Osmotherley Area Parish Plan - Hambleton District Council

Osmotherley Area
Parish Plan
December 2006

INTRODUCTION
Contents
2 Introduction
3 The Plan
4 Osmotherley Area
6 Natural Environment
8 Built Environment
10 Sport and Recreation
12 School and Churches
14 Community and Services
16 Business and Transport
18 Traffic and Parking
20 Security and Communication
21 Vision for the future
22 Notes
24 What Happens Next
Preparation
The Osmotherley Area Parish Plan has been prepared by the people
of the villages to allow them a voice in any future decisions about
their area. The conclusions are based on all the responses to the
2005 questionnaire, and the actions proposed are what we think are
needed to respond to the views expressed. This booklet is a
summary of the main issues. The complete list of proposals and
background information are detailed in the Fact Book (see page 24).
The Parish Plan comprises this booklet and the Fact Book together.
Our thanks to:
• The villagers and visitors for their support
• The Parish Council for having the idea, for funding, and for
their patient support
• The pubs for their prizes
• The Top Shop and Tim Swales Garage for acting as post-boxes
• Yorkshire Rural Community Council for getting us started,
and funding
• North York Moors National Park Authority and Hambleton
District Council for funding and practical support
• The Countryside Agency for their invaluable guidance
• Awards for All (The National Lottery) for funding
• The free-paper deliverers for their leaflet-drops
• The pupils and staff of the Village School for their contribution
• Several individuals who have helped in significant ways but
prefer to remain anonymous
…and many others.
A huge “Thank You” to all.
Hugh Thompson
Osmotherley Area Parish Plan Steering Group December 2006

THE PLAN
The Aims
The Parish Council initiated the Plan
as a means of accurately finding out
the views of those living in and using
the villages. It will be used to inform
and influence the various authorities
who will make decisions on the
development of the villages over the
next 5-10 years.
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Age Range of Contributors
11-17 18-24 25-45 46-59 60-64 65-74 75+
“Parish Plan a very good idea,
hope it works”
How it was done
In September 2004 the Parish Council, under the chairmanship of Howard
Higgs, called a public meeting to propose the idea of a Parish Plan. This was
enthusiastically embraced by the meeting and the Steering Group was formed
from volunteers who put their names forward that evening. The Council
emphasised – courageously we think - that whilst they wanted to support us,
they wanted us to work quite independently in order that they did not influence
us in any way.
We asked what issues the villagers wanted to raise and a questionnaire was
distributed in October 2005. Whilst the questions covered the Osmotherley and
Thimbleby area, the questionnaire was also sent to people in the surrounding
area who use the village as their centre. A questionnaire was sent to each person
over 10 years old (as well as to a sample of visitors) and over 50% of people
replied – thank you! (The percentages quoted are based on those responding to
the questionnaire).
This booklet summarises what we think are the main issues to emerge. Also,
most importantly, it gives a list of the main actions that we think are needed to
achieve the developments that people have suggested. We have tried hard to
interpret accurately the views expressed.
For some of the conclusions, you will undoubtedly say “I could have told you
that without needing a Parish Plan”. You undoubtedly could have done – the
difference now is that the Parish Plan gives proof that the village feels this way
and this proof is a powerful tool in influencing the decision makers and obtaining
grants.
We are pleased to say that the Parish Council has agreed to adopt the Parish Plan and its
proposals. Now help is needed in putting these actions into place!

OSMOTHERLEY AREA
Osmotherley and Thimbleby
Osmotherley and Thimbleby lie within the western edge of the North York Moors National Park, half a mile to
the east of the A19 trunk road and 8 miles north-east of Northallerton. They are within the administrative areas of
the North Yorkshire County and Hambleton District Councils.
The area selected for the Parish Plan is effectively that which can be seen from the centre of Osmotherley, going
as far west as the A19 and as far south as Thimbleby. Additionally, Sheepwash has been included in view of its
impact on the village.
There are about 720 residents living in the area, in over 300 homes. The village has a number of thriving businesses
and is a popular centre for visitors, as well as for walkers and cyclists taking advantage of the beautiful surrounding
countryside.
People have inhabited this area since prehistory, with burial sites and Neolithic features above Sheepwash. In the
1700’s it was a stopping-off point for cattle herders on the Drove Road (the ancient track running along the top
of the escarpment above the village, which was the main road between York and the river crossing at Yarm). In
later times the emphasis changed to linen manufacture, and the village expanded significantly to accommodate
the workers in several mills, powered by the water from Cod Beck. Stone quarrying and jet mining also took place
during this period. Farming has always been, and remains, important to the life of the village.
The area has a long ecumenical history, with Anglicans, Catholics, Methodists and Quakers active and working
together. It has a thriving primary school, a well-used village hall, and a cricket and sports field midway between
Osmotherley and Thimbleby. It has a post office/general store, three pubs/restaurants, a café, curio shop, two
garages and a walking shop.
And from your responses, it’s a wonderful place to live in and one that people feel passionately about. We agree.
“We need to keep the village alive, a place where people mix and socialise. We must prevent it from
becoming a daytime dead community where the inhabitants are only using it as a dormitory”

“The village environment is not a museum piece and must continue to ‘live’
to survive, but controls / planning framework should exist to maintain its
character and quality of the environment for the benefit of the community”
© Crown copyright. All rights reserved. Hambleton District Council, 100018555, 2006.

