Haslington Parish Plan
2010
Haslington
Oakhanger
Winterley
Sandbach
Crewe & Nantwich
Circular Walk
A 534
M6
Wheelock
Heath
Winterley
Winterley Pool
Haslington Cricket
Club
South Cheshire Way
Gutterscroft
Play Area
Haslington Bypass
A 534
Haslington
Haslington Circular Walk
Crewe
To Crewe
Railway Station
Crewe
Green
B 5077
Nantwich
Oakhanger Moss
Crewe Golf Club
M6
B 5077
Oakhanger Alsager
Haslington Parish Plan |
2
Introduction
Contents
Pages
Introduction 3
Executive Summary 4
The Parish Plan Process 5
The Parish of Haslington 6—9
Working Group Reports:
Social 10 - 12
Environment 13 – 15
Local development Framework 16 -21
Safety 22 - 24
Business 25 - 26
Action Plan Summary
Social 27– 29
Environment 30 - 32
Safety 33 - 35
Business 36
Acknowledgements 37 - 38
Appendix 1
Parish Questionnaire
& Data Results See www.haslington.org
Appendix 2
Young Peoples Questionnaire
& Data Results See www.haslington.org
Appendix 3
Business Questionnaire
& Data Results See www.haslington.org
Parish Plans were pioneered by the Rural
Community Council movement over twenty
years ago. In recent years they have been
given fresh support by national and local
government and are recognised as a
valuable process for communities to set
out a vision for their future. A Parish Plan
can be influential on local government
processes and relevant aspects may be
adopted as a Supplementary Planning
Document.
But the real value of a successful Parish
Plan is in the extent to which it energises a
community to think for itself, to lobby for
what it wants and, in many cases, to
achieve this through its own efforts.
Reading an account of Parish life a
hundred years ago is to be transported to
a time when the hand of government was
light and the efforts of the community
defined its quality of life. Nowadays we pay
high taxes and rightly expect many
services and facilities to be provided for
us. But in rural communities we often
seem low on public spending priorities.
Allocation of funds to policing, public
transport, road maintenance, schools and
post offices all show evidence of an
increasing focus on major population
centres.
Our issues in The Parish of Haslington may
be insignificant compared to the problems
of many communities, but the evidence in
recent years suggests that rural
communities need to strive to retain their
vitality and viability. The theme which
emerges from our consultation is the wish
to preserve what we have: a settled,
friendly and relatively crime-free
community in an attractive yet fragile
pastoral environment. Many of the Action
Plans set out in this document relate to
intelligent conservation of what we value in
The Parish of Haslington, while recognising
the need for some response to changing
social pressures.
The preparation of the Parish Plan has
already helped us focus on what we value
in our community. Some of the actions
identified here were already part of Parish
Council strategy, but all are now being
worked upon and significant progress has
been made. This document is in effect a
snapshot of community plans and activity
to meet the challenges we can see at a
point in time. We should aim to continue to
develop our ideas as new challenges are
identified.
Haslington Parish Plan |
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Executive Summary
A decision was taken by Haslington Parish Council to test the local
support for a Parish Plan. A well supported public meeting on the 22 nd
March 2007 gave the go-ahead and a Steering Group of eleven people
and four Working Groups, representing the 3 villages of Haslington,
Oakhanger and Winterley which included all sectors of the community,
were later formed.
The Parish Survey questionnaire was produced and volunteers delivered
this to every house in the 3 villages.
An analysis of the survey responses gave detailed information on what
the community saw as issues and how they would like the villages to
evolve.
The final stage of the consultation of the residents was a display of an
abridged summary of the results on the Village Green at the Village Fun
Day, followed by another public meeting, so giving an opportunity to the
residents to comment and to contribute to the Working Groups, before
the final information was collated into this Parish Plan.
This is the Plan for the Parish of Haslington which includes the villages of
Haslington, Oakhanger and Winterley. It describes the vision the
residents have for the future of their community. It is a collection of
ideas, not a recipe for enforced change, and the actions proposed may
well evolve with time.
The Parish Plan is divided into a summary of the findings structured into
the following main sections
• Social, Communication and Events
• Our Environment and Environmental Issues
• Safety, Law and Order
• Business
A number of recommendations arise from each of the sections. These,
and a description of the actions which will be taken, have been brought
together into the Action Plans, which also identifies the organisations
which would be involved in executing the actions.
Following the Action Plan is an Annex which contains a summary of the
parish survey. We will need to work with Haslington Parish Council and
the Cheshire East Authority to complete some of the actions.
Hopefully this report captures residents‘ opinions and we thank everyone
who took the time to share their views with us. It is evident that people
care deeply about their community, and the Steering Group, with your
help, hopes to capitalise on this enthusiasm to achieve our collective
vision.
Detailed Results of the parish survey are published on the parish website.
