South Somerset District

Personal Details:

Name: Jason Baker

E-mail:

Organisation Name: Ward Member

Comment text:

I agree with the changes to Holyrood ward accept for the field which forms the park "Snowdon Park" this is currently in Blackmoor Vale ward (Tatworth & Forton), this park has been built for the use of the residents of Holyrood ward and Chard so should be within the boundaries of Holyrood ward. This park is currently having improvements made to it which are being funded by monies from section 106 from the Redrow housing estate (Toll House Way) This change would have no effect on numbers but would tidy up the top of the ward to include the park and green space.

Uploaded Documents:

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Taylor, Laura

From: John ClarkSent: 05 March 2018 11:32To: reviewsSubject: South Somerset review consultation

Dear LGBCE, I wish to submit the following comments to your present consultation on South Somerset. This is in my individual capacity as a District Councillor for the current SSDC ward of Yeovil West.  With respect to your overall recommendation for the conurbation in Yeovil The Brympton / Yeovil / Yeovil Without conurbation is planned to have a reduction from 17 to 16 Councillors. Based on the current electorate, the correct figure is calculated as 16.4, but this will be higher by 2023. I therefore strongly submit that the (growing) conurbation should still have 17 Councillors.  With respect to your recommendations for Yeovil Summerlands  I believe that the proposals for Yeovil Summerlands are broadly sensible. However I believe that two, possibly three, amendments would be logical 

Move the rest of Monks Dale plus Abbott's Way and Friar's Avenue out of Brympton into Yeovil Summerlands, with which it has much more in common.  The whole area that lies south of Thorne Lane, west of Larkhill Road, East of Dodham Brook could be transferred to Summerlands if the numbers required and to keep the polling district ADAY together. It is separated by the brook from the rest of the proposed Brympton ward, and there are no links across the brook. 

Remove that part of the [future] Brimsmore development from Summerlands so that it can all be in one ward, probably part of Yeovil Without 

Consider redrawing the northern boundary of Yeovil Summerlands further South still, to exclude Thorne Lane but to include the natural community of Westfield and Monks Dale (see the roads that make up the core of the Westfield community at the end of this email) 

 With respect to the recent submission by Yeovil Without Parish Council The Yeovil Without Parish Council submission is in my view, with one exception, well argued. I have borrowed from their arguments in the section above. In particular I support: ‐ 

Their opposition to the break‐up of existing communities in Yeovil Without  Their opposition to the proposal that their Parish would be represented by 11 District Councillors  Their opposition to the break‐up of the new Brimsmore development into more than one division  Their suggestion that all of Monks Dale and some associated roads should be within Summerlands, 

not Brympton 

The point in their submission with which I strongly disagree is the assertion that the community of Westfield stops at Stiby Road going north. Indeed the natural, historical and present centre of Westfield is the crossroads between Stiby Road and Westfield Road / Coronation Avenue. If Westfield was deemed to stop north of Stiby Road, that centre would be cut in half, and the Church and the new Community Centre in Coronation Avenue would be separated from the rest of Westfield, including the shop and the school! The roads that form part of the core of the Westfield estate are, in my view,  

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Westfield Road / Grove / Crescent / Avenue / Place  Stiby Road  Springfield Road / Place and Marl Close  Coronation Avenue, north as far as Boundary Close  St Anne's Gardens and Perrythorne Park  Thatcham Park / Court / Close 

Roads that could be viewed as part of Westfield or not, are: ‐ 

Eliott's Drive and the roads off it  Freedom Avenue  St. Patrick's Road 

 Yours  Cllr John Clark SSDC ‐ Yeovil West 

 

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Taylor, Laura

From:15 March 2018 12:28

To: reviewsCc:

Boundary reviews

Dear Sir/Madam, Re: Wincanton and Tower ward. I am emailing to support your proposals for the above ward having seen the Conservative response to making Wincanton a 3 member ward, I am a Conservative councillor for Wincanton and was not consulted in this response, if fact I completely disagree with it so please disregard it as being from ward members 2 of which were not consulted. I would finally like to support the current plans to merge Wincanton and Tower, it works well, all villages surrounding Wincanton are in Tower, particularly Bayford which in fact is joined to Wincanton. The existing proposals make eminent sense. Yours sincerely, Nick Colbert Wincanton ward Councillor Conservative

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Taylor, Laura

From: Carol Goodall Sent: 01 November 2017 12:27To: reviews@lgbce.org.uk.Subject: Boundary ChangesAttachments: Ilminster Community Plan 2016 v2.docx

Dear Sir   

 I would be more than happy to support the creation of two wards in Ilminster.   At the moment we are a single ward with two Councillors and it can be difficult at times when faced with a query from a resident because the residents will often ask both of us the same question.   This means we have to check with one another when we get questions.  The other issue and a more important one is the suggestion that we join forces with Neroche.   The areas are as 

different as chalk and cheese.   We are very much a market town that has grown and continues to do so. It is and always has been identified as a rural market town  Ilminster was one of a number of market towns in south Somerset ‐ market town in that they held cattle markets on a regular basis.   Like the other market towns Ilminster became the focal point for the surrounding villages and it still is.   We no longer hold a cattle market but town retains the market town feel.  We have a non political but proactive Town Council.   The requirements of Ilminster residents are very different to those of a rural settlement and the attached document - the recent 2016 - 2026 Community Survey will give a clear indication what those differences are.  My apologies again for the tardiness of my reply but it could not be helped.  Carol Goodall District Councillor Ilminster Ward   

  

Front cover to include pictures

Ilminster’sCommunityPlan2016 – 2026 

MakingIlminsteragreatplacetolive,workandplay

www.ilminsterforum.co.uk

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ContentsForward by Carol Goodall, Chairman of Ilminster Forum ....................................................... 3 

Executive Summary ................................................................................................................ 4 

About Ilminster ........................................................................................................................ 5 

Potential Key Developments for Ilminster ........................................................................... 6 

Creating the Plan .................................................................................................................... 8 

Ilminster Forum Steering Committee ................................................................................... 9 

Consultation and engagement ............................................................................................ 9 

A Strong, Healthy and Active Community ............................................................................. 10 

Community provision and what Ilminster people had to say ............................................. 10 

Volunteering ...................................................................................................................... 11 

Community information ..................................................................................................... 11 

Issues Identified ................................................................................................................ 12 

Objective ........................................................................................................................... 12 

Projects ............................................................................................................................. 12 

Vibrant local economy ........................................................................................................... 13 

Ilminster’s local economy and what people had to say ..................................................... 13 

Issues Identified ................................................................................................................ 15 

Objective ........................................................................................................................... 16 

Projects ............................................................................................................................. 16 

The image, local environment and green spaces of Ilminster ............................................... 17 

What Ilminster people had to say ...................................................................................... 17 

Issues Identified ................................................................................................................ 20 

Objective ........................................................................................................................... 20 

Projects ............................................................................................................................. 20 

Getting About ........................................................................................................................ 21 

Ilminster’s travel options and what people had to say ....................................................... 21 

Issues Identified ................................................................................................................ 22 

Objective ........................................................................................................................... 22 

Projects ............................................................................................................................. 23 

SWOT ................................................................................................................................... 24 

Delivering the Plan ............................................................................................................ 26 

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ForwardbyCarolGoodall,ChairmanofIlminsterForum To be added

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ExecutiveSummary

Ilminster Forum consulted widely with residents to establish how they use Ilminster, what they like about the town and what they feel needs improving. Consultation included a household survey delivered to every home. Thirty one per cent of those surveys were completed and sent back.

This will be completed once rest of document is finished

What next

Potential projects that address the above issues are included in the Action Plan (see Appendix 1). The Ilminster Forum volunteers will take some of the project ideas forward. Other projects will be dealt with by organisations such as Ilminster Town Council, the Chamber of Commerce, Somerset County Council or South Somerset District Council. Many of the projects will require a partnership approach with two or more organisations working together to make it happen.

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AboutIlminster Ilminster is a market town in the southern part of South Somerset, located just off the A303 and close to the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The town is home to 5,808 people (2011 census) and serves a number of surrounding parishes, in particular Dowlish Wake, Knowle St Giles, Donyatt, Horton, Broadway, Ashill, Ilton, Whitelackington, Barrington, Stocklinch, and Puckington. The 2011 Census showed that the population of Ilminster comprised:

27.7% - Children and young people up to and including 24 years 48.2% - People aged 25 to 64 24.1% - People aged 65 and over

The median age of an Ilminster resident in 2011 was 43 years (whereas for England and Wales the median age was 39). Like many South West market towns, Ilminster has a higher than average number of people aged 65 and above, at 24.1%, compared to 16.4% for England and Wales. Population projections for Somerset indicate a significant increase in the number of residents’ aged 70+ by 2033, which will impact on Ilminster in the future. Do we need to qualify/quantify this statement? Children’s education is served through a three-tier system:

Greenfylde School is for children up to 9 years and is rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. Swanmead School provides for the ages 9 to 13 years and is rated ‘good’ by Ofsted. Wadham School in Crewkerne, also rated ‘good’ by Ofsted, is the third tier and also

includes a sixth form. Post 16 students also use Richard Huish College, Somerset College of Art and Technology in Taunton, Bridgewater and Taunton College, and Yeovil College. In terms of the local economy there are a significant number of businesses operating from Ilminster. Two business parks are located on the Dillington Estate: Eaglewood Park and Ashwell Business Park, where twenty-five businesses are based. Two long established manufacturing businesses, Daido and Powermatic, are located on the western edge of the town. Gooch and Housego, a global leader in photonics technology, has a large site to the south at Dowlish Ford. There is the capacity to attract more employers, and provide more employment in the town on the empty Horlicks site on the western edge of Ilminster close to the A303 and A358 junction. Ilminster is not a tourist hot spot but its close proximity to the A303 and numerous National Trust properties means it does have a steady flow of visitors, for both business and recreational purposes. The Shrubbery Hotel and the nearby Travelodge, as well as a number of bed and breakfast providers in Ilminster and the surrounding villages, means there is plenty of accommodation to suit. Approximately 6 miles away at Cricket St Thomas, is a Warners adult only hotel that can accommodate over 400 guests and attracts visitors from across the UK. The health of Ilminster’s residents is generally good, 80.6% report having good or very good health, however 18% find their day-to-day activities limited by poor health (Census 2011).

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PotentialKeyDevelopmentsforIlminster

Horlicks site This large brown field site is considered an eyesore and has been derelict for many years. When it is developed it could create new employment in the town. Old Gooch & Housego Factory This site, located in the centre of Ilminster, has been empty for a number of years. There is the potential to develop the site as a mix of commercial and residential helping to keep the centre of the town vibrant. Canal Way and School At time of writing Persimmon had submitted a planning application to build up to four hundred homes on the land to the south of Canal Way. They also plan to provide a site for a new school. Greenfylde School, the present primary school, has no spare capacity and nowhere to expand in its current location. Upgrade of A358 and A303 Highways England proposes to dual the A358 between Ilminster and the M5, in addition improvements are planned to the A303 in the Ilminster area. The improvements will make the current vacant employment land on the edge of Ilminster, more attractive and attract potential employers to the town.

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CreatingthePlan Ilminster Forum is the local community regeneration group responsible for preparing the Ilminster Community Plan. Ilminster’s first Community Plan was published in April 2005 after considerable consultation to establish concerns and priorities of people in and around the town. That community plan identified a range of issues along with a list of projects to address them. Over the following years Ilminster Forum worked with a variety of organisations to turn some of those project ideas into reality. A number of key projects and improvements arose from that original plan and those include:

Tourism - a new website aimed at tourists (www.visitilminster.co.uk), a Heritage Trail booklet and many walks leaflets.