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
“Strong objection to narrow fenced paths
which are very muddy where not paved and
a scar on village paths”
IDEAS
A footpath champion should be
identified to co-ordinate issues
relating to footpaths around
the villages.
Views from the Questionnaire
•
•
Positive action should be taken to protect and promote
wildlife, protect wildflower meadows and prevent loss
of hedgerows.
The majority of people (residents 81% and visitors
85%) were of the opinion that the appearance of farm
buildings matters.
•
95% of residents and 98% of visitors have indicated
their preference to be able to see the stars.
•
villages to be protected.
•
90% of people want views and gaps in and out of the
The majority of residents (64%) were happy with the
number of visitors at Sheepwash although 58% were
unhappy with car parking facilities.
•
Tremendous concern was voiced at the anti-social
behaviour and damage to Sheepwash.
•
Mobile phone masts should not be installed in or
around the village.
•
excessive RAF noise.
•
Noise from A19 traffic is a concern for 44 people.
A majority of the villagers say that they suffer from
Have village representative
on Sheepwash Problem
Solving Group.

“All the views from Osmotherley onto surrounding
countryside are beautiful and should be kept - the views
driving home up Clack Lane always lift my spirits”
… Did You Know
Osmotherley is one of the few places
in England where you can still see the
Milky Way and other galaxies.
The toad breeding site at Cod Beck
Reservoir is of national importance
with over 6000 toads.
The North York Moors National Park Authority has created a wildflower
meadow east of Cod Beck on the Cleveland Way.
Recommended
Actions
Develop Action Plan to protect
and promote wildlife/wild flower
meadows.
Plant native trees along A19 to block
noise.
Views and gaps identified as
important to be included in any
Village Design Statement
(see page 9).
Ask the Parish council to co-opt an
interested villager to be active on the
Sheepwash Problem Solving Group.
A survey of footpaths and stile
conditions should be carried out
and an Action Plan developed to
bring them up to standard.
Prevent installation of mobile phone
masts in or around the villages.

BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Views from the Questionnaire
•
The quality of the built environment is rated good but
there is scope for improvement - only 14% thought the
quality was excellent.
General preference for no new housing in the area.
•
Any new housing should be affordable (80% of sample).
80% think that the appearance of our street furniture (e.g.
signs and bollards) needs to be improved.
Question 6.1: Would you consider the quality
of the areas build environment to be....
“Good design is good design. Poor design in
original materials will remain poor design”

“Everything should be well designed and respond to its context”
Recommended
Actions
… Did You Know
•
92% want new development to match
original styles and materials of their
village.
•
Only 6% of people want more holiday
homes.
•
Well over 80% think old barns add to
the rural views and should be preserved.
•
In Thimbleby and Osmotherley 88% want
to see road verges better protected.
There is a new National Park ‘Article 4’ direction restricting changes to the
appearance of houses including UPVC windows and satellite dishes.
Set up a group to produce a Village
Design Statement (guiding location,
type and design of housing).
Identify sites for affordable housing.
Apply tighter controls and ensure
better maintenance of village greens
and cobbled areas.
Produce a survey of street furniture.
Identify historic walls and barns and
include them in Village Design
Statement.
Good modern designs should be
encouraged.
Environmentally friendly housing
should be encouraged.
No big new houses should be allowed.
Less visible alterations should be
treated less strictly than those seen
from highways.
There should be much better
communication of existing restrictions
in conservation areas and National
Parks.
Dilapidated old walls should be rebuilt.

SPORT AND RECREATION
Current sports facilities include a cricket pavilion and field
at Thimbleby and a play area in Osmotherley, as well as a
network of public footpaths for walkers and cyclists. There
is no school sports field in the centre of the village.
The village hall
holds activities as
varied as toddler
groups, art
classes, Pilates,
village dances
and a table tennis
club.
Views from the Questionnaire
•
Nearly half of villagers (and 78% of 11-17 year
olds) said they would use extended sports facilities
if available, a common suggestion being the
development of the Thimbleby site. The chart
below shows the numbers of people who would like
to take part in different sports.
•
Parents of younger children, as well as the school,
would ideally like a site in the heart of the village.
•
•
People want safer routes linking the amenities
with the villages. Such improvements would help
horseriders, cyclists and walkers.
Villagers would like to see more clubs and classes
at the village hall. People said they wanted more
drama for all ages, fitness classes, education and
language classes, dances, and more over 60s
events. Children and young adults were the least
satisfied with current provision. There was strong
support for a youth club.
Number of suggestions for outdoor sports facilities
80
Idea
A sports pitch within
the village would
benefit the school
and residents alike.
60
40
20
0
Tennis
Court
Bowling
All weather
facilities
Football
Bridleways Swimming
pool
10

