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Northam Community Appraisal Report

INTRODUCTION

The Northam Community Appraisal Questionnaire was delivered to 1,000 households in and around Northam village.

This report concentrates on the major issues identified from the results as follows:

  1. Housing (including planning)

  2. Transport and Highways

  3. Sporting / Leisure provision

  4. Public Health

  5. Recycling

Recommendations are targeted to those bodies who are in a position to action them.

A full list of results is available from the Town Clerk.

HOUSEHOLDS

Completed questionnaires were received from 367 households (37% return rate). All age ranges were covered but the 16 to 30 year olds were slightly under and the 35 to 74 over represented.

Population Breakdown Graph

PERSONAL

a) HOUSING (INCLUDING PLANNING)

Housing Needed Graph

Whilst over 90% wished to see the green belt between Northam, Westward Ho!, Appledore and Bideford maintained there was a perceived need for additional housing as follows:

  • Burrough Farm was the site that received the most support for development.

  • On the seaward side of Town new building should be restricted in height (92%)

  • New residential developments needed to include the following facilities:

    •

    Parking spaces

    (62%)

    Open space

    (58%)

    Post boxes

    (56%)

    Buses

    (54%)

    Public telephone

    (47%)

    Shop

    (36%)
     

    Cash points/banking

    Recommendation

    That the District Council be made aware of the results of the appraisal and consider them when finalising the new District Wide local plan.

    b) TRANSPORT/HIGHWAYS

    1. 542 people use car/van as their main means of transport with 241 relying on the buses. 44% considered the bus service either essential or important.

      2. Bus Service Graph

    2. Traffic speed of concern to 556 people who would support measures to bring it down. (NOTE since the question was raised there has been a blanket introduction of a 30 mph limit).

    3. Pedestrian crossings on Northam by-pass for access to Health Centre and Appledore road for access to Torridge Pool were considered important by 541 and 451 people respectively.

    4. Northam Square parking, road junctions and congestion seen as a problem by many people. Split result 273 Yes, 308 No for pedestrianisation with 222 supporting a feasibility study. 422 people support the provision of a bus shelter.

    Recommendation

    That Devon County Council be asked to note the results of the appraisal, make provision for pedestrian crossings at the Health Centre and Torridge Pool and carry out a feasibility study on Northam Square with the object of improving safety and reducing congestion.

    c) SPORTING/LEISURE PROVISION

    1. The provision of a general purpose sports centre had the support of nearly 60% of the people.

    2. Of the 525 people who responded in connection with the village hall, 70% considered that there is a need for a purpose built village hall.

    NB The use of Burrough Farm land for the Village Hall Project has been identified since the appraisal commenced.

    Recommendation

    That the Torridge District Council, Village Hall Committee (Church) and Town Council be made aware of the need for these facilities and consider the benefits by way of capital cost and provision of grants that a combined scheme might bring to these projects.

    d) PUBLIC HEALTH

    1. 555 people thought the village needs a public toilet. There was also criticism that the library had no such facility. 276 supported the library site 198 the corner of Tower Street and 132 North Street/The Square.

      2. The Steering Group have recommended the possibility of a self cleaning automatic type facility be investigated for the library site.

    2. Dog mess and litter seen as a problem by substantial number of people (544 and 461 respectively). Many would like to see more bins provided.

    Recommendations:

    That the District Council be requested to provide a public toilet in Northam and come to an agreement with DCC as owners of the library for the use of their land for this purpose

    That the District Council consider how best to resolve the problems of dog mess and litter.

    e) RECYCLING

    There seems to be poor use of the recycling facility in Bone Hill Car Park. 609 people (96%) would be prepared to separate their refuse. 201 people would support a community compost scheme with a further 284 making use of it occasionally.

    Recommendation

    That the District Council investigate the poor use of the Bone Hill recycling facility and consider how best to respond to the desire for recycling.
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    Page Created: January 2000
    This Information was provided by Corporate Information Services
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