Both this report and supporting documentation can be found at
www.haslington.org
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The Parish Plan Process
Launch
The Haslington Parish Plan was launched at
an open meeting on 22nd March 2007, at
which a Steering Group was formed to drive
the process. A group of about 40 residents
indicated their willingness to participate in
focus groups, which would investigate areas
of importance to the community.
Questionnaire
the degree of consensus for the principal
proposals, to test views on listed options or to
seek volunteers.
A number of returns were received and
provided valuable feedback.
The overall response was extremely positive.
Views on the various options presented
covered a wide range of opinion, but there
was a strong consensus in favour of the
recommendations put forward, even in
contentious areas.
A questionnaire was delivered to every
household in the Parish and obtained a
Draft Report
response rate of around 9%. These replies
The information collated from the village fun
provided a range of views on issues of
day, together with the extensive feedback
concern and confirmed the areas of parish life
received, was incorporated into a further
about which respondents felt most strongly.
revised Parish Plan which set out a number of
suggested action points for Haslington Parish
Schools Questionnaire
Council and others. The final draft was
An additional questionnaire was created for
approved by the Steering Group and was then
children in the two village primary schools
endorsed by Haslington Parish Council as an
asking for their ideas and opinions about the expression of the involvement and ownership
villages.
of the communities of Haslington, Oakhanger
and Winterley, and their aspirations of the
Working Groups
framework for community action within the
The Steering Group formed six focus groups
Parish.
from those who had volunteered and asked
each group to investigate the following four
Parish Plan
fields:
The Haslington Parish Plan is set out in the
format of a report from each of the four
Social
Working Groups (although two are
Environment
amalgamated) and then sets out proposed
Safety
Action Plans and responsibilities in a summary
Business
table. It is not suggested that these proposals
are novel – many have been discussed or
After many meetings and expert
worked on over time – but they represent a
consultations, draft Working Group Action
strong affirmation of the wishes of The Parish
Plans were approved by the Steering Group
of Haslington residents and as such give
and the key issues and recommendations
reinforcement to those who work for the
from these Action Plans were discussed at a
number of meetings, and formed the basis for betterment of the community.
the final Action Plans in this document.
Future
The Parish Plan should not be allowed to
A draft plan and display at the village fun day gather dust, but should be reviewed and
developed as circumstances alter. The
was arranged, and an interactive process
Steering Group will remain in existence to
designed to seek validation of the Working
monitor the progress of the Action Plan and to
Groups‘ recommendations and to obtain
further understanding of residents‘ views on a consider the need for its revision.
range of options. The display was visited by a
broad cross-section of the Parish and it is
estimated that around 25% of the adult
population attended. Focus group members
were present to answer queries and many
useful discussions were logged. The draft plan
was also on display in local shops, with
feedback forms available, and on the village
website. Questionnaires were tabled to assess
Validation
Haslington Parish Plan |
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The Parish of Haslington
Background and History of Haslington, Oakhanger & Winterley
Sandbach
M6
Crewe & Nantwich
Circular Walk
A 534
Haslington Cricket
Club
Gutterscroft
Play Area
Haslington Bypass
Wheelock
Heath
Winterley
Winterley Pool
South Cheshire Way
A 534
Haslington
Crewe
To Crewe
Railway Station
Haslington Circular Walk
Crewe
Green
B 5077
Nantwich
Crewe Golf Club
Oakhanger Moss
M6
B 5077
Oakhanger Alsager
The Civil Parish of Haslington contains the village of Haslington together with the two smaller
communities of Winterley and Oakhanger. Haslington is located to the northeast of the wellknown railway town of Crewe, a gateway to the Northwest of England. Moving outwards
across the Cheshire Plain from the densely populated areas of Crewe, crossing a green gap
with the A534 Haslington Bypass, the residential areas of the parish are connected via a
network of minor roads linking to Sandbach in the north and Alsager in the East where the
M6 motorway passes from the Midlands into the northwest of England. The vast majority of
the land area is agricultural; this includes both private farms and the valuable former
Cheshire County Council smallholdings on Holmshaw Lane. Several bus routes, including
three services from Crewe to Macclesfield, Winsford and Sandbach, together with the
Chester-Crewe-Hanley service, serve the population. National train travel is available from
Crewe Railway Station with frequent high speed trains to major UK cities, plus commuter
routes to Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent and into Wales.
The land ranges from the peat in the east at Oakhanger through to the clay in the west. This
has provided excellent grazing land for the traditional dairy herds. Winterley Pool has a wide
variety of birds, a favourite spot to break a journey by car or on one of the extensive
footpath routes. There are two significant areas of peat, White Moss that has provided
horticultural peat and sand products and the SSSI recognised Oakhanger Moss with rare
wildlife representative of a lowland peat bog.
Wulvern Housing provide social housing in the parish; this includes the majority of the rented
accommodation designed for the elderly. A private nursing home provides residential and
dementia care in a modern setting.