“If there were more variety of sports at Thimbleby
sports field it would be used more often”
Recommended
Actions
Set up an action group in cooperation
with the James Hill Memorial Trust to
seek funding to extend current facilities
and equipment at Thimbleby Sports
field.
Improve facilities for sport at the central
village play park and in the longer-term
support the Parish Council in any
negotiations to extend the site or obtain
new land in the village.
Provide better footpaths and bridleways
from Osmotherley to Thimbleby both
for access to sports ground and to serve
horseriders, cyclists and walkers.
There is an adult cricket team and recently a grant has been awarded to the
school for cricket training and equipment for children. Additional facilities
at the sports ground at Thimbleby will allow more sports opportunities, and
could be organised in the short term.
Explore start-up funding for a youth
club in the village and identify leaders.
Attract more diverse indoor clubs and
classes for all ages.
The play area is well used by
locals and visitors and is seen as a
real asset to the community. Some
older children would like the
existing cycle track to be
developed and others suggested
that goal posts be put up for
informal football games. Publicity designed by children could encourage
users to look after their park.
DID YOU KNOW
There has been an active
drama group at the hall in
the past. Children and adults
have expressed a wish to see
it revived.
11

SCHOOL AND CHURCHES
There is a primary school and an award-winning preschool
in the village. Despite space restrictions, the
school has made real progress over the past year in
maximising the use of its small site - with new play
equipment, a wild garden area and building extensions.
The school is also developing its links with local
schools to share facilities and resources and to anticipate
future demographic changes. Greater sporting and music
opportunities for the children have been provided, with
plans for more in the future.
Much has been achieved to make the school garden a
pleasant and stimulating environment for children, but
an additional central village sports area would be a real
asset (see Sports and Recreation).
Osmotherley is unusual in having four churches. Two
of these, the Methodist Chapel and Quaker Meeting
House, are among the oldest in the country. The
churches work well together and are all keen to be at
the service of the local community.
Views from the Questionnaire
•
There is strong community support for maintaining the
village school and pre-school, and further links with local
schools are welcomed.
•
The limited sports facilities available for the school are
perceived by the wider community as a disadvantage for
the children.
•
People feel that more links between the school and community
would be beneficial – using the building as a centre for
continuing education; involving the community in school
events; and encouraging communication.
•
Parents would be interested in more ‘after-school’
provision.
•
The ecumenical approaches of the Osmotherley churches
are supported.
•
Some villagers would like the churches to organise more
community gatherings and events.
•
The churches are encouraged to coordinate their pastoral
care to ensure that people are not isolated.
•
Church sites and worship should both be accessible and
grounds should be safe.
•
The cemetery site needs to be extended and new land
obtained.
“I have never lived anywhere else where
the churches do so much”
12

“Acquiring a playing field for sports would be a great asset”
Recommended
Actions
… Did You Know
The churches organised the first
outdoors Harvest Festival event in
2006, open to the whole community
with music and entertainment -- a
celebration of rural life!
Gravestones at St Peter’s churchyard
are very precarious and villagers
want the site to be made safe and
accessible.
There is limited space left at the
village cemetery and people see
the obtaining of new land for an
extended site as an urgent requirement.
The Quaker Meeting House is
already used for art classes, residential courses, and accommodation.
There are numerous popular pilgrimages to the Lady Chapel above Osmotherley
each year.
Consolidate ecumenical work of
churches with occasional joint
newsletters.
St Peter’s to prepare an action plan
for making the churchyard a safe
space accessible to community.
Parish Council to consider addressing
acquisition of land for a cemetery
extension.
Continue links between Osmotherley
school and other local primary schools.
Community groups and Parish Council
to work with school to get grants for
sport and transport.
Extend links between the school and
community.
Provide ‘after-school’ activities.
IDEAS:
More help with transport for
children would extend their
opportunities for involvement
in small school cluster sporting,
educational and cultural events.
A community bus could also
be used by all villagers.
13

