Whitehead Village Masterplan - Mid and East Antrim ... VILLAGE MASTERPLAN 2 CONSULTATION FEEDBACK...

Whitehead Village

Masterplan

Consultation Feedback Report

November 2010

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION 2

1.1 Purpose of Report 2

1.2 Objective of Consultation Event 2

1.3 Consultation Period 2

1.4 Consultation Boards 2

1.5 Additional Consultation Activities 3

1.6 Public Consultation Event 3

1.7 Feedback Forms 3

1.8 Feedback Process 3

1.9 Processing of Feedback Forms 4

2 PUBLIC CONSULTATION FEEDBACK 5

2.1 Quantity of Feedback 5

2.2 Late and/or Rejected Feedback 5

2.3 Feedback from Organisations 5

2.4 Feedback Categories 5

ANNEXES

A Invitation Poster 6

B Photos from the evening public consultation session 8

C Feedback Form 10

D Feedback Received - Consultation Responses 12

E Feedback Received – Public Consultation Session 14

November 2010

2 WHITEHEAD VILLAGE MASTERPLAN

CONSULTATION FEEDBACK REPORT

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose of Report

1.1.1 This report serves to summarise the process and findings of the Public Consultation process

conducted in relation to the Draft Whitehead Village Masterplan between 11 October 2010

and 5 November 2010.

1.1.2 The Draft Village Masterplan sought to identify a range of initiatives that set in place a 5 to

15 year vision for the physical development and socio-economic regeneration of Whitehead.

This masterplan has been commissioned by GROW South Antrim through Carrickfergus

Borough Council and is being developed by The Paul Hogarth Company, with guidance of a

Steering Group of local stakeholders and represents one of three masterplans being

developed simultaneously for the villages of Whitehead, Toome and Doagh.

1.2 Objective of Consultation Event

1.2.1 From the outset both the Client and Steering Group placed emphasis on the residents and

business/community representatives of Whitehead in helping to shape the development of

the village masterplan. A 4 week consultation process was held during which members of

the public were invited to review the draft proposals and submit their comments. The

comments would then be taken into consideration by the Consultant Team and Steering

Group and where appropriate, the proposals amended accordingly.

1.3 Consultation Period

1.3.1 The Public Consultation period lasted 4 weeks from its launch on Monday 11 October 2010

until Friday 5 November 2010 inclusive.

1.4 Consultation Boards

1.4.1 A total of 4 A1 colour presentation boards were prepared by the Consultant Team

presenting an introduction to the project, analysis of how the village functions, a vision

statement and concept plan and draft masterplan proposals through a range of text, plans

and illustrative techniques.

1.4.2 A set of the presentation boards was on permanent display during the consultation period at

Whitehead Library with an accompanying mail box to facilitate the posting of feedback

forms. A second set of presentation boards was also displayed at several locations

throughout the village during this period, including the Whitehead Glasgow Rangers Club,

County Antrim Yacht Club and Whitehead Health Club as well as the Civic Centre in

Carrickfergus.

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1.4.3 A digital PDF version of the boards was also made available to download from Carrickfergus

Borough Council’s website: http://www.carrickfergus.org and GROW South Antrim’s

website: http://www.growsouthantrim.com.

1.5 Additional Consultation Activities

1.5.1 A total of 50 colour posters, outlining the Draft Village Masterplan and inviting feedback,

were distributed to various public buildings throughout Whitehead (see Annex A).

1.5.2 A total of 1000 leaflets were delivered to residences within Whitehead.

1.5.3 A 2m x 1m PVC colour banner advertising the Draft Village Masterplan was displayed on the

external facade of the Northern Bank (King’s Road) throughout the consultation period.

1.5.4 A public consultation event was held during the evening of 20 October 2010.

1.6 Public Consultation Event

1.6.1 An open evening public consultation event, manned by members of the Consultant Team,

was held on Wednesday 20 October 2010 at Whitehead Community Centre between 4pm

and 9pm. Members of the Consultant Team were available throughout this session to field

questions and explain the proposals contained within the Draft Masterplan. This open public

consultation session was attended by 110 members of the local community and business

sectors.