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The communities support a wide range of youth organisations including Scouts, Guides, Boys
Brigade and The Oakhanger Project. Clubs aimed at all ages include the Haslington Cricket
Club and the Cosey Social Club. The older members of the community run the 65 club. The
Red Cross Centre houses two ambulances and an active group of first aiders serving a wide
area. There are progressive church groups in all three communities.
Further community groups include the award winning Haslington Conservation Volunteers,
Art, Garden, Craft, WI and Rotary Clubs.
The Parish of Haslington which includes Oakhanger & Winterley is situated in the beautiful
Cheshire agricultural countryside, with 110 miles of hedges, 10,000 trees and 60 public
paths, is home to 6590 residents, young and old, some having lived here all their lives,
others, new arrivals, have moved into the more recent housing developments. The 3 villages
within the parish have a strong community ethos, and are great place to live, boasting a vast
diversity of housing architecture – we need to look at our history to understand how our
village has developed!
The earliest record of our community was around 1280 where it was named Haslington, often
thought to mean the place of Hazels although these trees are not particularly common here.
Another derivation is possibly that it was named after an Archer of the Kings Bodyguard who
was given the name for services rendered. However the original Haslington Hall is stated to
have been built circa 1220 (60 years earlier), where Mere Bank is now on Crewe Road, but
the land became waterlogged and the hall was moved to its present site in Holmshaw Lane.
The area became a large pool which was not filled in until c1920.
The oldest cottage still existing is dated 1510, now part of The Hawk Inn, which was once
thought to have hosted Dick Turpin on his travels. The inn still extends a warm welcome to
locals and visitors, including meetings of the Parish Plan project teams.
Civil War
In 1642 the area was involved in the civil war when Prince Rupert General of the King‘s
Horses came through the village to take part in a battle at Rudheath. On Christmas Eve in
1663 a party of Royalists soldiers attacked Barthomley, their residents took shelter in the
church but were smoked out and massacred. The soldiers then pillaged and plundered
Haslington and Crewe, hence one of the sources for the name Slaughter Hill, part of the
A5077 between Haslington and Oakhanger.
Population growth and housing.
8000
7000
6000
5000
4000
Population
3000
2000
1000
0
1801
1851
1881
1911
1961
1963
1973
1983
1990
2007
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The start of the 1800's began to see major expansion with many houses built in Mere Street
and Henry Street together with Bradeley Road Church and the Dingle Church (now the United
Reformed Church). Haslington had 10 streets with houses; today there are over 100 streets
(including Winterley). The Fox Inn dates to about this period of time.
2nd World War Memories
A Red Cross detachment was formed and a first aid post and beds set up at The Fox Inn,
although they were never used. Residents were aware of small bombs falling on a field at the
corner of Crewe Road and Kents Green Lane. No serious harm was done. Many larger bombs
fell on the golf links but fortunately no one was hurt. The Haslington Red Cross group
developed and now flourishes at the Red Cross Centre on Waterloo Road, housing two very
active ambulances and a base for medical equipment loans.
Industry
During the period 1940 to 1970 a total of 450 workers were employed between Whey
Products, makers of lactose and animal feed, Mulcasters‘ civil engineers, the laundry in
Oakland Avenue and Donald Taylor‘s wagon repair. The various industries had an interest in
the village and arranged many social events for all residents.
Oakhanger History
Oakhanger Moss had been worked for peat since 1351 but is now worked out, leaving an
area of natural beauty, and is designated as a national Site of Special Scientific Interest.
No known traces remain of the 'houses' built by the earliest inhabitants of Oakhanger. We know that
they were here because early law suits and charters tell us people lived on the moss and made their
living by exercising their right of 'turbary' or peat cutting for fuel. To have had this right they and
their forefathers must have been cutting peat since before records were written down and so we may
assume that they lived in very basic accommodation, probably built of timber with a thatched roof.
The oldest standing house today is little more than two hundred years old, although some parts of a
few, especially barns, may be older.
The oldest site in the area is around Oakhanger Hall. In the great work on the history of Cheshire by
Ormerod, in volume 3, written in the 1870's, he notes that ‗Oakhanger Hall‘ was successively the
property of a branch of the family of the Actons (of Acton in Delamere) and a branch of the Manley‘s
of Manley, and passed with the heiress of the latter family to the late John Ready Esq. The old
hall was demolished some years since and a farm house now stands on its site.
We now know that the previous old hall was burnt down in a fire in 1826 and that the old hall was
not on the site of the present farm house. A limited archeological survey of the site a few of years
ago identified the site of the old hall and yielded a number of finds from which some interesting
conclusions regarding its construction can be drawn.
The oldest building remaining on the site is the brick built barn, now with a modern roof on it. It had
the legend JA 1649 on a beam over one of the doors. John Acton did own the site at this time, as
shown in his will.
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Clayhanger comes from the same root as Oakhanger, means 'wood on a clayey hillside', and
is referred to as early as 1268. Winterley Pool, which comes from 'a pool made or owned by
Wyntan', was first recorded in 1329. Hall O'th Heath, whose meaning is fairly obvious, was
first recorded in 1422.
