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Chudleigh Community Masterplan Workshop
The Workshop was held on 11th August 2010 to develop the thoughts and ideas registered by the people of Chudleigh at the Open Day on 31st July. This report is by Stephen Biggs
Firstly it was good to see Teignbridge take the future of Chudleigh seriously, and prepared to engage with the community as we seek to shape the future of our town.
The challenge to “write” or “draw” a post card from Chudleigh in 2030 set a good tone for the day. If the residents don’t know what they want how can it be provided? Each of us needs to engage in the process of positive change, and the fact that over 300 turned out to do just that at the Open Day on 31st July 2010 is most encouraging.
During the morning our topics included Strategic Planning, The Environment, Transport, and Conservation and Heritage. A multi page document produced by Richard Bland was particularly useful, and worth reading. A visit from a consultant on bats outlined the constraints that the Great Horseshoe Bat puts on development in the town.
Perhaps the time allocated to the community, and opportunities for questions to the Teignbridge experts, were somewhat limited. In summary one long term resident felt the whole essence of Chudleigh was “Community” and that this had rather been skated over during the day.
Graham Wall brought a wealth of experience as he outlined where we had come from, what had been the vision back in the sixties, and seventies. Some speakers pushed home the point that Chudleigh needs to escape from the “Dormitory Town” status to having business and employment opportunities for a sustainable vibrant future. To this end various delegates and speakers spoke of the possibility that the town might have industrial units on the outskirts (new units are being built to the South of the town).
Stroud was touted as being a good example of strategic planning turning the whole town around, and establishing a centre with not one but fifteen coffee shops!
In summary the eight teams came up with many common components to a new and better town.
- An A38 “Green Buffer” or parkland area.
- Building to the South, more Industrial Estates, and possibly an Hotel.
- Possibly a new School (or even a Secondary School)
- Raising the town centre “Quality” together with an improved “sense of arrival”.
- Decide what is Chudleigh’s Magnet or USP.
When Michael McCarthy was questioned about how we move from “aspiration” to actuality it appeared that there was little help on offer. The suggestion was that we might first approach TDC, or latterly Devon County Council to create an 8-12 page document (perhaps costing £5000 to create) and use this to attract investment to the area. The document would outline the features of town, but also list a few unique selling points (USPs) to attract investment.
It was suggested that this task be carried out by “The Business Guild”, although in my estimation this would be a considerable burden on any small business owner in the town, and perhaps would be best suited to a well connected business savvy (possibly retired/semi-retired) individual.
I would value the feedback of Guild members on their thoughts for the town’s future. I think we may even have a resident qualified to make an excellent case for the growth & benefit of the town!