Like a number of villages in the area, the villages in the South Tarrant Parish have seen considerable growth over the past 30 years. The Parish has also seen a substantial change in the lifestyles and employment of the inhabitants which reflects less people being employed in rural activities (only 27 respondents to the questionnaire work in the Parish) and a greater retired population. It is interesting to note that the questionnaire highlighted a desire to maintain village life, keep the villages small/restrict further development/maintain existing character/stop infilling with more houses and reduce large house building. At the same time, 150 respondents indicated that new housing was important to meet local needs within village boundaries. Over 60% of respondents thought that housing should be provided for young people and 80% said housing should be provided for young families.

It is therefore clear that if development is to proceed, the greatest need is for affordable housing, maybe through a housing association scheme. Recent development has predominantly been high cost owner-occupier housing which have been far too expensive for young people brought up in the Parish, and has resulted in their migration to other areas. Thirty six respondents said that members of their family will require their own home in the parish within the next two years.

The questionnaire showed that people thought that any development should be sympathetic to the style and character of the Parish. Over 65% of respondents felt that it was important to achieve an acceptable design and density of housing in the Parish. There is, based upon the evidence in the questionnaire, a need for a detailed survey to be held to establish the housing needs of the Parish - 60% of respondents supported this need. Any survey must identify the precise housing required; potential development sites, as well as evaluating the effect of development on the environment and the provision of facilities.

At a parish meeting held to discuss the survey findings, there was a strong feeling that a Village Design Statement for the Parish would be very beneficial.

The questionnaire indicated that the inhabitants of the Parish were supportive in encouraging farming (on any scale) 97% ; good quality food production 98%; manufacturing 63%; and tourism 74%. The first two forms of development could maintain/enhance the character of the Parish; manufacturing could have a considerable impact on village life and the encouragement of tourism through Bed & Breakfast facilities for example, could be advantageous to existing amenities such as the True Lover's Knot.

Recommendations

Update detailed housing survey

Prepare village design statement

Development of limited, affordable, accommodation

Promotion of small-scale tourism
 

Thank you for visiting our website.
We can be contacted at:
mailtosouthtarrants@hotmail.com

Copyright © 2003 (STiCKRR/South Tarrant Parish Council).
All rights reserved.
Revised: 26-may-06