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Social Working Group Requirements
Social Overview
The Social Action Plan has been initially
developed through the information
gathered in the earlier Parish surveys for
both adults and children. This baseline
data highlighted that people thought that
there was little choice of sporting & social
activity for children in the Parish, and in
particular indoor sporting provision. On
this basis, the Working Group (WG) sought
to establish what social activities were
already delivered for all, and through
which locations. This data has been
gathered for all Church/Community Halls,
including The Yoxall, Gutterscroft, and
Cricket Club. It was concluded that a large
range of activity did in fact take place, and
at a range of different times & locations.
This information has now been pulled
together into a table and is now on the
Haslington website www.haslington.org
from the community was that they had no
idea so many activities were available, and
that they would not necessarily know
where to find this information. This has
subsequently led to action ref 1.3. which
includes recommendations on a number of
routes that could be used in conveying
information to the community. This
includes regular updates on the parish
website.
Action 1:- Develop Parish website to
identify all community venues; with range
of activities and timescales.
Action 2:- Develop folder of hard copy
information on all activities and provide in
key locations to include the Village Bakery
and Doctors Surgery.
Action 3:- Raise profile of what is
happening in the village via local
newspapers on a regular basis, including
Parish information weekly in the local
press.
Supporting Local Community
Community Assets
Public and Privately owned Recreation
Facilities and Public Open Space:
Haslington Village Green,
Gutterscroft Playing Field,
Primrose Avenue Walkway,
Chatham Way/Shelburne Drive Open Space,
Chatham Way play area,
Batterbee Court play area,
Cloverfields play area,
Land next to Fishermans Close Winterley,
Clay Lane Playing Field and Skate Park,
Haslington Cricket Club & Bowling Green,
There are also playing fields associated with
the two Primary Schools in Haslington.
Village Activities
The Working Group also found through
their research that a regular comment
Community feedback also demonstrated
that not only would local activity groups
benefit from raising their profile on a
website, but that local businesses could
benefit too, and that the community would
find it useful if they could source more
local contractors for speed/reliability of
service, and to support the local economy
Haslington Parish Plan |
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(examples given include hairdressing/
beauty treatments; plumbing; education
support). Whilst this is outside the remit of
the Social Working Group, it was thought
that the website and any supporting
printed information would need significant
development beyond the Social Working
Group‘s suggestions, therefore whilst this
Action Plan makes recommendation for
web developments only in association to
Social issues, it is worth noting that further
development could be undertaken, and
community 'buy in' would be needed to
ensure its success.
Action 4:- Form a www.haslington.org
website development group.
Action 5:- Survey residents in the 13-19
age group on their community
requirements.
Similarly the Action Plan recommends the
development of Street Games, which has
proven highly popular elsewhere and is
already an activity within Cheshire East‘s
community development programme at
target locations in Crewe. (See ref. 1.4)
Action 6:- Liaise with Cheshire East
Council for what support is available to
deliver Street Games activity in localised
areas.
Action 7:- Highlight what activity is
already available.
Activities For Young People
Action 8:- Undertake survey to establish
what activity is required.
Action 9:- Re-visit location of children‘s
activity provision at the Gutterscroft within
a survey and establish a preferred location
if necessary
It was also thought that the follow-up
survey (See ref 1.2) should outline what is
already available in the community in
order that the most effective and valuable
feedback is gathered, and that individuals‘
unrealistic 'wish lists' are not collected.
With regards to the comments, 'there's not
enough for young people to do', much
debate took place on what was wanted. It
was concluded that the earlier survey of
young people had only collated data on
Primary age children, and that the 13-19
years group had not contributed to this
process. Anecdotically it is this age group
who 'hang around' and have caused
previous frustrations within the community
with anti-social behaviour and late-night
drinking. It was thought that an integral
part of the community development was to
engage with this group and establish what
is wanted. More often than not, it is not
specific activity that is needed (as indeed
there are a range of activities and sessions
for this age group operating out of Church
Hall venues as established from the data
collected) but rather they wish a location
simply to 'hang around' that is safe and
will not antagonise others. Therefore the
Action Plan seeks to undertake a further
survey to include this group Action plan
ref. 1.6.
Action 10:- Raise awareness of what is
currently available through the Website
and in print.
Community Assets
List of Public Buildings, Charitable or
Commercial Function Rooms:
Yoxall Trust Village Hall,
Haslington Primary School,
The Dingle Primary School,
Haslington Methodist Church,
The 65 Club,
St Matthew‘s Church and Church Hall
The Gutterscroft Centre
United Reformed Church and Schoolroom
Red Cross Centre
Cosey Club
Hawk Inn
Haslington Cricket Club
Winterley Methodist Church and Schoolroom
Wheelock Heath Baptist Church,
St Luke‘s Church, Oakhanger.
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Action 11:- Set up a focus group to
meet as a sub group of the Parish Plan
main group made up of young people
to comment on and shape future
needs.