1.6.2 Photographs from the open evening public consultation event are included in Annex B.

1.7 Feedback Forms

1.7.1 A4 Feedback forms were available alongside the presentation boards at Whitehead Library

and could be downloaded directly from Carrickfergus Borough Council’s website. These

forms invited members of the public to answer a series of questions and provide comments

on their likes and dislikes of the village, its future role as well as comments on the proposals

contained within the Draft Masterplan (see Annex C).

1.7.2 Questions contained within the feedback form were intentionally open in nature to

encourage respondents to elaborate on their opinions. The provision of a name and contact

details were optional requirements of the form, however individual names have been

excluded from this report.

1.8 Feedback Process

1.8.1 Members of the public were invited to post their completed feedback forms within the box

provided at Whitehead Library or directly to The Paul Hogarth Company by postal mail or via

a unique email address ([email protected]).

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1.8.2 In addition to feedback forms, letters and emails were also submitted and accepted as

consultation feedback.

1.8.3 Some members of the public chose to correspond directly with Carrickfergus Borough

Council regarding their feedback on the Draft Village Masterplan. This information was

relayed back to the Consultant Team as appropriate.

1.9 Processing of Feedback Forms

1.9.1 All public consultation feedback received to date has been read, collated, numbered and

filed by The Paul Hogarth Company. The Paul Hogarth Company has summarised these

findings by way of this report to the Steering Group.

November 2010



2.0 PUBLIC CONSULTATION FEEDBACK

2.1 Quantity of Feedback

2.1.1 A total of 35 separate consultation responses were submitted by individuals. Of the total

responses received 29 (83%) were by way of completed feedback forms, 4 (11%) via email

and 2 (6%) from organisations.

2.1.2 Direct feedback was also received during the open evening public consultation session held

on Wednesday 20 October 2010.

2.1.3 As at 15 November 2010, the digital version of the Draft Village Masterplan Presentation

Boards was downloaded a total of 159 times from Carrickfergus Borough Council’s website

(http://www.carrickfergus.org).

2.2 Late and/or Rejected Feedback

2.2.1 All consultation responses were received within the stipulated Public Consultation Period.

2.2.2 None of the feedback received during this period has been rejected for any reason.

2.3 Feedback from Organisations

2.3.1 Feedback was received under the name of the following 2 organisations with the type of

response indicated in brackets.

- Carrickfergus Borough Council (letter);

- Whitehead Glasgow Rangers Club (letter) – includes feedback from 49 people.

2.4 Feedback Categories

2.4.1 From the 35 separate consultation responses received, a total of 286 issues were identified

under the six questions (headings) raised within the feedback forms, with some duplication

appearing between all six headings.

2.4.2 The list contained within Annex D breaks this total down according to the specific question

they refer to within the feedback form. The digit preceding each issue represents the

number of times it was raised under that respective heading.

November 2010



2.4.3 These 286 issues are distributed between the six headings as follows;

Heading (Questions asked on Feedback Form) No. of issues

raised % of total Rank

What do you like about WH? 45 16 3

What do you dislike about WH? 38 13 4

What kind of place would you like WH to be in future? 57 20 2

Masterplan proposals that will benefit WH? 36 13 5

Masterplan proposals that will not benefit WH? 20 7 6

Any other ideas or suggestions? 90 31 1

TOTAL 286 100

2.4.4 These 286 issues translate into a total of 459 comments made which in turn can be broken

down into the following broad subject areas;

Total Subject Areas %

29 Civic Pride and Wellbeing 6

38 Transportation 8

41 Positive Character 9

24 Positive Assets 5

22 Negative Assets 5

11 Support of community facilities 3

19 Poor Environmental Quality 4

36 Need for improved services/facilities 8

10 Improved character/image 2

22 Increased tourism 5

72 Support of masterplan proposals 16

41 Opposition to masterplan proposals 9

23 Improved connectivity 5

71 Additional projects identified 15

459

2.4.5 The list contained within Annex E represents additional feedback received by the Consultant

Team during the open evening public consultation event held on 20 October 2010.