Footpaths - Improvements made to existing footpaths and the creation of new routes in and around the town.

Swimming pool survey – a detailed household survey was carried out with the results highlighting demand within the town for a swimming pool. The data was submitted to the District Council’s Sport and Leisure department. The District Council recognised that a proportion of residents in and around Ilminster are just outside the fifteen-minute drive time catchment for swimming pools (the Council’s adopted accessibility standard for pool provision). However, given the scale of the spatial deficiency that exists, it would not be feasible to develop a new pool in Ilminster at this time, without impacting on the viability of the existing pool facilities at Crewkerne and Chard.

Community Facilities Survey - in 2004 people were concerned that with the demise of the Community Hall and Methodist Church Hall, there was not enough space in the town to hold community activities. Ilminster Forum carried out an audit of existing provision and a survey to ascertain future needs. Ilminster Football Club used those results to demonstrate the need for a large room within their new premises, which helped them obtain funding to build the Archie Gooch Pavilion.

Community Website (ilminsterforum.co.uk) – people wanted better access to local information so this website was set up to help make it easier for residents to find out about local activities and events. It also advertises businesses when asked to do so.

Monthly Local Produce Market on the first Saturday of the month in the Market House.

Library Garden – Ilminster Forum worked with the Brownies and South Somerset District Council to redesign and renovate the library garden. Two volunteers have taken over the maintenance of the garden and their work ensures that the garden continues enhance the entrance to the library.

Ilminster to Chard Cycle Path – this combined people’s desire to see an increased use of the cycle path, along with improving people’s knowledge of local history. Ilminster Forum worked with Donyatt, Knowle St Giles and SSDC to rebuild Donyatt Halt and provide interpretation boards, seating and artwork along the cycle path.

Green events were held to raise awareness of what people could do at home and in the garden to help reduce their carbon footprint.

In 2015 Ilminster Forum went back to Ilminster residents to ask again what their concerns and priorities were. This was to ensure that future projects were developed to meet the needs of the community and benefit the town. This process has had significant support from Zoë Harris, the Area West Development Team Leader at South Somerset District Council.

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IlminsterForumSteeringCommittee This committee consists of volunteers representing a variety of organisations in the town including the Town Council, South Somerset District Council, the Lions and local businesses.

Consultationandengagement Initial consultation took place at a number of community events including Party on the Park and the Midsummer Experience. At these events people were asked to provide comments on what they liked about the town and what they felt could be improved. The data from those events was used to identify the issues important to residents that informed the design of the household questionnaire. In 2015 a household survey was delivered to 2,777 homes in the town, 853 were completed and returned, which is 31% of households. 48% of those respondents were identified as being retired, this compares to 26% of Ilminster’s population in the 2011 census. This means that a disproportionate number of respondents to the household survey are older residents. Throughout this document, when the results of the retired differ significantly from the working age population this will be highlighted. As can be seen from the chart below, the results of the Ilminster Forum household survey show that the town has a healthy mix of locals to newcomers. Chart A: Length of time respondents have lived in Ilminster

The data from the household survey identified the issues important to Ilminster’s residents and has informed this Community Plan.

18.0%

17.6%

22.7%

28.0%

13.6%

Less then 5 years

5-10 years

11-20 years

Over 20 years

All my life

Can't remember

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AStrong,HealthyandActiveCommunity

People make up a community, and it is their involvement and interest in where they live that strengthens community spirit. The services, facilities, activities and events that bring people together helps provide the foundation for creating a good community spirit. This section focuses on the range of facilities and activities available in the town, how people get to hear about them and the necessary volunteering required to deliver such a broad range of activities.

CommunityprovisionandwhatIlminsterpeoplehadtosayIt is clear from many of the comments obtained throughout the consultation process that many of Ilminster’s residents consider the town to have a strong community spirit.

‘I have made friends very easily and feel safe and happy having moved here in May 2013. I love the village atmosphere in Ilminster and I think it's the best place I have ever lived’.

‘Community spirit in Ilminster is very good’

Community Facilities and Activities

Ilminster has a number of community run facilities, including:

Ilminster Arts Centre – puts on a wide range of art exhibitions, musical performances and art workshops. Mainly run by volunteers the facility includes a café, art gallery, craft shop and performance / workshop space.

Warehouse Theatre – run by volunteers this small theatre includes regular theatrical performances by both amateur and professional groups.

Minster Rooms, owned by the Church this community room is used by a wide a variety of community groups such as the Brownies and the WI.

Youth and Community Centre – two youth sessions are held each week as well as a number of fitness classes.

Parish Rooms – community hall located just off the town centre is used by various groups such as dance classes, Pilates, and the Guides,

During this consultation Ilminster Football Club in partnership with Town Council built Archie Gooch Pavilion that opened in the summer of 2016. As well as changing rooms the building provides a versatile community room that is already being used on a regular basis for fitness classes and the Girl Guides.

Residents were asked how often they used the community facilities in the town. The results show the following:

The Arts Centre and the Warehouse Theatre are used by the widest number of people

37% of respondents take part in sports, arts or leisure activities in Ilminster

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People were asked if anything prevented them from taking part in leisure activities - lack of time was the main reason for 48% and 41% said the activity they would like to do is not available in Ilminster

‘Ilminster caters well for clubs and activities for young people and people that are retired, however the opening hours and facilities i.e. clubs and activities are not available to people who work outside of Ilminster and can only access the services in the evening and at the weekend’

People were asked to say what activities and clubs they would like to get involved with in the town.

The majority of the comments related to sport and fitness activities; with swimming being mentioned by a significant number of people. Other suggestions were cycling, spinning (indoor cycling), rugby, racket sports and running.

45.5% of respondents feel that Ilminster needs more community facilities, whereas 54.5% felt Ilminster has sufficient. However, amongst the employed residents, 54% felt Ilminster needed more community facilities compared to 36% of the retired. 330 people commented on this question with the vast majority saying they thought Ilminster needed a swimming pool and/or a sports centre where activities such as spinning, badminton and studio classes could take place.

Other suggestions, for additional facilities (listed in order of popularity) included a community facility for children and young people, a community hall with parking and a day care facility for older residents.

VolunteeringIlminster’s community facilities are reliant upon volunteers to ensure their success. The survey asked if people would be interested in finding out more about volunteering.

82% of people were not interested in volunteering. Amongst the retired, it was 85% of people who said they were not interested.

Of the 18% of people who are interested in volunteering it was one off projects and occasional volunteering that people were most interested in.

The results suggest that local groups requiring volunteers need to consider what activities they need people to do and whether those could be promoted as a short-term project or occasional volunteering.

Communityinformation

Traditional communication methods such as posters and local newspapers are the most popular methods to find out what is going on in the town.

24% of people use websites and 30% use Facebook to find out what is happening

There are a variety of sources of community information, which include:

Local newspapers - The Chard and Ilminster News provides reasonable range of information relating to local politics, sport and events. In addition the free newspaper, the Pulman’s View from South Somerset, is available in the town but

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has expanded its news coverage to Ilminster, Chard, Honiton, Seaton and Axminster. This has resulted in a decline in the amount of information focused on Ilminster, with many people feeling the paper is less relevant. Other sources of information can be found in The Visitor, The South Somerset Leveller, The Conduit and Marshwood Vale.

Local Information Centre (LIC). A volunteer run facility located in the Ilminster Arts Centre. The LIC provides leaflets on walks, events and activities in and around the town as well as nearby tourist attractions.

Community website –www.ilminsterforum.co.uk Social media - There is a Facebook page for community notices and Ilminster

Fitness Facebook page providing information about fitness facilities and classes happening in and around the town

Posters and flyers – limited places in the town for posters and flyers. A few shops will put items in windows

707 of the respondents to the survey (83%) have regular access to the Internet either at home (81%), at work (27%) or via a Smartphone (38%).

17% of respondents did not answer the question about Internet access, and of those 17% the majority were retired. It could be assumed that those people do not have access to the Internet

It was clear from the consultation that many people are unaware of the variety of events and activities that already take place in the town. It was also apparent that many people do not know about some of the sources of information available to them. A few commented that it would be good to have a central notice board.

IssuesIdentified Big demand for more sports / fitness related activities There is still a strong desire for a swimming pool in the town Many people not sure where to go to find out what’s on in the town. Interest in volunteering is quite low at 18%. Those who expressed an interest only

wanted to do short term volunteering for one off projects and activities.

Objective

To support and enhance Ilminster’s community spirit

Projects Central Community noticeboard in prominent location with good footfall, where

groups can put up posters about events and activities in and around the town. Setting up a volunteer data base Sport and fitness activities

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Vibrantlocaleconomy

A viable and sustainable market town needs to ensure it has a vibrant local economy. This includes a bustling High Street with a wide retail and service offer, and a good array of local businesses providing quality employment for residents.

Ilminster’slocaleconomyandwhatpeoplehadtosay

Ilminster town centre

Generally respondents were positive about Ilminster’s town centre, typical comments included:

‘Ilminster is a gem. Good local independent shops, great independent restaurants, enough supermarkets to meet the extras you might need, a community spirit and local events’

‘I am very lucky to live in a small and very friendly town. There is everything I need here. All shops and supermarkets are friendly. I have a good supply of food and goods.’

South Somerset Local Plan identifies the primary shopping area as being East Street, North Street, Ditton Street and Silver Street. However there are a number of businesses in West Street that are cut off from the main shopping area, as they are located up a hill and around a corner from Silver Street and often get overlooked. Ilminster town centre is made up of a mix of service and retail businesses. Amongst the service sector there are a number of hairdressers, beauty salons, estate agents, solicitors, banks, building societies, an optician and several cafes. The retail side is split into 2 sectors:

Comparison goods - predominantly small independent shops selling food, gifts, toys, along with a growing antiques and interiors sector and 4 charity shops.

Convenience goods – 2 supermarkets, butchers, bakers, greengrocers and a McColl’s convenience store.

Ilminster has very few national retailers. Those that are located in the town include Boots, Peacocks, McColl’s, Co-op and Tesco. Unlike many neighbouring towns the economic down turn in 2008 has had little impact on Ilminster’s town centre; the town has not suffered with long term empty shop units to the same effect as other nearby towns. The results of the household survey show the following:

The supermarkets are the most frequented shops with 81% of respondents using them on a weekly basis

370 (44%) use supermarkets elsewhere (many of those also use the Ilminster supermarkets as well).

46% of people would like to see a wider variety of shops in Ilminster People who are most likely to be in the town on a weekday (retired, part-time

workers, long term sick and the unemployed) are the most frequent users of the banks, independent shops and post office.

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These results do highlight that people working away from Ilminster are not spending as much of their money in the town as the retired and people who are more likely to be in the town on a weekday during opening hours.

‘I think Ilminster has a lot to offer and if I didn't have so many family/work commitments I would make a lot more use of the shops/activities in the town’.

Working full time means that Sunday is the only day I have for shopping which inevitably means I can only go to Tesco even though I would love the opportunity to use the town centre shops. Shops close too early especially at weekends Places to eat/coffee on Sunday very much needed

Ilminster has a number of pubs, restaurants and takeaways however the survey demonstrates that regular use of the night-time economy is not high.