Long Term Challenge
The biggest challenge to the group was
addressing the need for greater
community sporting provision. Particularly
with regards to the high costs of building
and running the facility; what sources of
funding could be found; and which location
would be most suitable. It is about the
delivery of realistic schemes, and an
understanding of who might be responsible
for the ongoing day-to-day management
and revenue accounts beyond any initial
period of successful capital funding. The
actions associated with this therefore have
been allocated into the medium term in
order that further work could be
undertaken in investigating exactly what
funding would be available, reviewing
locations (with existing premises and their
owners), and discussing issues with the
local planning authority. Any further
consultation with the community would
have an impact on this.
(See actions 5,6,8 &9)
Action 12:- Undertake a review of
suitable locations to deliver a wider range
of activities on receipt of information from
young people‘s survey.
Action 13:- Contact funding organisations
to establish initial funding sources for new
build projects and ongoing costs.
demonstrating that issues can be actioned
& delivered relatively quickly. This may
ensure a greater 'buy in' from the
community. (See ref 1.1)
Action 14:- Deliver a walk leader training
course and establish regular weekly walk
programme.
Action 15:- Promote current range of
known activity to GP surgery.
Action 16:- Liaise with GP surgery as to
what activity is required to meet identified
needs.
Action 17:- Create a walking leaflet of
local walks to supplement the local
authority‘s Health Walks Scheme.
Co-ordination
The Safety and Environmental Working
Group Action Plans have all been coordinated to ensure actions sit most
appropriately in the correct part of the
plan.
Quick Wins
The Action Plan also includes a 'quick win'
in the delivery of the walking scheme and
trained walk leaders. Whilst this activity
operated alongside the development of this
Action Plan, it was thought appropriate to
include it within this section,
Other social issues that have been raised
with Haslington Parish Council have
included requests for the provision of local
allotments and tennis facilities. Voluntary
organisations all need volunteers,
community organisations need the help of
parents and residents to enable them to
continue and thrive.
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Environmental Working Group – Requirements
Environment Overview
Issues covered in the environmental area
also link through to other Working Groups
such as Safety. The formation of a group
of "Friends of Haslington" may benefit the
issues within several Working Groups.
Two of the areas we have looked at require
further confirmation as to whether they
are still issues. Litter and Bus Shelter
Vandalism. (See ref. 2.3 and 2.4).
Action 23:- Consider relocation of
existing equipment or additional new
equipment within the playing field (e.g.
Basket Ball Net)
Safety issues need to be addressed,
including education of residents and
working with experts such as youth
workers to highlight issues. Outcomes
could include posters designed by children
who want to play safely. This could be a
topic to promote at the Village Fun Day.
Publicise where issues should be reported
e.g. Police contacts, Streetwise, Haslington
Parish Council.
The Gutterscroft (See ref 2.1)
The Gutterscroft is an area of playing fields
and a community centre owned by the
Parish Council. The facilities have been
abused by certain sections of the
community making it unsafe as a children‘s
play area.
Litter and broken glass on the play area
will be addressed by:
Action 18:- Provision of additional bins.
Action 19:- Increase in frequency of
Community Action Team visits.
Action 20:- Monthly clean-up by Villagers
during the Summer.
There is a need to review with users of the
Gutterscroft what facilities are most
needed, so it is proposed to investigate the
formation of a user group to:
Action 21:- Review available facilities
with users
Action 22:- Start up a user group for the
Gutterscroft playing field
Action 24:- Education of residents
regarding safety issues with the play area.
Looking to consult ROSPA re posters
Action 25:- Highlight who to report
safety and security problems on The
Gutterscroft to.
Action 26:- Start up a Friends of
Haslington Environment Group, to help
promote and preserve The Gutterscroft
and other green spaces within the village.
In conjunction with the Safety Working
Group investigate the costs, legal and
practical issues of fences and gates
restricting access to the field. (See ref
3.10)
The Haslington Conservation Volunteers
undertook a survey of the trees on
Holmshaw Lane, an important link between
Haslington and Oakhanger. The published
survey detailed the location, species and
approximate age of all the trees. Following
the recent loss of a valuable Black Poplar
this report should be reviewed and
Haslington Parish Plan |
13
consideration be made to identify any
trees worthy of Tree Preservation Orders
Action 27:- Review Holmshaw Lane Tree
Survey, recommend potential specimen
trees for Tree Preservation Orders.
Conservation Areas
Brook side Nature Walk (ref. 2.2)
There are two areas of public open space
next to Fowle Book. Need to look at
enhancing these areas and the possibility
of linking the two areas with a footpath.
The potential design of the area needs to
be developed from the ideas provided by
the late Mr K Allenby.
