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What is a Parish Plan?
The Rural White Paper, ‘Our Countryside; The Future: A Fair Deal For Rural England’, was published in November 2000. This set out a range of measures to give local people a bigger say in managing their affairs, and a chance for everyone in the community to say how it develops. The Rural White Paper committed the Government to establishing Parish Plans.
A Parish Plan seeks to bring together the views, needs and opinions of the whole community. It endeavours to cover the social, economic and environmental issues of relevance to the parish. This sets out what is important, whether key facilities and services, or distinctive local character, and gives everyone a chance to guide future development. A Parish Plan can influence decisions made by parish, district and county councils, private and public service companies, and parish organisations. A Parish Plan may also influence funding decisions.
A Parish Plan seeks to highlight the wishes of the community. It is the duty of the public service providers to consider these alongside issues of feasibility and funding.
Our Parish.
The parish of Stoke Hammond is situated between Leighton Buzzard and Bletchley, approximately 6km and 4km respectively. It is on the northern edge of the area served by Aylesbury Vale District Council and Buckinghamshire County Council. Bisected by the A4146, it is rural in nature with the village of Stoke Hammond located at the southern end of the parish, surrounded by farmland. The Grand Union canal passes through the parish to the east of the village. The mainline rail route between London Euston and Scotland passes through the western side of the parish. The nearest petrol station is some 4km away.
The 2001 census shows the population of the parish to be 849 made up of people in the following age group:
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Age Group
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Number
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0-4
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60
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5-15
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128
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16-24
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56
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25-44
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262
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45-64
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218
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65-74
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72
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75+
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53
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Employment opportunities in the parish are limited. In addition to agriculture/farming, a number of small businesses operate in the parish. Most are located on a small industrial development at Willowbridge Marina alongside the Grand Union Canal at the northern end of the parish. Boat services, motor engineers, garden furniture and materials suppliers operate from here. There is a private residential care home and a small campsite in the parish. The village has a shop and post office, car dealers, a garage, a Chinese takeaway, a hairdressing salon and a pub. A private nursery school operates in the village community hall. The overwhelming majority of residents commute either to local towns or to London for employment.
How our plan was devised.
After initial consultation with Buckinghamshire Community Action, an open meeting was held in March 2006. Parishioners were asked to identify what they valued and what concerns they had about our parish. At this meeting, parishioners were also invited to form the Parish Plan Steering Committee, whose task it would be to compile the plan. A committee of nine members was established. During the process of writing the plan, some of the original members retired from the committee, and new members joined; mainly as a result of requests published in the village newsletter and local column in the Leighton Buzzard Observer. The committee received further advice from Buckinghamshire Community Action and consulted Stephen Agambar, who had chaired Great Brickhill in writing a very successful plan.
The Steering Committee compiled and administered a questionnaire. Appendix One details this process. A total of 621 questionnaires were delivered and 304 returned, giving a response rate of 48.95%. The committee summarised all responses to the questionnaire and published these in an interim report in January 2007. The results were then analysed by the committee. The results of this analysis form the basis of this document. In compiling the plan, the committee have taken answers given by over 50% of respondents to be significant. However, the committee have also recognised that some issues are of relevance to specific, identifiable populations and have allowed for this. In addition, the committee realise surveys of this nature can only be a snap shot of issues at the forefront of respondents’ minds at the time of completing the questionnaire. Hence, although some comments and suggestions were only made by small numbers of respondents they highlighted areas of more general concern and have been identified in the plan. Since devising and compiling the Parish Plan has been a fairly lengthy process, some issues highlighted by the questionnaire have been addressed in full or part during this time. These areas are highlighted in the plan. It should be noted that the publication of a Parish Plan marks the beginning rather than the end of the consultative process. The progress towards implementing the plan will need to be monitored, as will changes in parishioners’ priorities.
Findings and Recommendations.
Recommendations that are perceived as requiring action within the short term are those the committee feel need addressing within 2 years of the publication of the Parish Plan. Medium term recommendations are felt to need addressing within 2-5 years. No long term recommendations have been made. Some recommendations were felt to need immediate and continuous action.
Traffic, Roads, Pavements and Parking.