COMMUNITY AND SERVICES
Views from the Questionnaire
Recycling
There are currently recycling facilities for tins, bottles and
paper in the Osmotherley area, located at the school and
Tim Swales Garage. However, these facilities have limited
access within normal working hours. There is also a fortnightly
collection of paper from houses in the centre of the
villages.
59% of people said they would welcome other recycling
facilities including cardboard and plastic. Suggestions also
included household collections for a range of recyclables and for
the current services to be extended to outlying houses.
“ I didn’t realise these facilities existed – thank you,
I will endeavour to use them”
Rubbish Collection
…Did you know
Hambleton District Council recently changed rubbish
collections in line with Government policy to promote
recycling. This means a household rubbish collection once
a fortnight, with alternate weeks being for garden waste.
Houses with access difficulties still have bin liners collected
fortnightly.
This raised many issues with 60 people requesting weekly
collection of household rubbish and 15 commenting
on bins being unsightly.
Water Supply
The water supply has been changed in the past two years.
Rather than the supply coming from Cod Beck reservoir,
water is now pumped from a borehole in the Bedale region.
The water has changed from soft to hard. Residents were
asked about their thoughts on these changes.
Out of 176 comments only two were positive. All comments
criticised the hardness of the water and the issues of limescale
build up on electrical equipment.
People also remarked on the fact that the village had lost its
water supply in times of power cuts and are not reassured
by the contingency plans put in place by Yorkshire Water.
Question 2.12: Does the current water supply concern you
“[There are] increased costs in materials
and products to deal with hard water”
14

“Water is not as good as it used to be”
Recommended
Actions
Views from the Questionnaire
Litter and Dog Fouling
It was felt that dog fouling was still a major problem, both in the villages and
surrounding footpaths. This is compounded by irresponsible disposal
of dog waste bags into hedges and trees.
Two thirds of people were happy with the number of litter bins in the villages.
Some felt there could be more dog bins available.
Professional Services
Current services include a mobile library, doctor’s surgery, baby clinic and
more recently a collection/delivery of prescriptions.
There was great praise for all these services, including comments such as
“essential” and “highly valued”. Ideas for improvements included better information
and signposting of opening hours and exact locations. Suggestions were
also made for the mobile library to visit outside of school hours and to include
Thimbleby.
Water Supply
Arrange open meeting with Yorkshire
Water to discuss water quality.
Rubbish Collection
Discuss current fortnightly collections
of black bins with Hambleton District
Council, sharing current concerns
about the service.
Recycling
Make accessibility of recycling points
a priority.
Extend current services to include
cardboard and plastic.
Provide greater range of recycling
drop off points.
Dog Fouling
Increase public awareness.
Make sure dog bins are visible and
distributed at key points in the village.
Access difficulties at the surgery for wheelchairs and pushchairs were also a
concern.
DID YOU KNOW
Osmotherley village owns a
number of bicycles which are
available to be borrowed by
any residents. These include a
tandem, folding bikes, a trailer
and an electric powered bike,
all of which are stored at Tim
Wood’s Garage.
15

BUSINESS & TRANSPORT
… Did You Know
Hourly bus services run through the day until 6
o’clock from Osmotherley to both Northallerton and
Stokesley. A school bus takes children to and from
Northallerton. The Moors Bus runs in the summer
months, but no longer goes directly to Helmsley. No
bus currently serves Thimbleby.
There are over 60 businesses, from agricultural to hot
spas, employing over 200 people.
The village is a vibrant community, there are always
people to be seen going about their business, setting
off on walks, or just passing the time of day. It is
recognised as a welcoming place with good hospitality, and
a beautiful setting as the entrance to the National Park.
“Visitors to the villages help to make the area more
vibrant by using local businesses”
Views from the Questionnaire
•
People recognise the value of business to the village in
providing employment and contributing to a vibrant
atmosphere.
•
People value the local shops and would like to see more
local produce available.
•
Most people want to see business expanding, but are
concerned about the traffic and parking implications.
Hourly bus services are supported by villagers.
•
Many people are unaware of the businesses that do exist.
Modifications to the Northallerton to Stokesley bus route
would allow more residents to use public transport in
early mornings and evenings.
Access to Middlesbrough is very limited.
•
back to allow a round-trip to Helmsley.
•
People would like the Moors Bus timetable to change
Bus users would like to see more integration between bus
and rail services.
Opened 1786, closed 2005.
We are gradually losing
shops – we need to attract
more businesses to sustain our
vibrant community.
16

“It is important that a regular bus service
is maintained - particularly for the elderly”
Recommended
Actions
… Did You Know
Osmotherley Agricultural Show is a focus for rural and farming pursuits.
The village school and Womens’
Institute have prominent stands,
with lovely food on display. Show
jumping and livestock are always
popular. 2007 will be the 100th
show!
Include information about businesses
and services in a village newsletter and
website.
Improve parking for more efficient use
of businesses within the village.
Consider forming a local business
forum to promote the services of every
business in the locality.
Survey residents to see what services
should be in a community of our size.
This could be used to encourage
everybody to use the local services.
National Parks should be asked to
form a study group to look into the
possibility of providing small
workshops for crafts and business.
Discuss with NYCC and bus
company specific alterations to
bus timetable to include:
An extra service to Stokesley at 8am
Later services to / from Northallerton
•
An extension in direct services or
connections to Middlesbrough
Bus / rail links
•
Bus provision for Thimbleby.
Approach Moors Bus Company about
changes to timetable to allow return
trips to Helmsley.
17