Action 29:- Contact village groups such as
Residents in Primrose Avenue, Gardening
Club, Britain in Bloom, The Dingle School,
Haslington Conservation Volunteers,
Friends of Haslington with a view to
involving them in conservation activities
Action 30:- Identify grant sources
Litter
Address various groups in the village that
may have skills and ideas to contribute,
such as the Gardening Group, Britain in
Bloom, Dingle School, Conservation
Volunteers and "Friends of Haslington".
Issues include identifying the ownership of
the areas and whether the walk would
need to be tied in with additional
residential development.
Need to identify potential grant sources
e.g. WREN, and planners/developers that
may provide the land.
Action 28:- Obtain a copy of the letter
from Mr Ken Allenby to define the potential
area for the Nature Walk.
Litter in the Village (See ref 2.3)
Need to confirm if litter is still an issue in
the village. Additional bins and more
frequent emptying has taken place in the
last two years funded within the Parish
Compact with Cheshire East Council.
 Encouragement and involvement of
local shops, providing sponsored litter
bins, awareness of concerns regarding
litter and the use of bins.
 Approach the two primary schools and
the Sandbach school bus companies.
Ensure there are bins at all bus stops,
outside the schools and shops used by
the children.
 Involve a youth worker with the issue
with teenagers, e.g. on the Gutterscroft
and village green
 Highlight the issue for car and lorry
drivers regarding rubbish in lay-bys.
 Awareness of existing schemes such as
Streetwise, chewing gum disposal,
possible temporary surveillance
cameras for litter hot spots of village
green and Gutterscroft.
 Address the rubbish around the
recycling bins, redesign to avoid
overspill, tipping over, and malicious
emptying. Publicise the timetable for
emptying of the bins, educate the
village in their correct use.
Action 31:- Obtain Feedback from the
police and Haslington Parish Council on
whether litter is still a major issue.
Haslington Parish Plan |
14
Action 32:- Promote additional shop
sponsored litter bins, awareness of litter
and use of bins within the villages.
Action 33:- Reinforce litter issues, are
there bins at all bus stops, outside the
schools etc – remove the excuse for
littering.
Action 34:- Involve Youth worker with the
issue, the damage caused to the whole
community.
the remaining old style shelters on the key
bus routes.
Action 41: Assess effectiveness of the
illuminated shelters in reducing damage
and improving perceived safety for users.
Action 42:- Investigate requirements, i.e.
location and priority for new/replacement
shelters.
Housing
Action 35:- Address vehicle drivers and
the problem of rubbish in lay-bys.
Action 36:- Publicise the Streetwise
service and bring the Gum scheme bins
into the village.
Action 37:- Involve Mobile / temp
cameras for Gutterscroft & Village Green to
identify culprits and repeat offenders.
Action 38:- Redesign of rubbish and
recycling bins and skips to avoid overspill,
tipping over, malicious emptying
Need to ensure regular emptying, to a
known timetable, signs and education in
their use.
Vandalism
Bus Shelter Vandalism (See ref 2.4)
Bus shelters in the three villages are
owned and maintained by either
Haslington Parish Council (HPC) or
Cheshire East Council. Cheshire County
Council introduced new illuminated
shelters in the last few years. The majority
have clear side panels and perch style
seating, the more modern Cheshire East
Council shelters also have electric lighting.
Vandalism had been a major drain on HPC
finances adversely affecting insurance
premiums, as well as maintenance.
There is a need to confirm if the issue of
vandalism is still current, or a concern
regarding youths gathering in the shelters.
Actions include confirming the position
with Cheshire East with regard to them
installing/replacing shelters with the new
illuminated shelters together with raised
access for wheelchair and prams. This may
also address the issue regarding smoking
legislation and bus shelters.
Future House Planning and Development
(See ref 2.5)
There is a need to understand the
affordable homes requirement for
Haslington and Winterley.
C&NBC published a review of housing
needs for the whole borough, but the
needs for
Haslington and Winterley were not clearly
defined. Cheshire East Council have
commissioned an up to date housing needs
survey with data collection during July and
December 2009. The data and report will
need to be reviewed after its publication.
 Work with Wulvern Housing regarding
existing and future needs that can be
supplied by our local social landlords.
 Review the ‗Haslington Oakhanger and
Winterley Parish Plan‘ questionnaire
responses relating to housing need.
Action 43:- Review the housing needs
surveys from Cheshire East and local
Social Landlords.
Action 44:- Review comments &
responses within Parish Plan questionnaire.
Action 39:- Feedback from Community
Action Meetings and HPC (George Farrall)
as to how big an issue remains with
damage to the shelters.
Action 40:- Obtain Feedback from
Cheshire East to confirm the position with
their new shelters and the replacement of
Haslington Parish Plan |
15
The Local Development Framework
The Parish of Haslington and the implementation of local planning policy.
Since the 13th Century Haslington has existed as a rural village. Through the generations
it has experienced many challenges. It can relate to the civil war and a local massacre,
the social changes brought about by the growth of and diversity of small businesses and
with the rapid population growth through the last century. Some of this change has
been driven by the arrival of the railways and the creation of neighbouring Crewe as a
substantial centre for employment, shopping and housing.