The A4146 is a major road route, linking Aylesbury to the west (via the A418) and Milton Keynes, some 10km to the North. Construction of the Linslade/ Stoke Hammond by-pass which passes to the west of the village, parallel with the railway, began in spring 2005. It is due for completion in autumn 2007. When opened, it is hoped congestion in the village will be relieved. Buckinghamshire County Council has stated that traffic calming measures will be implemented following the opening of the by-pass. Stoke Hammond currently has a 30 mph speed limit throughout the village. We have one speed camera in place on Fenny Road opposite Scotts Close. A cycle path runs alongside the Grand Union canal.
Residents were asked which traffic calming measures, if any, they favoured. They were also asked if they were satisfied with the standard of maintenance of roads, hedges and trees, pavements, grass verges, footpaths and cycle paths. There were also questions regarding car parking and street lighting.
Traffic Calming.
The parish favoured some additional traffic calming measures upon completion of the by-pass; although some commented that the exact nature of these should be finalised once the impact of the by-pass could be ascertained. Seventy-four percent of respondents wished to see 30mph signs painted on the road at the entrances to the village. Fifty-seven percent were in favour of flashing speed indicators. However, the majority of respondents (52%) were opposed to speed humps. The committee felt the responses regarding a pedestrian crossing were ambiguous due to the wording of the question. In addition, the installation of a mini-roundabout at the Newton Road junction warranted further consideration. From responses to a number of questions throughout the questionnaire, it became apparent that there was concern regarding the lack of safe stopping points for buses/coaches and crossing points, particularly for school children. When asked to list the areas most in need of improvement within the parish, traffic calming was the fourth most popular answer.
Developments to date.
The village entrance gates have been enhanced.
Recommendations.
- Buckinghamshire County Council to paint 30mph signs on the road at the entrances to the village. Short term.
- Buckinghamshire County Council to install flashing speed indicators. Short term.
- Analysis by Buckinghamshire County Council of the impact of the By-pass post completion. The analysis should include further investigation into the installation of a mini-roundabout at the Newton Road junction and the need for a pedestrian crossing. Short term.
- Further investigation by Buckinghamshire County Council and Aylesbury Vale District Council into the provision of safe stopping points for buses/coaches. Short term.
Maintenance.
Overall, respondents were satisfied with the standard of maintenance of roads, pavements, hedges, trees and grass verges. However, given the geographical distribution of respondents, it was apparent that the standard of road maintenance was of concern to residents of both Newton Road and Old School Lane. This was also true of hedges in Newton Road and Bragenham Side. The geographically dispersed nature of dissatisfaction with pavements was also felt to warrant concern.
From comments received, flooding and drainage also require consideration; particularly along Newton Road, Church Road and Fenny Road.
Developments to date.
The pavements in Old Belle Close and between the Village Post Office and Stores and the main road have been resurfaced.
Recommendations.
- Improved maintenance of road surfaces, particularly along Newton Road and Old School Lane. Buckinghamshire County Council. Medium term.
- Improved maintenance of hedges along Newton Road and Bragenham Side. Stoke Hammond Parish Council. Short term.
- Improved maintenance of pavements throughout the parish. Buckinghamshire County Council. Medium term.
- Action to prevent flooding and improve drainage, particularly along Newton Road, Church Road and Fenny Road. Buckinghamshire County Council. Medium term.
Footpaths, Cycle paths and pavements.
It was apparent from responses that some respondents had confused footpaths and pavements. However, the majority of respondents did not want any additions. There were no significant locations among the additions suggested.
Car Parking.
The majority of respondents did not feel that car parking created a problem in the parish. Of those who did, the main areas of concern were outside the Village Post Office and Stores, Tyrells Road, Tyrells Gardens, and Newton Road (particularly near the junction). From the geographical distribution of the respondents, many cited their own street as a problem area. From the comments received, the overall request was for motorists to be more considerate in their parking.
Street Lighting.
Respondents were generally satisfied with the level of street lighting. However, Church Road and Old School Lane appeared to cause the most significant levels of concern. A variety of locations throughout the village were mentioned as unsatisfactory; although each was only mentioned by a small number of respondents.
Developments to date.
A light has been installed at the top of Old School Lane.
Recommendations.
- Street lighting across the parish should be reviewed, with particular reference to Church Road and Old School Lane. The review process should keep in mind the issue of light pollution. Stoke Hammond Parish Council. Medium term.
Sports and Recreation.