Workers make the most use of the takeaways and many people would like

somewhere to eat in the evening. Employed more likely to make regular use of pubs, restaurants and takeaways

compared to the retired Only 7% of people use the pubs on a weekly basis and 38% never use them (this

figure rises to 51% amongst the retired)

‘There is a lack of VARIATIONS of places to eat. For a town the size of Ilminster, pubs and cafes OK but, apart from 2 x Indian restaurants and a number of "pub" type restaurants, little choice in the evening. How about a Chinese or Sea Food restaurant?’

When asked what would encourage them to make greater use of the town centre, the top answer was a wider variety of shops (46%), however amongst the full time employed the top answer was day time events at the weekend (42%) followed by evening entertainment (40%). This suggests more could be done to encourage the full time employed to spend more money locally particularly at weekends and in the evening when people are in the town.

Market and events

Ilminster has two regular markets:

A Thursday General Market, run by the Town Council that is held in the Market House and part of East Street.

A Produce Market held on the first Saturday of the month and run by Ilminster Forum

14% of respondents use the Thursday Market on a weekly basis and 8% use the Produce Market on a monthly basis.

Respondents were asked what would encourage them to make greater use of the markets. The response to this question from 281 respondents was:

Greater variety of stalls, with more choice of produce

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Held at weekends so people who work could attend Longer hours Better advertising, as many did not know about them

As well as markets, Ilminster has a number of popular annual events:

Fun Fair/Circus in May Literary Festival May/June Ilminster Midsummer Experience in June Lions Fete in June Party in the Park in August Fun Fair in October Carnival in October Victorian Evening in November

The most popular regular events attended were the Carnival and the Victorian Evening

51% of people would like to see more regular events taking place in town 73% would like more specialist markets 61% want more music events The employed would like to see more day time events at weekends, particularly

family events, live music and specialist markets.

Working in Ilminster

203 respondents said they worked in Ilminster, and those that were self-employed were more likely to be based in the town, rather than elsewhere.

The 2011 Census identified 154 (4%of people aged 16 to 74) who worked mainly at or from home. 80 respondents to the Household survey said they worked at home. Of those 80 people:

50 are self-employed 34 work for a company

Respondents were asked if they were thinking of starting a business based in Ilminster. The vast majority of respondents (97%) said no, with 22 people (3%) saying yes.

To establish whether existing business or potential new ones needed any support, respondents were asked if they would be interested in using locally based business services, such as training, mentoring, hot desks, work space or networking events. Altogether 55 people responded to this question, and their top 3 requirements were:

Free training courses (60%) Advice for new business start-ups (44%) Small workshop space (33%)

IssuesIdentifiedIlminster has a vibrant town centre; however it is not meeting the needs of a significant proportion of its population. Many of those residents who work away from the town are not using many of the shops and facilities on a frequent basis. This suggests more could be

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done to encourage families and professional working people into the town centre at weekends and in the evening.

More evening events, particularly music related that appeal to working age people. More markets and town centre events during the weekends, particularly ones that

work with the local retailers so encouraging greater footfall into the shops, cafes and pubs.

The household survey does not provide enough evidence on the needs of the local businesses. Further consultation is required to establish the issues and needs of Ilminster’s business community.

ObjectiveSupport and enhance a vibrant and local economy

Projects Business consultation to inform a local economic plan Organise evening and weekend events to encourage greater use of town centre

businesses Better promotion of existing businesses and markets

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Theimage,localenvironmentandgreenspacesofIlminster

The look and quality of a community’s local environment has a direct impact on the wellbeing of peoples’ lives and how safe they feel moving about and using their town. Trees, plants, parks and green spaces, the cleanliness of local streets, the visual impact of the town and the general state of repair of pavements and roads all play a part in the local environment. Waste, recycling and the use of alternative energy sources are also being considered more at a local level, which again impacts on the local environment.

WhatIlminsterpeoplehadtosay Image and character of Ilminster It is clear from the comments received that the overall character of the town is important to a lot of people.

I love the community of Ilminster, especially the town centre and the countryside around us. It is lovely and a fantastic place to live. I think Ilminster is a lovely place to live, with a friendly atmosphere and attractive centre and surrounding area.

The approaches to Ilminster are pretty scruffy. The roundabouts in Station Road and Canal Way are uninteresting & boring (as opposed to Yeovil) it would be nice to plant some small trees along the grass verges of Canal Way. Frog Lane area a disgrace (near Youth Club), generally smarten and brighten the town up!

The approach to Ilminster from an easterly direction is very attractive- hardly the case if approaching from Taunton

Many commented on the expansion and future development of the town, with remarks about house building in general, as well references to specific sites such as Shudrick Lane, the old Horlicks site and Canal Way. Concerns were raised about the lack of infrastructure to deal with more housing.

Feel more housing is going to ruin our town, we lose our community spirit and we have no employment to support the households.

I am concerned that the number of houses to be built will cause problems for Doctors Surgeries and school places but I do agree that the younger element is needed in the town to bring new ideas and a fresh outlook to the future.

Since moving here in 2002, I have found Ilminster a very pleasant town to live in with a very good selection of local shops, and even the Tesco development improved a part of the town that was a bit run down. Currently the proposed Canal Way/Shudrick Lane developments are a bit of a worry, due to whether the town’s infrastructure,

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schools and surgeries can cope with the associated increase in population, not to mention the loss of green space, which currently absorbs much of the local rainfall.

The heritage of the town is clearly significant to many people and the majority felt it was very important that the following places in Ilminster should retain their character:

Herne Hill (96%) Market Square (95%) The Minster (93%) Recreation Ground (89%) Canal (83%) Meeting House Arts Centre (78%)

Green spaces

Ilminster has a number of public dedicated green spaces:

Ilminster Recreation Ground – this includes a children’s playground, skate ramp, cricket pitch and pavilion, football pitches and tennis courts. The site is popular with dog walkers and provides access up to Herne Hill

Herne Hill - a nature reserve overlooking the town Winterhay Lane - a children’s play area Blackdown View - a children’s play area

In addition to the above green spaces, there are plenty of public footpaths and permissive rights of way leading to nearby villages, as well as the popular cycle path between Ilminster and Chard. People were asked how often they made use of the green spaces in and around the town. The public footpaths surrounding Ilminster and the Recreation Ground were the most popular. People were asked what would encourage them to make greater use of these green spaces, a significant proportion of responses related to Ilminster Recreation Ground:

“Better Play Park with better equipment for all ages, I would love to be able to take my kids to the park and spend several hours in a safe fenced Fun Park, sand pit, water play, slides, climbing frame etc.” “Fence back - to keep children enclosed and dogs out of the play area.”

With regard to country footpaths and Herne Hill the comments received related to signage, access and maintenance.

Stiles that dogs are able to get through, more accessible footpaths Seat at the top and better quality steps on north side of Herne Hill

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Footpaths, gullies, lighting and drainage As the majority of people say they mainly walk to get about the town it is very important that pathways are clear, lighting is good and people feel safe. The majority of people (82%) do feel safe in Ilminster, of the 18% of people who said there are areas of the town where they do not feel safe. The main concern was poor lighting, in particular:

Swann Precinct Brewery Lane and The Recreation Ground at night

Respondents were asked if there were any drains, gullies or lighting that needed attention in the town, 44% of respondents felt there were areas of the town that could be improved and 300 people made comments.

Feel unsafe at the bottom of Brewery Lane and Ladymead due to the poor lighting at the bottom.

Uncontrolled youths in the Tesco Courtyard

Pavements along Canal Way are so overgrown you have to walk on the cycle path or risk being stung by nettles or scratched by brambles

Respondents were also asked about cut-throughs and footpaths, again to establish if there were any areas of concern that needed attention. 44.5% said yes and 297 people made comments, most related to overgrown vegetation and poor lighting in various parts of the town. Areas that were mentioned a lot were:

Canal Way Summerlands Brewery lane Cycle path to Donyatt Outside Youth Club and path to Tesco Car Park at night

Stuart please insert information on lighting, safety and drains maps in this area

Environmental Issues Residents were asked to identify from of list of 10 environmental issues, which were the greatest concern locally. The top 5 concerns for people locally were:

Sustainable travel options (41%) Local food availability (28%) Recycling (28%) Climate Change (27%) Noise pollution (21%)

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“All plastics should be collected, and also lids should be supplied with boxes to prevent contents getting wet and blowing about”

“Recycling - While they take a great deal, they could take additional types. Q37 - Sustainable travel options - Not enough buses and expensive

Respondents were asked if they would support a community energy scheme if it would benefit residents.

Yes – 41% Don’t know – 48% No – 11%

Residents were also asked whether they considered, dog fouling, litter, graffiti, street cleaning and flooding to be an issue.

69% feel that dog fouling is an issue 55% feel litter is a problem 51.5% feel that flooding is an issue locally

Dog fouling is a big problem in East Street, about halfway up the street. Dog mess on East Street and along the town's paths is evident, quite often. This needs attention. Also can be found on the paths around town and even on the Lower Meadow area.

With regard to flooding many people highlighted Lower Station Road as a problem. However since the survey was distributed, Somerset County Council has carried out significant drainage works to alleviate the problem.

IssuesIdentified Need for better play equipment at Ilminster Recreation ground Improving the toilets at the rec Improvements to lighting in parts of the town Overgrown footpaths

ObjectiveA safe, clean, green and attractive environment

Projects• Better play equipment on the Recreation Ground.

• Environment map of areas of concern regarding lighting, gullies etc.

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GettingAbout

Ilminster’straveloptionsandwhatpeoplehadtosay

The 2011 Census showed that there were 3,380 cars in the town and 83% of households have at least 1 car. The 2011 census showed that 17% of households in Ilminster do not have access to a car; this is above the county average of 16% (2011 Census). Many of those householders fall into the retired category. As well as many older people not driving, the cost of learning to drive, along with purchasing and running a car is becoming prohibitively expensive for many young people. This means that a significant number of older people and young people are reliant upon public transport, taxis or other people providing lifts. This restricts their ability to access services and places. Ilminster has an older population and many of the respondents who currently drive recognised that as they got older they may have to give up their car, and would then be reliant upon buses to access places and services outside of Ilminster, such as Chard, Taunton, hospitals and care homes. At the time of writing this report the following buses served Ilminster:

No 30 Axminster to Taunton via Chard Nippy Bus 10 – Martock to Taunton via Ilminster Nippy Bus 16 to Yeovil College

Cuts in Local Authority budgets have resulted in a decrease in bus services, as the County Council can no longer afford to subsidise less popular routes. As a consequence Ilminster no longer has a bus service on a Sunday or a direct bus to Yeovil. Anyone needing to travel to Yeovil has to change buses in Chard.

7% of people said they experienced difficulty accessing places within Ilminster due to a lack of transport – these were mainly retired people and most common destination mentioned was surgery

19.5% of respondents have problems accessing places outside of Ilminster due to lack of transport. These are mainly retired people reliant on buses and the places they want to go include hospitals, cinema and the chard dentist.

Residents wanting to use the train either have to travel to Crewkerne, Axminster or Yeovil Junction to get a train on the Exeter to London Waterloo line, or else they travel to Taunton for Cross Country trains or London Paddington trains. There are no direct buses linking Ilminster to Taunton or Crewkerne stations, and the arrival of the Axminster bus going via Ilminster does not match the train times.

Although there is no railway station in Ilminster, the town does benefit from a daily coach service to London operated by Berry’s Coaches several times a day.

55% said they use the Berry’s bus service to London, for most (53%) it was occasional use.

As Ilminster is a small town, many people get about on foot.

89% of people walk to places within Ilminster, whereas 64% of them drive.