TRAFFIC AND PARKING
Question 3.3:
Do you think extra car parking
should be provided in Osmotherley
“Pavements in Osmotherley - what a mess!
Such a beautiful village, such an
awful patchwork of surfaces”
Views from the Questionnaire
•
parking in Osmotherley.
•
•
84% of residents and 68% of visitors want extra car
Although some residents find the yellow lines in
Osmotherley unsightly most think that they have brought
about improvements and enhanced safety.
Opinions are divided on the North End bollards: some
say “please install more”; others say “they are ugly, an
eyesore”.
•
Thimbleby residents are concerned about the very large
agricultural vehicles that drive through the village.
•
Most people are satisfied with the general maintenance
of roads and pavements, but the majority are not satisfied
with the standard of snow clearance.
•
The majority of people favour a one-way system on
School Lane.
•
There is a lot of concern about the “travel to school”
crossings. They are not zebra crossings!
18

“When I get home at 8pm there is often nowhere to
park anywhere in the village let alone near my home”
Recommended
Actions
… Did You Know
The average number of cars per household is 1.6.
15% frequently have difficulty
parking near their home, while
67% have some difficulty parking
near Osmotherley village services.
“Encourage more hens in Osmotherley,
they slow down the traffic”
New or converted dwellings should
provide at least enough off-road
parking for 2 cars.
Create a car park of between 40 and
60 spaces
Introduce a 40 mph speed limit
through Ellerbeck.
Inspect the pavements in Osmotherley
and make improvements where
necessary.
Carry out a feasibility study of a oneway
system on School Lane and
implement recommendations.
Monitor the effectiveness of the North
End bollards.
Press for more effective speed limit
enforcement.
IDEAS:
•
Ask the Highways department
to look into problems faced
by lorries and emergency
vehicles in Osmotherley.
•
•
Better enforcement of speed
limits and parking restrictions.
How about part-time traffic
wardens in Osmotherley
19

SECURITY AND
COMMUNICATION
The survey highlighted the need for better
communications socially, for publicising
events and sharing information, and also
from a safety point of view with an
improved Neighbourhood Watch Scheme.
Two thirds of
people agreed
that there should be an improvement in sharing
and distribution of information. Suggestions
included a village newsletter, a website and
better use of the noticeboard. Concerns were
raised about information getting to outlying
areas and also of people getting urgent notices
in time e.g. with regards to funerals.
A Neighbourhood Watch Scheme has been in
operation in the area for some years, but many residents are not aware of
its existence. 62% of villagers would like the Scheme extended and many
were keen for better neighbourhood watch communications.
Recommended
Actions
Security
Extend Neighbourhood Watch Scheme
and discuss improved publicity with
local co-ordinator.
Parish Council and Police to consider
installation of CCTV logging at
entrances to villages.
Local opinions to be communicated
to North Yorkshire Police to support
implementation of improved local
policing.
Communications
Produce a welcome pack for newcomers
to the community.
Set up a sub-group to develop better
communications within the villages,
including a regular newsletter delivered
to each home.
Ideas
Produce posters and a short leaflet for villagers telling people who is
involved in the Neighbourhood Watch Scheme and how they could get
involved.
Strive for more visible and effective policing in the village. This
complements moves by North Yorkshire Police to provide local areas
with a neighbourhood policing team.
CRIMESTOPPERS
0800 555 111
NEIGHBOURHOOD
WATCH INFORMATION
www.northyorkshire.police.uk
“As a newcomer to the village I feel I have to search for information”
20

VISION FOR THE FUTURE
From what you told us in your questionnaires, it seems that you think the area is a great place to live. You like
the fact that Osmotherley is the archetypal moorland village, with wonderful countryside right on the doorstep.
You say it’s an excellent community, with good services and plenty to do, but you also see problems.
We think that if the ideas laid out in earlier pages are followed, the area can become a place where the character
of the village is maintained, and inappropriate development is prevented. A number of affordable homes will
be provided for local young people. Parking will be available for those who live here, for visitors who want to
take advantage of our area, and for the customers of the businesses. The authorities will enforce the speed
limits and make the place safer. More leisure facilities will be available for young and old. Sheepwash will
again become a place where people feel happy to walk. And, most importantly, people will know what is
happening and have a chance to influence decisions and help put them in place.
Some of the ideas should be easy to achieve, whilst others may be more difficult. However, our formal
representatives, the Parish Council, cannot be expected to achieve everything on their own, so we all need to
contribute.
In preparing the Parish Plan, the Steering Group have been overwhelmed by support from people; there really
is an enormous pool of goodwill waiting to be tapped. There seem to be two significant problems however.
First, we’re not very good at telling one another what needs doing (and what is already being done), and
second, whilst many are prepared to give a bit of their time, not unreasonably they are worried at being sucked
into having to do too much work. We think our proposals address both of these points. The Parish Council
needs to be in overall charge of managing the Action Plan, but with good communication, delegation, and
parcelling work into small packages they should be able to get the help necessary from villagers, and other
agencies, to make the plans a reality.
Other villages have made huge improvements through their Parish Plans – so can we.
21