Stoke Hammond has a community hall, which is used by a number of village organisations on a regular basis. (W.I., Brownies, Guides, Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Yoga, Mother and Toddler Group). There are four swings in the grounds of the hall. The Sports Club boasts two cricket teams, two football teams, a darts team, a pool team and a quiz team. Regular Quiz and Bingo nights are held at the club, as are events for Bonfire night, Halloween, Christmas, New Year etc. There is also a village playing field. The village pub has darts and pool teams. The Community Association stages regular village events. There are both Anglican and Methodist churches in the village. Stoke Hammond has a Gardening Club and an Investment Trust Club.
Overall, respondents were satisfied with the current provision of sports and social activities and facilities. The top three areas identified as in need of improvement were the children’s playground, activities/meeting place for young people, and the provision of a tennis court.
Ideas as to who should provide the extra facilities/activities varied in accordance to which facility/activity was perceived as in need of improvement. On the whole, it was seen to be the responsibility of the elected councils. The committee would emphasize that extra facilities and activities can only succeed with the participation and active support of parishioners. When asked to list the three areas most in need of improvement within the parish, the top answer was facilities for youngsters. The pub was the third most popular answer.
Developments to date.
The Parish Council has been pursuing the need to improve the children’s playground. Funding has been secured and a contractor is being appointed.
Recommendations.
- Provision of a meeting place/facilities for young people to be explored. Stoke Hammond Parish Council. Short term.
- Provision of a tennis court to be explored. Stoke Hammond Parish Council. Medium term.
Environmental Services.
Provision is made for doorstep recycling of glass on a four weekly basis. Plastics, paper and cans are collected fortnightly. Residents are able to purchase bags from Aylesbury Vale District Council for garden waste to go to landfill. Residents can also arrange for larger items of waste to be collected for an additional fee. There is a bottle bank by the village pub and a recycling centre in Aylesbury. A mobile skip comes to the parish twice per year.
Respondents were generally satisfied with the current provision of environmental services, particularly domestic refuse collection, road sweeping and doorstep recycling. The main area of dissatisfaction was with the availability of recycling banks. The most desired improvement was to increase doorstep-recycling options, for general and garden waste. A significant number of respondents felt no more mobile telephone masts should be erected within the parish.
Developments to date.
Brown wheelie bins are to be provided imminently for the recycling of garden waste and cardboard.
Aylesbury Vale District Council are liasing with South Bedfordshire District Council with to regards to gaining access to Shenley Hill tip for local residents.
A new waste bin has been installed on the green.
A new waste bin is to be installed by the children’s playground.
Stoke Hammond Parish Council have approached the Buckingham and River Ousel Internal Drainage Board with regards to improving maintenance of the brook.
Recommendations.
- Stoke Hammond Parish Council to object to any further planning applications for mobile telephone masts. Term; immediate and continuous.
- Aylesbury Vale District Council to take account of the view of parishioners in making planning decisions relating to mobile telephone masts. Term; immediate and continuous.
Housing and Development.
The figures for March 2007 show a total of 359 residential properties in the parish. The Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust owns 62 of these.
(continued)
The properties fall into the following Council Tax bandings:
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Band
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Number of Properties.
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A
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7
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B
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59
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C
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99
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D
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45
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E
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31
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F
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66
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G
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48
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H
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4
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The Housing Trust properties fall mainly into bands B and C.
Residents were asked what types of housing development, if any, they would like to see. This question provoked a mixed response. A small majority of respondents stated that they would not like any development of privately rented or Housing Association properties. The majority of respondents making further comments did not want any more development, particularly outside existing development boundaries.
Recommendations.
- Stoke Hammond Parish Council and Aylesbury Vale District Council to take account of the view of parishioners when considering planning applications. Term; immediate and continuous.
Public Services.
Public transport in the parish is minimal and consists of one bus a day to Bletchley and one to Leighton Buzzard. It is very difficult to reach Milton Keynes by public transport and only possible to make a return journey on the same day on a Thursday.
There is no GP surgery in the parish, residents use surgeries in either Bletchley or Leighton Buzzard. Local Hospitals include Milton Keynes General, Stoke Mandeville and Luton and Dunstable Hospital.
There are no primary or secondary schools in the parish. The nearest primary school is in Great Brickhill, 4km away. Buckinghamshire County Council retains a compulsory selective system at 11 plus. The grammar schools are in Aylesbury, some 22km away and the secondary school is in Wing, approximately 8km distance. Both primary and secondary students are either bussed out of the parish to school or travel by private transport.