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231 said there are areas of the town they find hazardous as a pedestrian – mainly crossing Market Square by McColl’s, narrow pavements by Tesco garage and the high kerb outside McColl’s

6.5% (50) people experience difficulty accessing places, services, events or activities within Ilminster due to mobility issues. The most difficulty was experienced in shops.

Car drivers within the town also experienced difficulties, although 61% of people have no problem with parking.

28% do encounter difficulty with parking - the reasons are varied and include inconsiderate parking by others, the need for residents parking and desire for more free short-term parking.

For people living north of the town centre, the one-way system on Ditton Street is considered problematic, particularly if they want to shop or park in Tesco.

“The High street is almost always full and if I have to park in Tesco then I have to drive out round the one way system - too far!”

IssuesIdentifiedA number of transport and access related issues have been identified and these can be split into the following categories

Main issues for bus passengers Poor bus connections to the nearest railway station. No direct bus to Yeovil No evening service to allow visits to nearby arts venues, e.g. Octagon & cinemas No direct bus to the coast No direct bus to hospitals so difficult for people without a car

Main issues for pedestrians Crossing from Market House to McColl’s Narrow pavements, particularly along Ditton Street Some poorly lit pavements making it difficult to walk about at night

Main issues for drivers

Perception of limited free short stay parking spaces – for very quick shopping trips. No residential parking scheme for town centre residents. Inconsiderate parking on pavements. One way system in Ditton Street making it difficult for residents living north of town

centre wanting to use the Tesco car park, which is free for up to three hours.

ObjectiveImproved access for all with appropriate transport solutions

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ProjectsCarry out pedestrian street audit mapping hazardous areas

Explore feasibility of a volunteer car scheme/community bus for the elderly and residents in the nearby villages

24 Page

SWOT Strengths Key supermarket located in town centre brings people into the town Community spirit is strong Good health and medical facilities Good schools Unique character and heritage Compact and easy to get to places within the town on foot Vibrant independent retail sector Road transport links to London, Exeter, Taunton and Yeovil are good, making Ilminster

an ideal location for commuters. Low unemployment Good range of arts based facilities and activities The community is well balanced with a mixture of residents of different ages and

backgrounds Ilminster is set in beautiful countryside within easy walking distance to green areas and a

range of footpaths Weaknesses Bus services are inadequate with many elderly and young people facing difficulty

accessing essential services. Perception that there is a lack of variety and range of shops Perception of lack of restaurants and limited options for dining out in the evening. Shortage of fitness activities to appeal to women in the town Employment opportunities within Ilminster itself are low. Clubs and organisations are too inward looking, don’t work together and don’t promote

their strengths enough. Evening entertainment is limited, particularly for young people No secondary school in the town

Opportunities Proposed upgrade to A303 and A358 will make the Horlicks site more appealing to

potential businesses and employers Better use of existing facilities may improve the leisure offer in the town. The skills, experience and time of the retired residents is not being fully utilised More could be made of the green spaces within the town The ageing population, as older residents tend to make greater use of town centre

businesses. A good hotel in Ilminster and substantial amount of tourist accommodation in

surrounding villages attracts visitors into the town The ‘Click & Collect’ and parcel collection points in the town centre, increase footfall on

the high street. Further housing will increase the number of people using the town’s retail premises

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Threats Ilminster is not being promoted as a business location and needs a better profile The rise in Internet shopping could potentially impact on Ilminster’s retailers. Further cuts to bus services will increase accessibility problems for people without a car. Unbalanced development could result in increased housing without adequate

infrastructure and services to provide a sustainable community.

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DeliveringthePlan This Community Plan identifies:

1 vision 4 themes 18 projects

The projects vary in size; some will be much quicker and easier to deliver than others. All the projects will require funding. Some of the projects can be delivered by Ilminster Forum and in those incidences the Steering Committee will set up working groups, made up of volunteers and relevant people from local organisations to progress that work. In other circumstances it will be more appropriate for another organisation such as the Chamber of Commerce or the Town, District or County Council to take the lead. Many of the projects will require a partnership approach with two or more organisations working together to enable project delivery. See the action plan in the appendix for a summary of the projects, their long term aim and proposed actions to tackle the problems identified. The Action Plan is an evolving document, which will be used to chart progress of the identified projects.

1

Taylor, Laura

From: Hayward Burt Sent: 18 March 2018 11:20To: reviewsSubject: South somerset review. Blackmoor Vale and Milborne Ports Wards

Dear Sir/Madam I am responding to the draft report in relation to the suggestions relating to the proposed substantial changes to both the current Blackmoor Vale and Milborne Port Wards   Good Electoral Equality. If the boundaries of both the wards were to remain the same then they fall within the 10% tolerance allowed for representation.   The average number of electors according to your report is 2304 per councillor. With a 10% tolerance either way that allows at below 10% 2074, and above 10% 2524.   On the figures on your report holding the boundaries for Blackmoor Vale ward as now, gives a figure of 2356 per councillor, and in Milborne Port 2435 also within tolerance. The proposed changes would alter the current pattern unnecessarily when strong ties have been forged over a number of years.   Community Identity. Milborne Port is a different kind of Community and so should not be added in the same ward with its rural neighbours.   According to the South Somerset District plan, different communities are treated differently. Under policy SS1 it includes Milborne Port as a Rural Centre (similar to Bruton, Ilchester etc) Rural Centres are those market towns with a local service role where provision for development will be made which meets local housing need.   All the other communities of the current Blackmoor vale such as Henstridge and Templecombe are rural settlements and the plan says they “will be considered as part of the countryside to which national countryside protection policies apply”   Local Church Benefice Henstridge, Templecombe and Horsington are all part of the same church benefice served by the same Vicar.   Blackford, Compton Pauncefoot, Holton, Maperton and North Cheriton are all part of the Camelot benefice of parishes and would be broken by the proposed ward changes. This also includes South Cadbury.   A357 The A357 links the villages and communities of Henstridge, Templecombe, Horsington, North Cheriton and Lattiford. All share similar problems caused by heavy traffic and small streets.  To connect Henstridge to Milborne Port would be to break a strong link it has to Templecombe, a village with similar issues and problems. 

2

  Maperton Landfill and Proposal to move Compton Pauncefoot and Blackford into the Camelot Ward A recent appeal turned down the setting up of a landfill site in Maperton. This involved active participation from both the North Vale Parish which Maperton is in, and the Parishioners of Blackford and Compton Pauncefoot to which it has close connections. Putting Blackford and Compton Pauncefoot into the Camelot ward would break these connections.   Corton Denham Corton Denham is at the far end of the currently Blackmoor Vale ward. Your proposal is to move it into the Ivelchester ward with which it has no direct road link. It has connections with Charlton Horethorne which is also in the Blackmoor Vale Ward and none with the ward you propose moving it into.   Bus Route 58 Henstridge, Templecombe, Horsington, North Cheriton all share a common Bus Route the 58.   Local Pubs Templecombe no longer has its own pub so locals use both the Henstridge Pubs the Virginia Ash and the Bird in Hand. Parishioners also go to the two pubs in Horsington Parish.   Local Secondary Schools Many Children from the ages of 7 – 11 and 11‐16  in Milborne Port go to the Gryphon School in Sherborne, Dorset as it is their nearest secondary school. Many secondary school age Children from Henstridge, Templecombe, Horsington, North Cheriton go to King Arthurs Community School in Wincanton.   Current Ward of Blackmoor Vale The Ward containing the following parishes of Henstridge, Templecombe, Horsington, North Vale, Corton Denham, Charlton Horethorne and Compton Pauncefoot/Blackford have been together served by two councillors since 1998. The previous ward was also served by two councillors, after such a long association there are no strong reasons to change it now.   Regards Hayward Burt (Councillor Blackmoor Vale Ward)  Sent from my iPad 

1

Taylor, Laura

From: Hayward Burt Sent: 18 March 2018 11:20To: reviewsSubject: South somerset review. Blackmoor Vale and Milborne Ports Wards

Dear Sir/Madam I am responding to the draft report in relation to the suggestions relating to the proposed substantial changes to both the current Blackmoor Vale and Milborne Port Wards   Good Electoral Equality. If the boundaries of both the wards were to remain the same then they fall within the 10% tolerance allowed for representation.   The average number of electors according to your report is 2304 per councillor. With a 10% tolerance either way that allows at below 10% 2074, and above 10% 2524.   On the figures on your report holding the boundaries for Blackmoor Vale ward as now, gives a figure of 2356 per councillor, and in Milborne Port 2435 also within tolerance. The proposed changes would alter the current pattern unnecessarily when strong ties have been forged over a number of years.   Community Identity. Milborne Port is a different kind of Community and so should not be added in the same ward with its rural neighbours.   According to the South Somerset District plan, different communities are treated differently. Under policy SS1 it includes Milborne Port as a Rural Centre (similar to Bruton, Ilchester etc) Rural Centres are those market towns with a local service role where provision for development will be made which meets local housing need.   All the other communities of the current Blackmoor vale such as Henstridge and Templecombe are rural settlements and the plan says they “will be considered as part of the countryside to which national countryside protection policies apply”   Local Church Benefice Henstridge, Templecombe and Horsington are all part of the same church benefice served by the same Vicar.   Blackford, Compton Pauncefoot, Holton, Maperton and North Cheriton are all part of the Camelot benefice of parishes and would be broken by the proposed ward changes. This also includes South Cadbury.   A357 The A357 links the villages and communities of Henstridge, Templecombe, Horsington, North Cheriton and Lattiford. All share similar problems caused by heavy traffic and small streets.  To connect Henstridge to Milborne Port would be to break a strong link it has to Templecombe, a village with similar issues and problems. 

2

  Maperton Landfill and Proposal to move Compton Pauncefoot and Blackford into the Camelot Ward A recent appeal turned down the setting up of a landfill site in Maperton. This involved active participation from both the North Vale Parish which Maperton is in, and the Parishioners of Blackford and Compton Pauncefoot to which it has close connections. Putting Blackford and Compton Pauncefoot into the Camelot ward would break these connections.   Corton Denham Corton Denham is at the far end of the currently Blackmoor Vale ward. Your proposal is to move it into the Ivelchester ward with which it has no direct road link. It has connections with Charlton Horethorne which is also in the Blackmoor Vale Ward and none with the ward you propose moving it into.   Bus Route 58 Henstridge, Templecombe, Horsington, North Cheriton all share a common Bus Route the 58.   Local Pubs Templecombe no longer has its own pub so locals use both the Henstridge Pubs the Virginia Ash and the Bird in Hand. Parishioners also go to the two pubs in Horsington Parish.   Local Secondary Schools Many Children from the ages of 7 – 11 and 11‐16  in Milborne Port go to the Gryphon School in Sherborne, Dorset as it is their nearest secondary school. Many secondary school age Children from Henstridge, Templecombe, Horsington, North Cheriton go to King Arthurs Community School in Wincanton.   Current Ward of Blackmoor Vale The Ward containing the following parishes of Henstridge, Templecombe, Horsington, North Vale, Corton Denham, Charlton Horethorne and Compton Pauncefoot/Blackford have been together served by two councillors since 1998. The previous ward was also served by two councillors, after such a long association there are no strong reasons to change it now.   Regards Hayward Burt (Councillor Blackmoor Vale Ward)  Sent from my iPad 

South Somerset District

Personal Details:

Name: Henry Hobhouse

E-mail:

Organisation Name: Member for Cary Ward

Comment text:

I am one of the existing ward members for the Cary Ward. THe proposed changes to the ward are unacceptable as they split a joint parish in that Yarlington sits and has sat with North Cadbury since the late 1970's. It would be against section 3.17 of the 2009 act:= Parishes 3.17 Our reviews can have consequences for parishes and their councils, and the legislation requires us to make recommendations to the effect that: • every ward of a parish having a parish council (whether separate or common) must lie wholly within a single electoral division of the relevant county council, and a single ward of the relevant district council, and • every parish which is not divided into parish wards must lie wholly within a single electoral division of the county council and a single ward of the district council. I feel very strongly that you should include Yarlington parish should be included in the Cary Ward Henry Hobhouse

Uploaded Documents:

None Uploaded

South Somerset District

Personal Details:

Name: Stephen Mead

E-mail:

Organisation Name: N/A

Comment text:

I submitted I proposal to change the boundary around but have received no feedback to my request. I enclose the proposal I sent to the

boundary commission last September. Please consider this change as part of this review process. I would request feedback on this matter in terms of the transparency and review that you are undertaking as to date I have received nothing relating to my submission in September.