NOTES
22

What Happens Next
The Parish Council will oversee implementation of the Plan,
assisted as needed by the Parish Plan team, other volunteers
and the various agencies. In due course, perhaps 5 years time,
the Plan will be reviewed to see what further actions are
needed - the Plan is a living document that will continue to
evolve.
How to get involved
One of the successes of the Plan has been the enormous
amount of support offered by villagers, and we would welcome
any further offers of assistance for individual projects or overall
management. Please contact any member of the Parish Council
if you can help.
The Fact Book
This is a large document containing the numerical results and
comments from the questionnaires, the full analysis of the
findings, and the complete list of actions proposed. Hard copies are
placed with the National Park Authority and Hambleton District
Council; the Parish and Catholic Churches; the school; the
Top Shop and Tim Swales Garage. Electronic copies may be
read and downloaded from the Parish Council Website (Parish
Plan section) on www.hambleton.gov.uk/osmotherley.
24
Printed by Imprint Services, Northallerton - Tel: 01609 779142 E-mail: imprintservices@btconnect.com
PP200107

Osmotherley Area
Parish Plan December 06
_______________________________________________________________
Fact Book
Ossy PP Fact Book/fact book/intro contents draft ver 17.12.06 Page 1 of 10

Introduction
The Parish Plan comprises the Summary Booklet issued as the “Osmotherley Area
Parish Plan December 06”, together with this Fact Book.
The Fact Book comprises a compilation of supporting information. In particular, it
includes the full list of actions proposed, all the comments received, and the details of
the analysis that produced the conclusions.
The opinions given are those of the Parish Plan Steering Group.
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CONTENTS
Section Title Page
Number
Website file refererence*
Title page 1
Contents 3
1 What is the fact book 5
2 What is a Parish Plan 6
fact book/intro contents
3 Preparing the Parish Plan 7
4 Finance 9
5 Acknowledgements 10
Appx’s
1 Tick box responses fact book/app01a and
fact book/app01b
2 Question comment responses fact book/app02
plus files listed in app02
3 School comments fact book/app03
4 Young people comments fact book/app04
5 Breakdown of respondents fact book/app05
6 Analysis sheets - questions fact book/app06
7 Analysis – back page questions fact book/app07
8 Summary of responses to preliminary
version
fact book/app08
9 The Osmotherley Ward - statistics fact book/app09
10 Osmotherley Area – then and now fact book/app10
11 Changes agreed after issue of
provisional Parish Plan
fact book/app11
12 Table listing all recommended actions fact book/app12
13 Questionnaires fact book/app13
* For access to these documents in e-version look under:
www.hambleton.gov.uk/osmotherley and click on “Parish Plan”
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Circulation of copies:
Copies of the final Parish Plan summary booklet will be issued to each household
within the consultation area, and to relevant public organisations.
Copies of the Fact Book will be lodged with the Parish Council and in various publicaccessible
locations around the village.
The Parish Plan summary booklet and Fact Book may be accessed electronically on
the Osmotherley Area Parish Council website (see previous page) where they may
be downloaded.
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Section 1
What is the Fact Book
The Parish Plan comprises the summary booklet “The Osmotherley Area Parish Plan
December 06”, together with this Fact Book. The Fact Book comprises a compilation of
supporting information, and is to be read in conjunction with the summary booklet.
The Fact Book contains the following types of information:
The Introduction section (ie this section) gives general background information, and
describes the process that has been followed.
Appx 1 and 2 are an actual listing of the responses to the questionnaire. The
responses have been typed up in this way so as to allow easier interpretation by the
Parish Plan team, and any members of the public who may be interested.
Appx 3 and 4 are a listing of what we were told by the school and by young people
interviewed.
Appx 6 and 7 are our interpretations of the themes emerging from the vast number of
comments made in the questionnaire.
Appx 12 is a list of all the actions recommended. (The Parish Plan booklet contains
only the principle recommendations).
Other appendices give information which we think you may find of interest.
So the Fact Book is a mixture of the facts used to influence the Parish Plan, and of the
judgements made in arriving at the actions proposed. It is, in effect, the detail underlying
the Parish Plan.
You might say that the Fact Book is “the document for the Parish Plan anoraks”.
Inevitably it is a rather dry and turgid read, but we see it as a vital part of the process of
arriving at our conclusions, and making the process transparent to everybody.
We suggest that the following Appendices may be of particular interest:
Appx 6 and 7 summarise our analysis of what we thought people were telling us, and
what we think should be done about it.
Appx 12 is a list of all the actions recommended.
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Section 2
What is a Parish Plan
A Parish Plan is a written report that analyses the responses to a detailed public
consultation exercise, and recommends actions to address the issues that the public
consider important.