The history of Haslington, however, has helped to develop a sense of identity and a
feeling of belonging among those who live in the villages. This feeling is strong among
those whose families have lived here for many generations and is imparted to
newcomers who quickly appreciate the social and community benefits of village life.
This identity and community spirit manifests in many ways and is perhaps illustrated by
the large number of local groups and charities working together to support the young,
the old and those who are less fortunate and also the strong commitment among local
people to work together to resolve issues affecting their lives or the environment, such
as the campaigns for a village bypass and the opposition to proposals for the Clayhanger
landfill site.
It has long been recognised that an important feature in preserving this community
identity is the physical separation of Haslington from the neighbouring town of Crewe.
There is currently a strip of farmland approximately one third of a mile wide which totally
separates the two areas. This land, with its tracks and footpaths, provides a welcome
respite from the urban sprawl and an area to be enjoyed by the residents of both Crewe
and Haslington.
Most importantly, however, this land, which has become known as the ―Green Gap‖
interrupts the conurbation and is a vital feature in maintaining Haslington‘s identity as a
village.
Furthermore, this is repeated with other open stretches of countryside surrounding the
smaller communities in the Parish which in turn help to maintain their individual
characters and identities.
The Parish Plan, in recognising the importance of village identities, sets out to preserve
them by insisting on the protection and preservation of the ―Green Gap‖ between Crewe
and Haslington and the similar open countryside surrounding our smaller villages.
It is important that the residents and Haslington Parish Council continue to monitor,
influence and support local planning policy within the Local Development Framework
(LDF). This provides a mechanism to control new development, extensions and changes
of use for buildings within our community. Buildings need to be suitable for use both
now and in the future:- they need to be energy efficient, make best use of the land they
occupy and fit comfortably with neighbouring properties. We need to preserve the
character of our existing community whilst making sure that residents have access to
suitable accommodation, a range of shops, services and employment locally or via a safe
transport link to neighbouring centres.
The following section is based on the submission from Haslington Parish Council to Crewe
and Nantwich Borough Council when they requested comments on their Local
Development Plan Core Strategy in December 2007. This will of course have been
carried forward into the LDF for Cheshire East.
Haslington Parish Plan |
16
The fundamental driver behind our response to the LDF Core Strategy Consultation is the
desire to maintain separate identities for the three centres of population within the
Parish and keep a distinction from Crewe. Policies to maintain or increase the protection
afforded to the Green Gap between Haslington and Crewe would be welcome.
Since the opening of the Haslington Bypass the villages on the old A534 have been able
to regenerate, walking along the main road is once again safe, the elderly are able to
use facilities ―across the road‖, and this has been aided by the recent traffic calming
measures.
There is a strong sense of a Haslington community as evidenced by the recent campaign
against the proposed landfill at Clayhanger, but also in the well supported village
celebrations for the Millennium, Queen‘s Jubilee and annual Fun Day on the village
green.
Haslington residents see Crewe as a place to shop, work or visit for occasional evening
entertainment. Crewe is seen as a different distinct community with urban facilities and
lifestyle. Secondary education links are through to Sandbach together with some healthcare provision.
All three communities within the parish are essentially rural, even in the centre of
Haslington you can find roads without proper footpaths (narrow, only one side or
absent).
There are also many examples of unsurfaced roads directly serving substantial numbers
of houses.
The existing housing dates from many different periods, including listed black and white
timber structures.
Haslington Parish Plan |
17
Generally buildings are externally brick, though examples of rendered or timber clad
buildings can be found. Styles of housing are mixed, with terraced houses next to
detached houses and dormer bungalows.
It is important to maintain the current diversity of shopping facilities in Haslington
village.
Winterley
The community is centred along Crewe Road, the vast majority of the property is
residential (mainly privately owned), and there is virtually no employment outside the
family owned farms and the two public houses.
For residents in employment or education a daily commute out of the village is accepted
as a cost of living in a quiet undeveloped area.
The community sits within the farmed land, appreciating the benefits of living within the
open countryside. Winterley Pool is a landscape feature that is appreciated and well
used by both local residents and distant visitors.
Public transport links through to Sandbach and Crewe town centre via Haslington help
sustain the community.
The Methodist Church provides the only meeting room available to the community.
Education is provided within the wider Haslington community at the two primary schools,
with secondary education provided in Sandbach.
The links outside the old Crewe and Nantwich borough with Sandbach are important for
education, health services and shopping.
The community places a high value on maintaining the two public houses in Winterley,
as a means of providing places for social interaction.
The loss of the Post Office is seen as inevitable, it also lacks the majority of the
indicators of a sustainable community.
There is very little infill or brownfield land available for residential development.
The adaptation of a small number of houses to enable elderly residents to stay within
their familiar local community would be welcomed.
The provision of further housing estates which would eat into greenfield land would not
be welcome, and is actively opposed by the majority of residents.