Uploaded Documents:

Download (https://consultation.lgbce.org.uk/download document?file=draft%2F1515513780 LGBCE+-+West+Wood+House+TA10+9AW.docx)

1

Taylor, Laura

From: faye purbrickSent: 16 March 2018 07:47To: reviewsSubject: SSDC boundary review 2019

To whomever it may concern

I would like to express my agreement with the conservative party proposal for the above mentioned boundary review. Single and two member wards offer better representation for our residents.

Especially important is to not allow the joining of rural wards to more urban wards to effect the identity and equality of our rural communities or indeed to dilute the diverse and important issues across our wider urban areas.

On a personal note, changing the Yeovil South ward name to Forest Hill seems a bizarre and arbitrary idea. Forest Hill is one of many roads within my division with no overiding significance and in fact one of the lowest densities of housing/residents in the division. If wanting to base on something significant, a reference to the historical Westland helicopters (based in the ward) or Lysander road (which links across the ward) i.e. Lysander ward or Westland ward, would seem much more appropriate.

Thank you in advance for your consideration

Regards Cllr Faye Purbrick Somerset County Councillor - Yeovil South

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1

Taylor, Laura

From: Angela Cox Sent: 16 February 2018 18:31To: reviewsCc: Nick WeeksSubject: FW: Boundary Commission ( lssues in the Cary Ward)

Please find below a representation from Councillor Nick Weeks of the Cary Ward of South Somerset District Council.  Thank you Angela Cox Democratic Services South Somerset District Council   

From: Nick Weeks Sent: 15 February 2018 18:40 To: Angela Cox Subject: Re: Boundary Commission ( lssues in the Cary Ward) Hi Angie, could you pass on my coments to the commision thanks. Nick w Sent from Samsung tablet -------- Original message -------- From: Nick Weeks Date: 15/02/2018 08:49 (GMT+00:00) To: Angela Cox Mike Lewis Subject: Boundary Commission ( lssues in the Cary Ward)

Dear Angela, l am writing as the elected member representing the Cary Ward. The proposals to remove Yarlington from the Cary Ward shows a lack of understanding of the close working relationships between Yarlington and North Cadbury which have been working fruitfully for a many years, to cast Yarlington off into a revised Tower /Wincanton Ward woud not only be reckless but would serve the people of Yarlington badly. The other comunity Babcary is also to be amputated from the Cary ward the close working relationship of Cary Carymoor and Babcary established especially over pollution issues affecting the River Cary could be put in jeopardy by these changes. It seems these changes are taking place in the assumption that the proposed houses in the ward are built and hence more people. If only we could use expected building numbers not actual to frame other vital decisions facing local goverment at the moment. Just to clarify l object to the proposed changes to the Cary Ward. Best Regards Nick Weeks Ward member for the Cary Ward.

South Somerset District

Personal Details:

Name: Josh Williams

E-mail:

Postcode: BA21 3QA

Organisation Name: Somerset County Council

Comment text:

In the first instance I agree with the suggested from the Parish Council that moving electors in Bowleaze, Long Close and the adjoining roads into Brympton ward, to allow for access and make the ward and division boundary coterminous. This change also means the residents of the main housing estate of Abbey Manor Park can be represented the same councillor(s) and are able to feel part of the community they naturally belong as they currently share local facilities as well as facing similar issues to their neighbours despite being currently split by artificial electoral boundaries. My primary critique of the proposed ward boundaries of the Brympton ward are in relation to the realignment of the northern border. Prior to the recommendations Thorne Lane acted as a natural boundary between the wards of Yeovil Without and Brympton and will continue to be retained at Parish level. The development currently being built north of Thorne Lane known as the “Brimsmore development” which will remain part of the Parish of Yeovil Without will essentially be split in three under the proposed District wards between Brympton, Yeovil Summerlands and Yeovil Without, even though when completed it was intended to become one community, with a school and local amenities. I feel by splitting the community at District level would cause confusion amongst the future community of who their elected representatives are. In addition, as residents will be separated by an artificial boundary they will be deprived of their identity as residents of “Brimsmore”, a self identified feeling of community enjoyed by other housing estates such as the residents of Abbey Manor Park. If the argument can be made that the realignment of the northern border to include part of the “Brimsmore development” into Brympton is justified due to its close proximity to the Abbey Manor Park estate and currently share local amenities and thus creating social cohesion, this will not be the case once the Brimsmore estate is completed. In addition, the logic can be applied to the new Houndstone Corner estate known as the “Lufton development” which will have more in common with the neighbouring village of Montecute i.e. the proposed Hamdon & St Michaels ward than Brympton. Finally, I would note that 3 councillor wards are undesirable as they cause a deficit in individual accountability to the elected representative and encourage an inconsistent distribution of workload. Therefore, intended outcome of fair representation based on populace becomes inconsequential if all three councillor do undertake an equal or similar amount of work. This issue also raises the question why a proposed 3 member ward cannot be split into one 2 member ward and one 1 member ward or three 1 member wards. With regards to the above would suggest 2 possible outcomes: 1. Retain the proposed boundaries except for the northern boundary of which Thorne Lane should be returned as the ward boundary between Brympton and Yeovil Without (in line with parish boundaries) and the part of the Brimsmore Development taken by Yeovil Summerlands should be returned to Yeovil Without. The number of ward councillors should be reduced from 3 to 2 and a councillor being returned to Yeovil Without increasing their councillors from 2 to 3. 2. Retain the proposed southern and eastern boundaries except for the northern boundary of which Thorne Lane should be returned as the ward boundary between Brympton and Yeovil Without (in line with parish boundaries) and the part of the Brimsmore Development taken by Yeovil Summerlands should be returned to Yeovil Without. On the western boundary the new development at Houndstone Corner, known as the “Lufton development” should be given to the proposed Hamdon &

St Michaels ward with any properties to the east of Boundary Road being retained within the Brympton ward (inclusive of Buller Avenue, Clayton Close but excluding Kestrel Way and Osprey Close). To facilitate to inclusion of the Lufton development into Hamdon & St Miichaels the northern border of Coker should be the A3088.and the area north of the A3088 going to Hamdon & St Michael extending the eastern border to Boundary Road. The number of ward councillors should be reduced from 3 to 2 and a councillor being returned to Yeovil Without increasing their councillors from 2 to 3. On a more general note, it seems very little attention has been paid to existing communities for example, Yeovil Summerlands should not extend past Thorne Lane. The residents south of Thorne Lane currently living in the Westfield area will have no community affiliation to the development north of Thorne Lane. These changes seem to have been made at the expense of Yeovil Without which is a historical Parish and deserves to retain its identity at District level by retaining all of the Brimsmore site. Yeovil Forest Hill needs to be renamed as it does not represent the area as whole and only denotes one street in a large electoral ward. A name such as "Yeovil Aldon" or "Yeovil Ninesprings" would have more historical significance to the area.

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Taylor, Laura

From: Colin WinderSent: 07 March 2018 18:30To: reviewsSubject: Boundary review Souyh SomersetAttachments: North Cadbury and Yarlington Community Plan 2017.pdf

The parish of North Cadbury and Yarlington is a small group of villages, who all work together for their mutual wellbeing.  I enclose their village plan which shows their wishes for the future.  This document may have little weight in planning terms, but it is probably the only document where the population have taken part and had their say in any meaningful way. I repeat my statement earlier, the present proposals for boundary changes are based on numbers only and have little to recommend them in terms of representation of the people.  This is not the only change proposed which has little meaning on the ground.  I feel that we as a rural area are being pushed into an unreasonable and unworkable future for the population.  An extension of time and more constructive consultation is called for.  Colin Winder.  Ward member for Wincanton  

1

NORTH CADBURY AND

YARLINGTON PARISH

COUNCIL

Community Plan 2017

2

Index

Page

Introduction 3

The Community Plan 4

Galhampton 8

North Cadbury 13

Woolston 19

Yarlington 23

Summary of the data 28

Appendix 1: Data from all four villages 30

Appendix 1.2: Additional comments from Galhampton 37

Appendix 1.3: Additional comments from North Cadbury 37

Appendix 1.4: Additional comments from Woolston 38

Appendix 1.5: Additional comments from Yarlington 38

Issues for Further Consideration and Action by the 39

Parish Council

3

Introduction

North Cadbury and Yarlington Parish Council decided in 2016 to

produce a new Community Plan, (also called a Parish or Village Plan)

to replace it’s previous 2006 Parish plan (updated in 2012). The

purpose of this new Plan is:

To identify local problems and opportunities

To set out achievable aims and a vision for the future

The Parish Council prepared a questionnaire after consultation with

the District Council Area Development Officer and this was

distributed to every household that could be identified in the parish.

A total of 468 questionnaires were delivered and 224 were returned; a

response rate of 47.9%.

Three open meetings were held in three of the four parts of the parish,

to which all were invited. The audience for these open meetings were

mainly parishioners, but some planning consultants also attended

these evenings. Members of the public were invited to raise questions

and make comments, most of which have been incorporated into the

Community Plan.

The Parish Council would like to thank all those who took time to

complete the questionnaire and for their direct responses in the open

sections. The responses from each of the villages in the parish will be

discussed in turn and the summated data is available in Appendix 1.

Further additional comments are listed in the Appendices.

The authors of the report on behalf of the Parish Council were Sue

Cox, Michael Martin and Pam Wood.

30 November 2017

4

The Community Plan

There was a great deal of commonality in the responses to the

questionnaires and the discussions at the Open meetings, therefore the

plan will deal collectively with subjects under the headings of Future

Development of the villages, Planning procedures, Transport and

Roads, the Internet, Communication, Provisions for young people and

Other Matters.

Future Development of the villages

There was general agreement that North Cadbury, Yarlington,

Woolston and Galhampton were pleasant places to live. There was

praise for the lovely countryside, paths, community spirit,

neighbourliness and pleasant nature of each of the villages.

Many of the residents had moved here for family reasons, but a large

number had opted for this kind of environment whilst working some

distance from the village. Thus most residents did not want to

significantly increase the size of the villages and wanted only “infill”

development, use of brownfield sites and barn or redundant building

conversion. Most respondents felt strongly that agricultural land

should be preserved as such. There were particular areas that

respondents identified to be preserved and not developed further,

these were Hearn Lane (Galhampton), Clare Field (North Cadbury),

Higher North Town (North Cadbury) and the “cabbage patch” in

Sandbrook Lane (Galhampton)

The type of housing development preferred was starter and family

homes, built in character and of materials, which are sympathetic to

the local area. Adequate parking off-road was considered essential. It

was recognised that the cost of most of the housing stock in the

villages, as with most villages was prohibitive to young people. The

preservation and future vitality of our villages depends ideally on a

balance of ages across the parish. There are few sites in the parish for

future business development, the Parish Council would consider this

issue and try and find ways to encourage it.