In autumn 2004, the Osmotherley Area Parish Council held a public meeting to propose
the idea of a Parish Plan and, while there were some dissenting voices, there was
general approval for the idea and a Parish Plan Steering Group was set up from those
who volunteered their help. The Parish Plan summary booklet and the associated Fact
Book are the outcome of the subsequent 2 years work.
Parish Plans are a government initiative that we see as intended to “find out what the
people who live, work and play in an area really want” as opposed to “what the various
local government bodies think they should want”. (Our definition, not the government’s)
They have been on the go for some time now, and many villages have achieved
remarkable improvements through their Parish Plan. A Parish Plan usually takes
between 18mths and 2 years to prepare. It is seen as a “living document” and is
expected to be reviewed after perhaps 3-5 years, as changing situations require. They
can cover anything and everything that a village wants.
The Parish Plan process has been remarkable in many ways. Apart from some typing
support and printing, the work has been done entirely by volunteers – probably about 40
in all. People have freely offered support in many ways, and the response to the
questionnaire has been magnificent – over 50% of those living in the villages have
responded and an immense amount of information has resulted. Which has, in itself,
presented a problem to the Parish Plan team, as lots of data equates to lots of work. But
it was a nice problem to have.
A number of key messages seem to emerge from all this:
People – residents young and old, those who work here, those who visit – care
deeply for the villages and the surrounding area.
Furthermore, they are prepared to offer their time and support in many ways in order
to seek improvements. When we have needed help, it has been freely offered.
Things inevitably change – it is simply not an option to do nothing if people want the
villages to remain the lovely place it is, and for it to improve.
Some of the specific messages to emerge are not surprising – traffic, parking,
Sheepwash, for example. However, the value of the Parish Plan in addressing these
“well, I could have told you that” points is that the thorough consultation process that has
been undertaken gives tremendous power to the elbow of those seeking funding e.g. the
Parish Council, for improvements.
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Section 3
Preparing the Parish Plan
The main stages were as follows:
Autumn 2004. Public meeting to seek views for a Parish Plan. Steering Group
formed.
Winter 2004. Steering Group set up plans based on Countryside Agency guidance
and advice from Yorkshire Rural Community Council. Remit agreed with Parish
council. Funding obtained.
Spring 2005. Villages consulted on issues to be included within questionnaire.
Summer 2005. 5 Working Groups established to focus on individual aspects.
Questionnaires designed.
Autumn 2005. Questionnaire issued to residents and visitors. Excellent response.
Winter 2005. Responses typed up to allow easier analysis.
Spring/Summer 2006. Responses analysed.
Autumn 2006. Provisional Parish Plan launched for comment. Feedback and
comments considered, and minor amendments made. No objections were made to
the recommended actions.
Xmas 2006. Final Parish Plan adopted by the Parish Council.
New Year 2007 (just over 2 years since commencement). Parish Plan printed and
distributed to households and interested bodies.
Parish Council to follow up by implementing the Action Plan. Parish Plan team
disbanded but available to assist Parish Council with implementation.
Some general points are worth noting:
The area to be coved by the Parish Plan was discussed at length. It was agreed that
the area would be that bounded by Osmotherley, Thimbleby, Sheepwash (technically
part of Swainby PC), Clack, and Chequers. Effectively this is the area visible from
Osmotherley, to the East of the A19.
However, because the villages are used as a centre by other groups, consultation
would cover a wider area, e.g. Ellerbeck and Snilesworth.
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Three different questionnaires were prepared i.e.:
o
A full questionnaire was issued to each adult resident in the villages.
o A shortened version, focussing on appropriate areas, was offered to 11-17
year old residents, if they preferred not to complete the full one.
o
Recognising the significance of the visitors to the villages, a separate
shortened version was prepared for any visitors who were interested in
completing one.
In assessing the results, the analysis focussed on the residents’ questionnaires, as
they formed a statistically relevant response (over 50%). The relatively small
number of visitors’ responses (40) was used to check out the residents’ analysis, to
see if any different views emerged that needed consideration, and to lend
perspective to the residents’ analysis.
The Steering Group and Working Groups have analysed the responses, and decided
on the recommended actions. Whilst we do not claim to be without our own
prejudices, we have tried to ensure objectively that the proposals reflect what you
told us in the questionnaire responses (rather than what we think you should have
told us). Issuing this Fact Book is part of the process of us demonstrating this to you
– you can check out why we arrived at the conclusions and decide if you agree.
Each questionnaire was, after return, allocated a number and these are shown in