November 2010



ANNEX A

INVITATION POSTER

November 2010



November 2010



ANNEX B

PHOTOS FROM CONSULTATION EVENT

November 2010



November 2010



ANNEX C

FEEDBACK FORM

November 2010



November 2010



ANNEX D

FEEDBACK RECEIVED – CONSULTATION RESPONSES

November 2010



What do you like about Whitehead?

7 Community spirit

7 Good rail/road connections

6 Quiet nature

5 Marvellous seafront – not taken advantage of

5 Friendly people

5 Central recreation grounds - good clubs and

sports grounds

4 Variety of shops with good accessibility

3 Peaceful

3 Blackhead Path – but needs improved

3 Location – access to ports and nearby towns

2 Haven - off the beaten track

2 Love it – think it’s great

2 Like it the way it is

2 Small

2 Old fashioned, dormitory village

2 RPSI

2 Beautiful town

2 Coastal walks

2 Relatively safe - low crime rate

2 Lots of community activities/groups

2 Great school

2 Lots of activities for children/youths

1 Victorian Heritage

1 Tremendous character

1 Welcoming

1 Scenery

1 Availability of services close at hand

1 Whitehead Community Centre

1 Windsor Community Association

1 Eagles Football Team – well organised

1 Gardening Society – flowerpot men/women

1 Central train station

1 Good cross-section of ages and social groups

1 Coastal path

1 Historical look – but needs a revamp

1 Relatively quiet roads

1 Good for families

1 Rangers Club – good social centre

1 Good footpaths and street lighting

1 Good public transport

1 Attractive, natural environment

1 Plenty of cafes and fast food outlets

1 Dedicated location for bonfire

1 Boat yard

1 Church organisations

What do you dislike about Whitehead?

3 No baby changing facilities at recreation

ground toilets

3 Poor condition of Blackhead Path

3 Youth antisocial behaviour – railway station

3 Parking in centre of village

3 Lack of proper facilities for youth – pitches etc

3 Too much dog fouling and litter

3 No Police Station or presence

2 The state of the play park – disgrace

2 Untreated sewage at Blackhead

2 Smell at Blackhead Car Park

2 Limited shops

2 Speed and amount of traffic

1 Rangers Club in current location - image

1 Split in two halves

1 A few worn tired areas

1 Feeling that areas sold for housing in

backhanded manner

1 No clubhouse or amenities for Tennis Club

1 Lack of commercial and social variety

1 Useless slipway (dry half of the time)

1 Parked cars

1 Untrimmed hedges along paths – impede

pedestrian movement e.g. Ransevyn

1 Public transport is dreadful

1 Extremely poor pathway along seafront

1 Teenagers swearing at train station in evening

1 No centralised community area

1 No town centre

1 RPSI grounds – should make way for parkland

1 Ugly square buildings

1 Lack of arts and crafts

1 Exclusive shopping

1 No allotments

1 Lacks employment opportunities

1 Too quiet – dead at night

1 No enough to do for 11-18 age group

1 Feel neglected by CBC – emphasis on C’Fergus

1 Lack of leadership

1 Derelict squash courts

1 Two primary schools – children should be

educated together

What kind of place would you like Whitehead

to be in the future?