5

The designation of a “Conservation” area offers some advantages for

residents. A few residents in Yarlington felt that their village should

be considered for designation as a Conservation area. The Parish

Council would consider this proposal.

To have some local “shaping” of development, a Community Plan can

lead naturally into a Neighbourhood Plan. However in producing a

NP there are many statutory requirements including necessary wider

consultations and this could take around two years. The Parish

Council would consider using this Community Plan as a basis for

developing a Neighbourhood Plan.

The Planning Process

There were a considerable number of comments and complaints

during the consultation process about planning decisions. What was

clear at the open meetings is that many of the parishioners did not

understand that the Parish Council acts only in an advisory role to the

Planners at the District Council. At least four Parish Councillors visit

the site of every planning application and also invite the public to

attend each meeting. The Councillors present at these site meetings

take a vote on the planning application, which is then forwarded to the

District Council. Often the District Planners can over-rule any

objections made by the Parish Council. This is not a satisfactory

situation as it ignores local knowledge of the area/site, which the

Planning Officers have often not seen. District Planners can also give

no reasons as to why the local advice from the Parish Council has

been over-ruled. Planning applications can be made retrospectively.

which may result in very unsatisfactory situations arising. It appears

that applicants are often flouting both the planning process and local

opinion. The Parish Council wishes to try and resolve this problem

by both local and national action.

Transport and Roads

The roads in our villages are narrow and can often only accommodate

one vehicle. Residents, deliveries, farm vehicles and a variety of

contractors use these roads. They therefore are well used and often

6

can be damaged by the volume of traffic they serve. Potholes are

common and often present a danger to the road users. There is a

pothole reporting service but few residents seem to be aware of it.

See - http://www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-parking-and-

transport/problems-on-the-road/report-a-pothole-or-road-defect

The Parish Council should try and encourage more use of this service.

North Cadbury is essentially a ribbon development in which there is

one central road through the village. The safe passage of traffic

through the village is made difficult by the parking on the main road.

This not only makes passage through the village difficult at times, but

potentially dangerous for children and parents collecting and

delivering children at the school. No solution has been found yet to

the problem of school parking, but the Parish Council will keep this

under review. Another problem is illegal parking by parents blocking

movement in Chapel Lane and Sandbrook Lane; the Parish Council

should try and improve the identification markings for “No Parking”

areas. It has also been suggested that the school area should be in a

20mph area.

Often vehicles pass through North Cadbury and the other villages at

excessive speeds; in particular large farming contractors who travel

very quickly and often dangerously in the villages. Further contact

and dialogue with the local farmers is needed to stop this dangerous

activity.

The development of the Emily Estate and, in particular of Shatwell

Lane could potentially increase traffic in this area; there are few car-

passing places there. Provision of further passing places in Shatwell

Lane is one of the conditions placed on this development. It is

suggested that new passing places be developed with equal

enlargement on both sides of the lane; this would discourage parking

of vehicles.

7

Internet speed and coverage

Internet speed and coverage is a problem in some parts of

Galhampton, Yarlington and Woolston. Openreach has provided

North Cadbury with fast broadband, but there are no plans for this to

be provided for the other areas in the near future. Private providers

such as Wessex Internet can improve broad speeds but now at a cost

to households. The Connecting Devon and Somerset scheme, which

provided £500, vouchers towards the installation of fast broadband

has ‘paused’ at present. The poor broadband speed could inhibit the

development of new small businesses. It is also makes difficulties for

elderly people who can no longer drive and wish to order food etc on

line.

Communication of Parish Council Business

Respondents of the questionnaire reported difficulty in finding out

about Parish Council business.

Four principal means of communication were reported - Word of

mouth, Village notice boards, the Parish website and Excalibur. The

notice boards are often crowded with information and the multiple

pages of notices can often be lost in or under this other material. The

website pages can be difficult to find and Excalibur does not at

present report on Parish Council business.

Provisions for Young people and Other Matters

There are a large number of young people in the parish who did not

take part in this survey. There are play areas, which can be used for

limited recreation, and the Parish Council should continue to support

these. There is however no all-weather play area for ball games and

currently attempts are being made by our District Councillors to

rectify this problem; the Parish Council should support this initiative.

Two other matters need consideration: the disposal of dog faeces and

paths and stiles maintenance.

8

Galhampton

Galhampton has always been part of North Cadbury Parish and is not

mentioned in the Domesday Book. It is thought that the name

Galhampton is derived from ‘Gamlin’s Ton’ i.e. the village belonging

to Gamlin and this family owned vast estates in west Somerset. The

Rogers family of Yarlington and the Mellea family of Wells owned

much of the village though neither of these families lived in the

village! Some of the older buildings are listed.

A Congregational Church was built in Middle St/Long Street and later

it became the current Church of England building. The Village Hall

was replaced in 1970 and will shortly be replaced in 2018 by a brand

new Village Hall through village fundraising and a Big Lottery Grant.

Galhampton remained a quiet village until significant development in

the 1970/1980s altering its hamlet status forever with ‘in filling’ in

March Lane and Long Street along with further barn conversions.

In the late 19th

/early 20th

century Galhampton had butchers, bakers,

village stores, several public houses as well as being the centre for a

home industry for the trade of glove making. All that remains now is

the Orchard Inn on the High Road, previously called the Old Pub.

9

The percentage of respondents from Galhampton aged less than 59

years old (see Figure 1.1) was slightly lower than those from

Woolston and Yarlington.

Figure 1.1 Age distribution of respondents in Galhampton.

The majority of respondents were retired, but many were still

employed in a variety of jobs, (see Figure 1.2 overleaf). There was no

unemployment reported in the returned questionnaires.

The majority of the responses (104) were in favour of houses being

built in the Parish over the next ten years with only 25 responses

being against this idea.

10

Figure 1.2 The occupations of respondents from Galhampton

Some respondents were in favour of a ‘small-scale’ development as

an extension to the village (56) and this was probably a reference to

the site next to The Orchard Inn. The majority of respondents

favoured up to 10 houses being built. However, many (76) were

opposed to further expansion of the village boundaries.

Infill housing was favoured by 67 respondents but opposed by 63.

The range of types of houses needed was varied and is shown in

Figure 1.3. Starter homes and family houses were favoured, but

homes to rent and single storey homes/bungalows) were also wanted.

11

Figure 1.3 The types of new houses favoured by Galhampton

By far the most favoured group for any new houses were local

residents (116). Homes for young people were also prioritised by 22

respondents.

A very large number of respondents in Galhampton wanted to

encourage small local businesses in the parish (106) but the main

barrier to this idea was lack of suitable premises (53) and poor mobile

phone/broadband coverage (90). The majority of respondents had cars

(127) and felt they could not work or live in Galhampton without a

car (104). As a consequence 35 travelled up to twenty miles per day

to their employment.

12

The old village hall was well used and a number of new activities

were suggested the most popular being dancing (see additional

comments). Most respondents felt they were reasonably well

informed about Galhampton events with Excalibur being the main

source of information (124) with notice boards (93), monthly coffee

mornings (76) and word of mouth (97) also helping.

The poor broadband connections and speed caused frustration to 118

respondents. Many reported that it was a hindrance to their life and

occupations. Broadband speed was the main source of complaint in

additional comments from residents. Some reported that with

advancing age lack of broadband speed compromised contact with

their relatives, accessing information for the disabled and shopping.

34 respondents questioned whether there were enough allotments in

the parish, but 24 felt there were sufficient. The state of the roads,

ditches and drains were reported as unsatisfactory by 91 respondents,

but approximately a third of respondents thought that most footpaths

were satisfactory.

People enjoyed living in Galhampton and a lot of people felt that

Galhampton had a unique community spirit in the village. Many

13

respondents however felt that for continuity it needed to have more

young people living in the area.

NB: Number of respondents shown in brackets.

A summary of the further comments is shown in Appendix 1.2

North Cadbury

North Cadbury is referred to in the Domesday Book as Cadeberia and

was the largest village in south Somerset at that time. Primarily an

estate village, (including South Cadbury), until the late 19th

century,

various small farms and cottages were part of a gradual ‘sell off’

which continued into the 1920s/1930s. Major changes continued

throughout the 20th

century with the first bungalows being built

around 1960 as ‘in filling’ along the High Street, around the Catash

Inn and along Lower Cary Road.

Since then the village has continued to grow with both new build and

conversions. The village is largely within a conservation area with

many listed buildings. There is a Primary School (c 1875) and a large

1930’s Village Hall which was modernised in the 1980s and which

has had recent refurbishments and improvements. The Parish Church

14

of St Michael was built in the 15th

century at the bequest of Lady

Elizabeth Botreaux. It was initially a college for a rector and seven

priests and is admired for its architecture and for it’s setting next to

the Elizabethan Manor House, approached up a beech tree avenue.

The age demographics of respondents in North Cadbury were not

dissimilar to those of the other three villages surveyed by this

questionnaire (see Figure 2.1), but more numerous. North Cadbury is

by far the biggest village within the area of the Parish Council.

Figure 2.1 Age distribution of respondents in North Cadbury

15

The proportion of retired people was roughly 50% and this is not

substantially different from those of the other villages. (See Figure

2.2).

Education

Full employ

Part employ

Self-employ

Unemploy

Retired

Figure 2.2 Distribution of occupations in North Cadbury

The majority of people had not lived in the village all their lives and

had moved because they liked the village and the area.

The majority were in favour of more houses being built, (134) but

were strongly against any extension to the village (125) favouring

‘in fill’ (100). A large number of people (43) however commented

directly, or indirectly, that any ‘large extension’ to the village could

‘compromise its character and would require more facilities’.

16

The majority were in favour of Starter homes and Family homes (3

bedrooms or more) with local people being given priority. (See

Figure 2.3).

Figure 2.3 Preference for new homes in North Cadbury

There were a large variety of different types of employment by North

Cadbury residents and most travelled up to 20 miles to their

employment. Not surprisingly many residents travelled to work by

car with only 6 using buses. Most people (142) commented that they

could not live in the parish or work without a car, although they were

aware that there was a bus service but never used it (141). The

majority of respondents were aware of the Community Access

Scheme of Transport (133).

17

The majority of respondents used the village hall in North Cadbury

and many would like to see computer courses and dance classes

introduced into the events programme. Most felt reasonably well

informed about events through Excalibur, notice boards or word of

mouth. Most had access to broadband (172) and were happy with it

(104). Surprisingly, although the broadband has recently been

upgraded 67 were unhappy with the speed.

A total of 151 used the paths in the area and their maintenance was

reported as satisfactory by almost 50% of the walkers. There were a

large number of comments on the ploughing of verges by farmers (41)

and the lack of maintenance of stiles. A number of people (28)

commented on the installation of electric fences in the area on

footpaths and 44 respondents mentioned potholes and poor road

maintenance.

A large number of further comments were included in the survey in

Questions 33 - 35. There were a significant number of people (31)

who commented on the parking in the road on school days. Large

farm vehicles, particularly contractors, driving at excessive speeds

18

were mentioned (32) and there was support for 20 miles per hour

speed limit by the school (17). The planning process was also

mentioned (29) particularly the proposed development on the

“cabbage patch” in Sandbrook Lane. It was clear that respondents did

not understand the planning process and what the Parish Council’s

powers were.

