information board.

13.2. The parish magazine is considered the most effective mode of communication but the distribution of Roundabout needs to be improved. The magazine could also be better used to provide information about the local councils’ activities.

13.3. 60% of households say they have access to the internet but few people use the parish website, on which are posted forthcoming parish events and minutes of the parish council and village hall committee meetings.

13.4. Vision:` A parish map and better notice boards for the benefit of visitors and residents.

More local news and information in Roundabout and full distribution within the parish. .

Greater use of the parish website.

13.5. Actions: Provide parish map and visitors’ information board.

Place more information and news from local councils in Roundabout.

Investigate improvement to distribution of Roundabout.

Publicise parish website.

13.6. Partners for action: Sampford Courtenay Parish Council

Roundabout

Village Hall committee

Local organisations

13.7. Time scale: ongoing

14. Environment

14.1. The parish has an impressive record of recycling waste materials with 72% of respondents using the boxes, provided by the borough council, every week. Only 11% of residents admitted to never using the boxes.

14.2. 147 people said they would welcome the provision of a rubbish skip. There was also interest expressed in having a clothing bank but the new recycling centre at Okehampton is probably the preferred solution on cost grounds and is less visually intrusive.

14.3. The parish is fortunate in the quality of its countryside features. Respondents are nearly

unanimous in rating landscape character as most important and the main concern is to eliminate pollution, litter and rubbish. The preservation of hedges, trees and Devon banks also rates highly among parishioners.

14.4. Speeding traffic worries our respondents most; road surfaces, mud and leaves on the roads, vehicle damage to verges and banks are also prominent environmental concerns. Low flying aircraft are persistently mentioned, too.

14. 5. Of growing concern is the likely impact of wind farms in the near future and the proposed bio-mass plant at Winkleigh received much comment in the survey.

14. 6. The parish footpaths and green lanes are generally known to residents but there is a demand for maps and descriptive leaflets. The current issue of the Parish Trail leaflet covers a few of the paths and lanes only. Much interest was expressed in the reinstatement of some of the old paths and tracks. The parish has no bridle ways.

14. 7. People with disabilities and parents with pushchairs experience difficulties with access in and around the parish. The locations of various access problems have been identified.

14. 8. Vision: Extension of recycling facilities.

More consideration shown by users of the parish roads.

Protection of the landscape from the impact of new forms of renewable energy.

Extension of footpath network and the provision of maps and leaflets.

Creation of bridle ways in the parish.

Improved access for disabled persons and parents with young children.

14. 9. Actions: Strive to eliminate litter and rubbish.

Strive to ensure preservation of trees, hedges and banks.

Ensure maintenance of road surfaces and verges.

Continue to monitor traffic speeds and lobby the relevant authorities when required.

Monitor the continuing incidence of low flying aircraft and explore ways to have this activity reduced.

Be alert to the introduction of wind farm and bio-mass technology.

Produce footpath maps and leaflets.

Encourage the reopening of old paths and tracks.

Investigate potential bridle ways.

Ensure attention is given to access improvements.

14.10. Partners for action: Sampford Courtenay Parish Council

West Devon Borough Council

Devon County Council

Parochial Church Council

14.11. Time scale: Ongoing

15. The Future

15.1. Respondents to the survey have a clear vision of how the parish should develop in the future. Although a sizeable minority would wish to see no changes at all, most want a balanced, working community that retains its farming roots. It is accepted that the village is attractive to newcomers but the intention should be to ensure a blend - across a wide age spectrum - of people working locally, retired persons, commuters and visitors. Locally based small businesses will be welcomed provided that they fit into the character of the parish and its landscape, which it is important not to spoil.

This Parish Plan has been created and

published with a grant from

and with the assistance of

Sampford Courtenay Parish Council

The Steering Group are grateful to the parishioners who contributed comments and opinions in the Parish Survey and at the public meetings. Group members: John Askew, Les Beer,

Avril and Mike Flanagan, Gillian Townsend Green, Sarah Hanks,

Rosemary Lowe, Stephanie Pouya and David Sercombe (Chairman) and Mick Denison Smith.

Edited and designed by John Askew

This plan and the Parish Survey Report can also be found on the Parish website at www.sampfordcourtenay.org and additional copies on CD can be obtained from the Clerk to the Parish Council Tel. No. 01837 851269