Oakhanger
This is a dispersed community set within the open countryside. The M6 cuts through the
area resulting in a constant level of traffic noise, which seems at odds with the farms,
peat land and winding roads.
The small town of Alsager extends into Oakhanger, providing shopping and other
facilities.
Church buildings provide the only community facilities. All shopping, education and
health-care and most employment requires trips into neighbouring communities.
Haslington Parish Plan |
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There is strong community resistance to new housing being introduced, there being no
supporting facilities. There is external pressure to remove agricultural ties from several
properties – a move that is opposed by the majority of existing residents.
Haslington
This is the largest of the three centres of population. It has a surprising range of shops
together with a dentist and doctor‘s surgery. The two primary schools mean that the
majority of children start their education within the village, establishing an early feeling
of community. Secondary education for most is provided by secondary schools in
Sandbach, reinforcing the separation from Crewe town.
There are several church and community halls within the village, which are very well
used. In recent years youth groups have sometimes struggled to find available space for
regular bookings. The Scouts still have a problem accommodating their equipment
within the village.
Despite the major expansion of housing estates within the village in the past 15 years
the only new community facility has been the village green. No additional community or
youth orientated building has been provided.
Planning policies promoting infill and brownfield development have removed most of the
remaining ―open‖ space from the village. Housing development in the gardens of some
of the larger properties has again increased the apparent density of the village. The
LDF issues and options document refers to ―town cramming‖; Haslington has suffered
from ―village cramming‖. Whilst any commercially built property appears to sell quickly,
the perceived need is for additional housing for the elderly. Once the Gutterscroft land is
developed the only other potential small areas of land without existing planning
permission would tend to be small backland or garden sites.
The village scores well on sustainability scales.
Haslington Parish Plan |
19
Community Events.
The creation of the Village Green in the 1990's as part of the St Matthews Close
development provided a community space in the centre of Haslington.
Following on from the Queen‘s Golden Jubilee celebrations Haslington now holds a village
fun day each May where the voluntary organisations gather on the Village Green with
fundraising stalls and events.
The annual bonfire night celebrations at the Haslington Cricket Club are well attended.
The Haslington Parish Council sponsor the annual Best Kept Gardens competition as part
of the Britain in Bloom activities - all houses and business premises are considered for
their contribution to the summer flower displays within the three villages - culminating in
a well attended awards evening each Autumn.
Haslington Conservation Volunteers have won several conservation awards for the
village; in 2008 they obtained funding from The National Lottery to publish its Haslington
Circular Walk and Conservation Walk leaflet - promoting access to the countryside
around the three communities.
Haslington Parish Plan |
20
With the opening of the Haslington Bypass in 1990 the volume of heavy traffic through
Winterley and Haslington reduced substantially, and it became safe to walk through the
villages and cross the road for community facilities and shops. However, there were
concerns that the residents in the many new housing developments in Winterley and
Haslington were not aware of the community facilities and organisations available children were growing up cut off from the established community.
The village of Haslington has been able to retain a wide variety of shops and services,
with a Doctors Surgery, Pharmacist, Dentist, Bakery, Hairdressers and General stores etc
General
The Parish would support planning policies that supported the retention of farming in the
area surrounding the centres of population. Further conversion of the Council
smallholdings into residential units must be resisted. The character of Cheshire is
defined by its dairy farming; the county smallholdings are a vital mechanism to allow
young farmers to get on the farming ladder. Short-term financial considerations by the
former county council must not be allowed to destroy our farming heritage already under
stress from international commodity market and government controls.
Improvements to pedestrian and cycling links within the parish would be welcomed,
together with safe cycle routes into the Crewe employment and shopping areas. The
existing Green Gap to the south of Haslington needs to be extended in an easterly
direction to cover the area of Crewe Green / Duchy land between Haslington and the Golf
Course.
Areas of land affected by both high voltage electricity pylons and high-pressure gas
mains need to be identified. A clear corridor needs to be established to prevent any new
building and restricting extensions to existing building, justified on the grounds of safety
and potential injury to health. Whilst we are not aware of government guidelines, a
corridor of 100m either side of the gas/fuel/electricity lines would appear to be a logical
minimum to avoid future blight.
Action Plan ref. 2.6 tasks Haslington Parish Council to continue to review and comment
where necessary on all planning applications within the Parish and in adjoining areas
where they impact the setting and environment of our community - taking the
opportunity to highlight opportunities for community gains, such as improved access,
pavements to the sides of roads etc.
There is a need to feed into or take responsibility to develop a Village Design Statement,
working with the HPC and residents, whilst using expert advice available within Cheshire
East Council.
Look for potential gains for the
community by involvement with the LDF
planning process.
Action 46:- Develop village design
statement using residents and
professional resources within the local
council.
Action 45:- Monitor all planning
applications and development proposals
within the Parish and surrounding area
to review their impact on our
community.
Haslington Parish Plan |
21
Haslington Parish Plan |
22