Notes from Buxton with Lamas Neighbourhood Plan Meeting
21st March, Lammas Village Hall, 7pm
Present: Tim Curtis (Chair), Karen Laurence, Tony Shaw, Thea Charmley, Vereen Mercer, Rosemary Roth.
Apologies: Laura Soar, John Nield, Ron Colman.
- Update on the work of our consultant
Rachel Hogger from Modicum Consulting is working with us to develop our NP and move us to Regulation 14 consultation. Her work to date is reflected in the rest of the agenda for this meeting.
Tim presented an overview of our finances, as presented to BwL Parish Council.
Tim described how Rachel has quickly picked up the ethos of what we are trying to achieve and has a detailed grasp of parish issues. She has toured the parish and met with Tim/Karen/Laura virtually and in person.
Tony asked that we ensure our NP is locality-specific and not an ‘off the shelf’ production. Tim/Karen gave an assurance that all parties were working towards that – Rachel is able to make our aspirations fit the context and requirements of a formal planning strategy.
The group ‘approved’ our method of working – ie a nucleus of Tim/Karen/Laura work closely with Rachel to develop the NP, reporting back to the steering group for guidance, approval, challenge and input.
- SWOT analysis
The SWOT analysis was presented and discussed. Changes were made, noting poor pedestrian connectivity between villages, removing “Lammas Village Hall needing TLC/improvement”.
As part of this discussion Tony suggested any further development of the PICTO site could involve low-cost retail units for businesses that provide a positive community enhancement, ie bakers, café etc. Concerns were raised that this would worsen parking and traffic issues here.
‘MasterPlanning’ was raised as an option in the SWOT – it was asked what this means and entails.
The concept of a register of non-listed heritage assets was welcomed by the steering group. Noted would like to mention the last remaining toll bridge, Mayton in Norfolk, which is not within BwL boundary.
Action: All Steering Group members to contribute non-listed heritage assets to Tim Curtis within two weeks
Tony to identify the traffic hot spots in the villages where there are accidents or people feel it is dangerous and send to Tim either as a map or as a list to be mapped
- Draft Framework
The group approved the Framework, considering it to be a good interpretation of the NP objectives. Three changes were proposed:
OBJ 4 Prevent further erosion of the quiet and countryside feel of our communities and preserve these qualities where they remain.
OBJ. 7 Protect and enhance our valued water meadow landscape and open green spaces.
OBJ 7.1 Enabling nature-based solutions to enhance flood defences.
Action: All members of the steering group to contribute any further comments on the Framework to Tim Curtis in the next two weeks.
- Green Spaces
Our proposals to deal with valued green spaces were re-presented to the steering group. The ‘nucleus group’ will work on a final matrix, proposing which areas might be protected via a Local Green Space designation, which via a ‘Protected Views’ register and which areas would fall into proposed Settlement Gaps.
Karen outlined the principle of Protected Views and three slides containing those views were shown on a screen. These met with general approval. It was noted we were probably missing some views in the Lt Hautbois area and also missing a view towards the Bure House crinkle-crankle wall.
Karen described her work to compile a register of trees which have unique characteristics of which play an important role in our landscape. Vereen and Karen agreed to work together to further develop this register. Trees not so far ‘captured’ in the register include the avenue of Limes on the Lammas Hall track, the Yews in Lammas churchyard and the Arboretum in private ownership behind Lammas Hall. Old Trees behind the old Scout hut/Reading Room (16 Brook St) Dr Briscoe would not allow them to be cut. Lt Hautbois; Foxwood House. Linden House. To note in the list there are a number of memorial trees in the villages.
Action: Vereen and Karen to look at trees in the village to pick up the ones mentioned.
All members of the steering group to suggest further views that should be registered and protected within the next two weeks.
- Next Steps – Engagement
The steering group was advised we need a further community engagement exercise, most likely to cover: - Protected views / green spaces / trees
- Non-listed heritage assets
- Lammas Business Centre
- Families’ personal experience of housing need/shortage/availability within the parish.
Vereen suggested the Buxton Community Picnic marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee might be an opportunity to use to display some of the information printed out.
Close of meeting.