The majority of respondents enjoyed living in North Cadbury and

wanted it to remain as it was, or gradually evolve.

There are more young people (under 16years) in North Cadbury than

the other three villages that were not eligible to participate in this

19

questionnaire. Although two of the villages in the parish have play

areas for the very young, there are no playing field facilities for ball

games etc. This lack of facilities for our young people needs to be

addressed by the Parish Council.

NB: Number of respondents shown in brackets.

A summary of the further comments is shown in Appendix 1.3

Woolston

Woolston was known as Nether Wulfeta or South Woolston during

the 15th

and 16th

centuries. This small settlement has always been

associated and connected to North Cadbury although it did have a

small shop, pork butchers and a draper’s business at one time. By the

18th

century, Woolston had many small farms and smallholdings, all

owned by 24 individual absentee landlords.

A small amount of development has occurred here – a few bungalows

built in the 1970s, 1980s barn conversion but with several thatched

and listed properties. The majority of Woolston lies in a conservation

area although lately there has been some permitted development, any

20

respondents have commented on this “change” to planning

regulations.

Figure 3.1 Age distribution of respondents in Woolston

The majority of the respondents were aged between 41-74 years (see

Figure 3.1) and had moved to the Woolston for its “tranquillity and

peace”.

Nearly all the respondents had additional comments to make about the

questionnaire. The number of new houses that respondents felt

should be built in the parish over the next ten years was split between

1-5 and 5-10.

Approximately 50% of those responding thought that with any new

development additional ‘infill houses’ should be built. The overall

21

majority (38) were opposed to any extension to the village. The

majority wanted Starter homes and Family homes with approximately

two thirds feeling priority should be given to local people when

allocating these homes.

There was a large spread of occupations for residents of Woolston

with no paid employment predominating (see Figure 3.2). The

problems with setting up a business were similar to those raised in

Yarlington namely the distance from a main centre of commerce and

lack of suitable premises.

Figure 3.2 The occupations of respondents from Woolston.

The majority were in favour of local business being set up in the

parish. Most Woolston residents travelled by car to work and could

22

not envisage living in the village without a car - nearly all respondents

had at least one car. Most were aware of the ‘CAT’ but never used it,

and the vast majority never used buses. Many wanted a good

neighbourhood scheme but some respondents felt it would be difficult

to effectively organise.

For recreation, the village halls of Yarlington, North Cadbury and

Galhampton were well used by Woolston residents as they had no hall

of their own.

Excalibur was the main source of information with notice boards also

being well used. A large number of respondents suggested extra

things that could be added into Excalibur.

Poor mobile telephone coverage and the poor Internet coverage and

speed were a source of complaint in all but one of the questionnaire

responses.

The footpaths in the Woolston area are well used by the residents. The

majority thought the footpaths were in general well maintained, but

some of the stiles were broken. The roads were a different matter with

much comment on the number of un-repaired potholes, flooding and

poor ditch and verge maintenance.

23

Virtually all the respondents enjoyed living in Woolston.

NB: Number of respondents shown in brackets.

A summary of the further comments is shown in Appendix 1.4

Yarlington

The Montacute family owned the Yarlington ‘estate’ until 1521 when

it became Crown property. The Berkeley’s of Bruton later purchased

this estate and then sold it to the Roger’s family, who also owned

much of Galhampton. The estate was finally broken up at the time of

the Second World War. The new Manor House – Yarlington Lodge,

now Yarlington House, was built in 1782 and enlarged in 1911.

Yarlington Fair was founded back in 1315 under a special charter,

lasting three days in August each year before being discontinued in

1900. It was ‘recreated’ in the 1980s and is still held biennially

alternating with the ‘Yarlington Fringe’, an event that incorporates

music, dance and a whole host of other activities. At one time,

Yarlington had a school, post office and a village shop – all now

gone. It has an ancient Parish church and a public house, The Stag’s

Head Inn. The village hall is a well-furnished facility for meetings

and other activities.

24

The majority of Yarlington residents who replied to the questionnaire

were 41-74 years in age, (see Figure 4.1) and, many remarked that it

would be pleasant to have more young people in the parish.

The majority had not lived in the parish all their lives and most were

self-employed.

Figure 4.1 Age distribution of respondents in Yarlington

The majority of residents thought that more houses should be built in

Yarlington, but the number divided into two groups - those wanting

1-5 and others 11-20 houses. Opinion was clear that whatever

number was built it should be infill and not an extension to the

village. There was a wide variety of opinion on the type of houses

needed. Starter homes were most preferred followed by family homes

(3bedrooms or more), but homes to rent and shared ownership were

also favoured. A large majority of respondents wanted priority to be

given to local residents for occupancy of new homes followed by

25

young people. There were a large number of respondents who wanted

any new homes to be built with local stone.

Figure 4.2 Occupations of Yarlington respondents

Some 50% of respondents were still working (see figure 4.2) in

Yarlington with agriculture, construction and financial/legal services

being the most favoured occupations. The majority travelled by car to

work (22) and many (39) could not envisage living in Yarlington

without a car. Nobody who replied travelled to work by bus and only

half of those responding were aware of the Community Transport.

Yarlington residents wanted new business in the parish (38) but felt

that the main problems for start-ups were lack of suitable premises

26

(22) followed by planning controls (10), distance from commercial

centres (8) but the overall majority felt the main problem was poor

mobile phone coverage (39). Almost all residents commented on poor

Internet coverage and speed.

Yarlington residents were interested in a wide variety of activities and

their main source of information was Excalibur (33) with notice

boards (21) and the websites being used by a minority (12). Most felt

that they were reasonably well informed often by word of mouth (39).

The majority of respondents used the Internet (48) and inadequate

broadband speed again was commented on by almost everyone (43).

Paths and footpaths were reported as well used but some poorly

maintained (8). The majority had not seen the Public Rights of Way

maps on the website. A large number of replies commented on the

poor state of the roads, number of potholes and lack of passing places.

There were a large number of comments about the excessive speeds

generally through the village and also the destruction of verges by

large farm vehicles. Many also commented as well on the speed of

these farm vehicles particularly contractors. Most liked living in

Yarlington. The pub, tranquillity, nice neighbours and peaceful

27

countryside were singled out for comment. Many had concerns about

the development of the Emily Estate (formerly known as Hadspen

Estate) impinging on the area, with the purchase of land and potential

increase in traffic being repeatedly mentioned (27). The Parish

Council will carefully monitor this

.NB: Number of respondents shown in brackets.

A summary of the further comments is shown in Appendix 1.5

28

Summary of the data

1. A survey questionnaire of all the households in the

North Cadbury and Yarlington Parish Council area was

done in April /May 2017.

2. A total of 468 questionnaires were distributed and 224

returned - a response rate of 47.9%.

3. In all four villages the majority were in favour of more

housing being built within the village boundaries.

4. There was little support for large-scale development in

the villages.

5. Starter homes and family homes (3bedrooms) were the

preferred option for new homes.

6. The majority felt that local people should be given

‘priority’ over applicants from outside the Parish for

any affordable houses being built on new developments.

7. There was a large distribution of occupations in the

parish with no single one dominating.

8. There was a lack of premises in all four villages for

start-up businesses.

9. Three of the villages Galhampton, Woolston and

Yarlington have very poor Internet coverage and speed,

and this impeded business start-ups.

10. Most employed people had to drive between 10-20 miles

for their employment.

11. Most people in employment used cars as public

transport only served one village (North Cadbury)

adequately.

12. Most people felt they could not live in their present

homes in the parish without access to a car.

13. Most people were aware of the Community Transport

(CAT).

14. There was overwhelming support for a good

neighbourhood scheme in all villages.

15. The range of activities in village halls was good.

Additional activities suggested included computer

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training, (including iPad), dancing, and fitness activities.

16. Most people felt they were reasonably well informed on

village functions through Excalibur, notice boards and

word of mouth.

17. There was strong support for Excalibur expanding to

include Parish Council business, bus times, bin

collection dates and planning decisions.

18. There was a lack of understanding and explanation of

the process of planning decisions.

19. There was concern about both the speed and size of

farm vehicles particularly those of contractors in all

villages.

20. There was concern about the excessive speed of other

vehicles through all four villages.

21. The school in North Cadbury was not included in the

questionnaire, but the parking problem was mentioned

by a large number of people.

22. The effect of the Emily Estate, (formerly known as

Hadspen), on traffic in the area was a concern.

23. The development of land known as the “cabbage patch”

in Sandbrook Lane was of great concern. A large

number were against this development on agricultural

land.

24. There was concern in all villages about dog faeces on

roads and paths.

25. There were inadequate playing fields in the area for

ball and team games.

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Appendix 1: Data from all four villages

WOOL YAR GAL NCAD Grand Total

Number of Households 24 25 76 99 224

Number of people 47 49 137 182 415

Household 1 Which age group do you belong to?

16-29 years 1 5 8 9 23

30-40 years 1 4 6 7 18

41-59 years 14 10 29 53 106

60-74 years 21 26 52 82 181

75 years and over 9 4 38 31 82

Household 2 Have you lived in North Cadbury & Yarlington all your life

Yes 3 9 9 7 28

No 39 40 124 173 376

To be a particular school 0 0 4 10 14

To work in the area 9 6 31 35 81

To be closer to family 9 5 17 33 64

Liked the area and village 17 20 62 87 186

To retire 6 8 16 26 56

Other 4 6 9 11 30

Household 3 Are You?

In full time/part-time education or training 5 2 3 9 19

Full time employment 5 8 23 35 71

Part time employment 3 3 16 8 30

Self-employed 10 14 13 29 66

Unemployed 0 1 0 1 2

At home by choice 2 2 4 5 13

Retired 23 20 78 96 217

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Housing 4 Should more houses be built in this

Parish over the next ten years and if so how many? WOOL YAR GAL NCAD

Grand Total

Yes 32 45 104 134 315

No 12 2 25 44 83

1 – 5 houses 8 19 17 17 61

5-10 houses 17 4 43 46 110

11-20 houses 5 11 34 40 90

20+ houses 4 3 13 30 50

Housing 5 Would you like to see any future development as an ‘extension’ of your village?

Yes (Small scale development as an extension of the village) 7 20 56 53 136

No 38 28 76 125 267

Housing 6 Would you like to see any future development of your village ‘contained’ within the village itself?