appendices 1 and 2. They do not allow identification of the person who made the
response – indeed, we don’t know ourselves. The purpose of this numbering is to
allow more detailed analysis. For example, although only a small number of people
may have ticked in favour of something, it may be that all those who did so live in
Thimbleby, indicating a significant local concern that needs addressing. The
numbering allows this sort of analysis.
We are keen that the process be as transparent as possible, which is why we had
the responses typed up so that they can be published and pored over by as many
people as wish to do so. Whilst not claiming absolute accuracy for the transposition
of information from written questionnaire to typed version (there is a massive amount
of information), the transposition has been audited by an independent person and
found to accurately reflect the originals.
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Section 4
Finance
“You get nowt for nowt” as someone once said, and the same is true of Parish Plans.
To get to the stage of issuing the provisional Parish Plan for comment cost about £1300.
Printing the final document is planned to cost a further £2600, which will bring the total to
about £4000. (As the printed booklet is used in support of grant applications for village
improvements, it is considered necessary to present it in a clear and attractive style).
These costs are typical, and perhaps a little lower than is now usual, for preparation of a
Parish Plan of this nature.
The bulk of expenditure will therefore have been on printing and associated costs. The
Parish Council made a financial contribution and, most valuably, agreed to underwritte
the overall funding requirements. Generous outside financial support has come from
The North York Moors National Park Authority, Hambleton District Council, Awards for
All (the National Lottery Fund), and the Countryside Agency (via the Yorkshire Rural
Community Council). Over 30 requests for funding assistance were sent out, of which
these 4 were successful.
Formal detailed income and expenditure accounts have been presented to the Parish
Council at intervals.
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Section 5
Acknowledgements
Preparation of the PP has involved a lot of people in a lot of effort. We would like to
acknowledge the Osmotherley Area Parish Council, particularly the then-Chair Howard
Higgs and their assiduous and long-suffering clerk. It is the Parish Council who initiated
the process, offered funding support, and have been supportive throughout without ever
trying to interfere in our deliberations. Not all Parish councils are so brave – some with a
control-freak tendency apparently do it entirely themselves “behind closed doors”; whist
others seem to consider it an affront to their dignity, refuse to take part, and result in
aggrieved residents doing it quite independently of the Parish Council. We were lucky.
Yorkshire Regional Community Council have been in with us from the start, providing
funding, help, guidance from the now-defunct Countryside Agency, advice and a
shoulder to cry on; without them we would probably still be trying to get started.
Hambleton District Council and the North York Moors National Park Authority have each
supported us generously with funding, advice (in particular on ye strange mysteries of
government and local authority workings) and practical help. And importantly, Awards
for All (the National Lottery Fund) provided substantial funding to get us started.
As so often, our excellent trio of Golden Lion, Queen Catherine and Three Tuns
responded positively to yet another request for sponsorship by each agreeing to give a
generous dinner prize as an inducement to people to complete and return their
questionnaires (which may explain the large return figure). Dave Burgeon and his team
at the Top Shop must at times sunk under reams of paper - they have our thanks.
Individuals in the villages have been ever-helpful in countless ways. Always a word of
support and a waggish comment to spur us on (well, nearly always……)
And last but not least, those on the Parish Plan Steering and Working Groups who have
worked so hard for so long to get us to the point of issuing the draft Parish Plan. Some
have been able to do more than others, but all have done whatever they could to grind
the process along. As some inevitably had to withdraw due to other demands on their
time, their places were willingly taken by others. Thanks go to Sue Allen, Dawn and
Kelly Austin, Jane Bamber, Vicky Black, Paul Brand, Olwyn Burton, Christie Connelly,
Noel Coward, Pat Duggan, Chris Gaunt, Margaret Hobbs, Sarah Housden, Adrian
Hughes, Sue Hutchinson, Bernard and Jill Kirby, Trevor Mitchell, George Morley, Dave
Morris, Shona Padbury, Keith Pearson, Mike Read, Terence Richardson, Lyn and Steve
Rogers, Tim Swales, Mike Thomsett, Veda Thompson, Jane and Robert Thorniley-
Walker, Penny Vernon, Tim Watts, Eileen Webb, Ben Wild, Laura Wilson, as well as
those who have slipped my memory, to whom sincere apologies. Finally, there are
those who, for various reasons, prefer not to be mentioned – we and they know who
they are and we are grateful to them.
A group of remarkably diverse talents, not least the talent to be able to discuss
contentious and sensitive issues without falling out too seriously.
Thank you to all, individuals and organisations, the villages owe you a big debt of
gratitude.
Hugh Thompson, (Chair, on behalf of the Parish Plan Steering Group)
December 06
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