Policing is provided by Thames Valley Police. The nearest Police Station is at Wing and the main office serving the area is in Aylesbury.
Residents were generally satisfied with the current level of provision of Public Services. However, of those responding to the question, more were dissatisfied than satisfied with levels of policing. A majority of respondents were dissatisfied
with the current level of provision of public transport. This was also the second most popular response when asked to list the areas most in need of improvement and the top response to the question inviting any further comments.
Recommendations.
- Provision of a more regular bus service. Stoke Hammond Parish Council and Buckinghamshire County Council. Short term.
- Thames Valley Police Authority to be consulted regarding levels of policing and response times. Stoke Hammond Parish Council. Short term.
What do we value?
From comments received, parishioners most value our Village Post Office and Stores, being part of a community, the people and the countryside.
Summary of Recommendations
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Recommendation
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Action By
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Term
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30mph signs to be painted on road at entrances to village
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BCC
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Short
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Flashing speed indicators to be installed
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BCC
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Short
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Analysis of impact of By-pass post completion, to include investigation into installing mini-roundabout at Newton Road junction and need for pedestrian crossing.
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BCC
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Short
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Investigation into provision of safe stopping points for buses/coaches.
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BCC
AVDC
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Short
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Improved maintenance of road surfaces, particularly Newton Road and Old School Lane.
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BCC
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Medium
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Improved maintenance of hedges along Newton Road and Bragenham Side.
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SHPC
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Short
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Improved maintenance of pavements throughout the parish.
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BCC
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Medium
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Action to prevent flooding and improve drainage, particularly along Newton Road, Church Road and Fenny Road.
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BCC
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Medium
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Review of street lighting across the parish, particular reference to Church Road and Old School Lane. Issue of light pollution to be kept in mind.
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SHPC
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Medium
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Provision of meeting place/facilities for young people to be explored.
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SHPC
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Short
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Provision of tennis court to be explored.
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SHPC
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Medium
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Objection to any further planning applications for mobile telephone masts.
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SHPC
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Immediate/
Continuous
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Parishioner’s views to be taken into account in making planning decisions relating to mobile telephone masts.
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AVDC
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Immediate/
Continuous
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Parishioner’s views to be taken into account when considering planning applications.
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SHPC
AVDC
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Immediate/
Continuous
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Provision of more regular bus service.
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SHPC
BCC
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Short
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Consult Thames Valley Police Authority regarding levels of policing and response times.
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SHPC
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Short
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Definition of terms/key to abbreviations.
Immediate/continuous: To be implemented immediately and continue indefinitely.
Short term: Within two years.
Medium term: Within two to five years.
SHPC: Stoke Hammond Parish Council.
AVDC: Aylesbury Vale District Council.
BCC: Buckinghamshire County Council.
Acknowledgements.
Thanks go to the following people for their assistance in producing the Parish Plan:
The Advisors: Buckinghamshire Community Action.
- Stephen Agambar (Chair Great Brickhill Parish Plan Steering Committee).
The Committee: Mavis Berrows
Val Blackshaw
Keith Chambers
Kevin Clay
Miles Emmett
Gail Flack (Chair)
Kevin Jarrett
Mike Robinson
Maxine Rushden
Penny Webster
The Volunteers: Brian Ambler
Elaine Carter
Garry Christopher
Mel D’Agostino
Julie Robinson
Muriel Stairs
Hazel Turner Stoke Hammond Post Office and Stores.
The Rotherham Family
Appendix One: Compiling and Administering the Questionnaire.
The committee began by grouping together the written comments received at the open meeting to identify key areas of interest. A letter was circulated to all parish-based businesses and organisations to ensure no significant areas had been overlooked. A questionnaire was then devised.
During September and October 2006 the committee, with the aid of volunteers, endeavoured to deliver a questionnaire to every parish resident aged 14 or over. All addresses within the parish were called at up to three times in an attempt to ascertain how many questionnaires were required. If contact could not be made in person, a questionnaire was posted along with details of how to obtain more copies. Questionnaires were collected by the committee and additional volunteers. Again, if contact was not made in person by the third attempt to collect the questionnaires, the committee posted advice to deliver them to the Village Post Office for collection.
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