Yes (‘In fill’ development within the existing village) 23 44 67 100 234

No 20 4 63 73 160

Housing 7 What kind of housing do our villages need? (Please select all the options that you feel apply)

Starter homes, often 2 bedrooms 27 33 79 101 240

Family homes, 3 bedrooms or more 22 28 71 90 211

Homes to rent 9 11 31 48 99

Shared Ownership e.g Housing Associations 4 14 29 47 94

Bungalow/Single storey homes 18 6 32 39 95

Self build 11 17 21 38 87

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Housing 8 If affordable houses are built, (a

minimum of 35% must be affordable housing on any new development with more than 10 houses), should they be for? WOOL YAR GAL NCAD

Grand Total

Local people only who have registered a need 9 8 26 28 71

Local people to be given ‘priority’ over applicants from outside the Parish? 33 38 90 109 270

Young people and families even if outside the Parish 9 14 22 33 78

No restrictions 3 1 17 16 37

Business & Transport

9 Which of the occupations listed below most closely describes your main paid employment or self-employment

Agricultural/Horticultural 4 8 3 4 19

Armed Forces 2 0 5 1 8

Arts/Crafts 2 2 1 5 10

Building Construction/Property Maintenance 1 5 3 4 13

Property Maintenance 0 0 0 0 0

Communications/IT 0 0 1 6 7

Financial/Legal Services 0 7 5 6 18

Manufacturing/Engineering 3 0 6 7 16

Medical/Social Care 5 3 8 7 23

Local/Central Government 0 0 3 2 5

Retail 2 1 1 8 12

Teaching / Education 5 3 6 5 19

Tourism/Hospitality 0 4 5 6 15

Transportation 0 1 0 3 4

Business & Transport

10 What, if any problems from the list below, do you believe businesses would encounter when trying to set up in the Parish

Distance from a main centre of commerce 13 8 24 41 86

Lack of suitable premises 23 22 53 85 183

Planning control 7 10 18 43 78

Poor mobile telephone network coverage 27 39 90 88 244

No problems 2 0 6 19 27

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Business & Transport

11 Would you welcome and wish to encourage more small local businesses in the Parish?

WOOL YAR GAL NCAD

Grand Total

Yes 37 38 106 145 326

No 6 6 18 28 58

Business & Transport

12 How far do you travel to work/for education or for training ?

0 – 5 miles 5 7 19 24 55

10 - 20 miles 8 8 16 28 60

30 – 40 miles 1 1 6 4 12

Varies as I work at different locations 4 6 11 19 40

I work from home 7 7 2 19 35

Business & Transport

13 What is your main form of transport?

Own Car or shared car transport 45 46 126 170 387

Motorcycle 0 1 2 0 3

Bike 0 4 0 0 4

Bus 0 0 6 6 12

Not required – I can walk to work 0 1 2 6 9

Business & Transport

14 How many cars do you have in your household? 45 43 127 173 388

Business & Transport

15 Do you think you could live or work in the Parish without access to your own car?

Yes 1 6 29 28 64

No 42 39 104 142 327

Business & Transport

16 Are you aware of the bus and Community Transport (CAT) available in the Parish

Yes 34 27 117 133 311

No 11 21 19 45 96

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Business & Transport

17 How often do you use a bus service? WOOL YAR GAL NCAD

Grand Total

Once, or more often in a week 1 4 8 6 19

Once a month 4 2 13 25 44

Never 40 41 111 141 333

Community 19 How often do you go to the Parish

Church?

Never 3 13 56 50 122

1-4 times per year 25 18 45 87 175

5-12 times per year 6 6 11 29 52

More than 12 times per year 11 11 21 16 59

Community 20 St Michael’s Church, North Cadbury

would like to remove some of the Victorian pews in order to provide more space for seating at baptisms and social events?

Yes I agree 15 8 43 54 120

No I disagree 10 6 22 50 88

I have no opinion on this proposal 17 32 68 70 187

Community 21 Would you be interested in the

following?

Sharing travel for shopping trips etc to reduce car use 7 4 21 20 52

A Good Neighbourhood Scheme for those who would welcome help with shopping, visits to doctors odd jobs etc 24 26 80 117 247

Social 22 How often do you go to or use your Village Halls?

Never * 4 3 13 23 43

1-4 times per year 18 25 35 61 139

5-12 times per year 8 17 33 40 98

More than 12 times per year 16 3 54 57 130

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Social 23 Please tick the activities below that

interest you WOOL YAR GAL NCAD

Grand Total

Coffee mornings or afternoon tea 15 14 88 60 177

Art & Craft activities 12 23 40 48 123

Gardening club 15 14 32 57 118

Table tennis/Short mat bowls etc 7 6 33 32 78

Private parties, eg birthdays 15 19 42 47 123

Film clubs, Music or Drama class 18 29 69 84 200

Educational Classes 18 23 52 41 134

Children’s clubs during school holidays 5 10 21 14 50

Women’s Group 7 2 17 29 55

Health and Well Being 21 28 44 60 153

Social 24 How well informed do you feel you are

as to what is happening in the Parish?

Well informed 7 14 44 31 96

Reasonably well informed 20 20 85 108 233

Not well informed 7 1 7 42 57

Social 25 Where do you normally find out about what is happening in your village/Parish

Parish Magazine - Excalibur 40 33 124 140 337

Notice board/posters 28 21 93 124 266

Parish Council/Village websites 8 12 23 30 73

Monthly Village Hall 200 Club Coffee mornings/Village breakfasts 10 4 76 35 125

Word of mouth 28 39 97 121 285

Social Media e.g Village, facebook pages 2 14 26 14 56

Other * 2 2 6 12 22

Social 26 Do you have access to and, do you use the Internet

Yes 45 48 125 172 390

No 1 0 9 9 19

Social 27 Are you happy with your broadband

speed?

Yes 16 5 8 104 133

No 28 43 118 67 256

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Natural Environment

28 Do you use the public footpaths in the Parish? WOOL YAR GAL NCAD

Grand Total

Yes 40 36 108 151 335

No 6 10 25 25 66

Natural

Environment 29 Are there any specific public footpaths

that are poorly maintained?

Yes 21 8 31 49 109

No 11 27 40 60 138

Natural

Environment 30 Are you aware that Public Right of Way

maps for this Parish can be found via a link on the Parish website and on the Parish notice boards?

Yes 18 21 47 48 134

No 23 26 86 121 256

Natural Environment

31 Are there sufficient allotments in the Parish?

Yes 15 7 24 84 130

No 0 9 34 13 56

Natural

Environment 32 Do you consider that the roads, ditches

and road drains in the Parish are well maintained?

Yes 8 13 36 85 142

No 36 33 91 80 240

Note: Q18 of the Parish Questionnaire was not a tick box question but requested

‘comments’ as did Q33-35.

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Appendix 1.2: Additional comments from Galhampton

Buses in Galhampton (8)

Lack of understanding of planning processes (30)

Land occupied in Sandbrook Lane (27)

Roads, potholes (23)

Tincknells site development (48)

Various other activities for new village Hall (31)

Appendix 1.3: Additional comments from North Cadbury

Village shop, pub, school, sense of community (65)

Peaceful, quiet, beautiful location (35)

Friendly people (43)

Lovely walks and countryside nearby (22)

Parking congestion around the school (31)

Lack of bins for dog ‘mess’ (8)

30mph limit on road through village (11)

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Appendix 1.4: Additional comments from Woolston

Any new housing should have cladding in keeping with

the area (4)

Conservation areas should not have additional housing (6)

Planning is not consistent (6)

Farm vehicles excessive speed and size (17)

Dog mess (6)

Poor maintenance of stiles and footpaths (10)

Appendix 1.5: Additional comments from Yarlington

Any additional housing should be for local people (6)

More young people should be housed in Yarlington (6)

Any new houses should be clad in local stone (6)

Potholes should be repaired (8)

Roads in poor condition (6)

Excalibur should be a community magazine (6)

Excessive speed and size of farm vehicles (10)

Concern about Emily estate buying houses (6)

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Issues for Further Consideration and Action by

the Parish Council

To preserve the pleasant rural character of each of the villages in

the parish.

To consider brownfield, in fill, barn or redundant building

conversion.

To resist the development of agricultural land particularly in

Hearn Lane (Galhampton), Clare field (North Cadbury) and the

“cabbage” patch in Sandbrook Lane.

Starter or family homes were to be preferred which are

sympathetic to local area and which have off-road parking.

The Parish Council would consider if there was now a need for a

Neighbourhood Plan.

To encourage more young people to settle in this parish.

To consider sites to encourage small business development.

To consider designation of parts of Yarlington as a conservation

area.

The Parish Council will endeavour to seek changes in the

system so that when a District Council Planning decision

contradicts the recommendation from the Parish Council, the

planning application would automatically be referred to the Area

East Committee.

Details of the Planning Officer’s material considerations/Policy

references and context in any application should be made

available to the Parish Council.

The Parish Council should initiate a campaign against

retrospective planning applications.

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The Parish Council should try and make residents more aware of

the pothole reporting service.

The Parish Council should keep the problem of parking at North

Cadbury School under review.

The no parking areas in and near to the school should be clearly

delineated.

Consideration should again be considered for a 20mph zone

around North Cadbury School.

Further attempts should be made by the Parish Council to curb

the excessive speed of farm contractors in large vehicles.

The Parish Council should continue dialogue with the Emily

Estate to ensure that the necessary ‘additional’ passing places

are provided.

The Parish Council should do all it can to try and improve

broadband speeds.

The Parish Council should review how it communicates with the

electorate.

The possibility of using Excalibur again for reporting Parish

Council business should be investigated.

Consideration should be given to having three lockable Parish

Council business only notice boards in Galhampton, North

Cadbury and Yarlington (there is already one in Woolston).

The Parish Council should consider giving support to the

provision of an all-weather sports area.

Each area should have sufficient dog faeces disposal bins

Path and stile maintenance should be monitored closely.

I do not agree with your proposals for Wincanton and Tower, which makes this a three councillor ward. In voting terms, the villages will be swamped by the Wincanton vote (a 2/3 block vote to a1/3 diverse vote over 9 villages). The representation will be biased to the urban community to the rural loss: Natural but unacceptable. Tower ward which you have included in the new Tower and Wincanton was designated as a rural deprived area for services such as public transport, schools, shops etc. This makes your proposal difficult to understand at several levels and its representation and administration will be clearly biased and therefore defective under your proposals. Yarlington which you have moved into this ward is half of the North Cadbury and Yarlington joint parish council, this therefore will become unworkable. Once again this is the chasing of numbers without reference to the facts on the ground, and must be deleted from Tower ward. Not all of these villages rely on Wincanton for their deficient services; we have a close knit group of three towns (Bruton, Castle Cary, and Wincanton) who provide for these villages. Your para 121 sets out the criteria for delivering good government, but these proposals have ignored the two essentials of “Community Identity”, and “Responsible and Effective Government” in the pursuit of numbers regardless of the density of those numbers.

Colin Winder Ward Member for Wincanton South Somerset District Council

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Taylor, Laura

From: derek yeomans Sent: 11 March 2018 09:57To: reviewsSubject: Burrow Hill Ward in South Somerset District Council

Dear Review Officer. 

I would like to state my deep reservations concerning the proposed changes to the  boundaries of the SSDC ward which I represent. The ward as it currently exists is stated to be 10% below the required number of 2196 electors with currently only 2091, and therefore subject to the requirement for boundary change requirements to  bring this arbitrary target percentage below that figure. The current plan appears to be to move  the  village of Barrington  out of  the Somerton and Frome constituency into the Yeovil constituency of South Petherton and Stocklinch and Puckington into Islemoor and incorporating the villages of Hambridge ,Drayton and the tiny enclave of Westport into the new  Burrow Hill Ward. These considerable changes  will a achieve a reduction  of only ‐1% in the discrepancy target and the  new ward will be  then at 9% below the target figure for electors as opposed to 10%. Numerically the change will achieve an increase of elector numbers from 2091 to 2095. I understand that the aim is to assume an increase in the current elector Barrington requirement for the current voting parity figure of 2196 up to 2293 triggered by forecasted  future building development by 2023, but the entire District is subject to similar intensive building pressures and the same corollary will apply to just about every other Ward in the  District area, so this relevance is not specific to Barrington. It is stated in the LGBCE review that this will lead to better  and more cohesive local administration, but my considerable experience with the current Ward villages is that their Parish Council are  very efficient and well run with very capable and knowledgeable Clerks, and I have concerns that these changes  will only damage that. I think that it  is necessary to bear in mind the words of Gaius Petronious from time to time.  

Yours 

Derek Yeomans 

South Somerset District Councillor  for the Burrow Hill Ward