6 Place for tourists and locals

5 Remain as it is today

4 Improved sports club amenities

3 Niche – Victorian railway based

2 Restrict housing dev – population big enough

2 Better parking

2 Friendly

2 Multicultural/Bohemian

2 More varied shops

2 Retain community spirit

2 Reinstate position as a visitor destination

2 More open spaces

2 Needs hotel - places to stay

2 Increased police presence

1 Maintained Blackhead and White harbour

paths

1 Bustling seaside town

1 Local market – crafts etc

1 Central focus point

1 Most sustainable place in NI – train, cycling

1 Exciting and relaxing place to live

1 Maintain its quiet and enjoyable lifestyle

1 Retain countryside aspect

1 Increased employment opportunities

1 Unique village with facilities for everyone

1 Sensitive development of the centre (Kings

Road – Victoria Avenue area)

1 To remain quiet

1 More connected

1 Safer roads

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1 Preservation of older buildings and character

1 More activities for teenagers

1 Clubhouse and amenities for Tennis Club

1 Development of Blackhead Car Park – cafes,

toilets and visitors centre

1 No more pubs, bookmakers, churches or

amusement arcades

1 Another soccer area

1 Increased use of playing fields and community

centre

1 Greener

1 Cleaner

1 Vibrant

1 Regenerated

1 Children’s play area

1 More frequent train service with longer trains

1 Maintain car park at boat yard

1 Lively – more restaurants

1 Easy to travel back and forth on train

1 More modern facilities

1 Shops need upgraded

1 Good place for the youth

1 Peaceful, safe place - lots of trees and grass

1 More co-ordination between clubs and

community groups

1 One primary school – children educated

together

1 More locally owned shops and businesses

1 Cheaper public transport

1 Independent Whitehead Council

1 Municipal golf course extended

1 Creation of a small sandy beach

1 Improve Lough shore for visitors and locals

1 King’s Road developed as Main Street and

town centre

Which Masterplan proposals do you think

will benefit Whitehead and why?

10 Outdoor amphitheatre – modernising

Blackhead Car Park

7 Pedestrian walkway over railway track at

Alexandra Avenue

5 Overall proposals are positive and welcomed

5 Refurbished Blackhead path

4 Proposals to improve seafront

4 Centralised recreation area at bowling green

4 RPSI proposals - will be more accessible

3 Enhanced sports fields and facilities

3 Widening of footpaths at King’s Bridge and

improved walking routes

3 Allotments and woodland area

2 Regeneration ideas for buildings

2 Hotel/Inn

2 Restaurant/cafe at coastal path

2 Linkages joining previously separated areas

2 More parking in the town centre

2 Village Square

2 Victorian Railway theme – brings real charm –

all development should be centred on this

1 Refurbished Whitehead path

1 Tourist information centre

1 Neutral and affordable restaurant

1 Proposals on board 4 will attract all ages and

may bring jobs to the town

1 Station improvements

1 More shop/businesses along King’s Road

1 Seafront car park plans

1 Upgraded Blackhead Car Park

1 Park improvements

1 New link route at recreation grounds

1 Proposed facilities for the aged and the young

1 Cafe and entertainment space by the sea

1 New Park – existing one is boring for older

children

1 Expand on golf area – more family facilities

1 Pit for 12th

bonfire – control and minimise it

1 Making town visible from the ‘Blah Hole’

1 Realigned Cable Road with improved signage

1 Removal of youth club – eyesore

1 Removal/refurbishment of ugly buildings

Which Masterplan proposals do you think

will not benefit Whitehead and why?

7 Reduction in number of football pitches

4 Road going through existing football pitch area

2 Don’t see any negatives

2 Shops – we have enough

2 Outdoor amphitheatre – impact on

surrounding residents and cost of upkeep

1 Road running through village square

1 Proposed restaurant – based on previous

failures in area

1 Road closure at Chester Avenue

1 RPSI refurbishment

1 Event space may isolate Old Castle Road and

Donegall Avenue

1 Loss of access to RPSI depot

1 Access to new pitch crosses a road

1 Need to be mindful of how increased footfall

will impact sense of solace

1 Increased car parking spaces – should

discourage travel by car

1 Pedestrian walkway over railway track at

Alexandra Avenue

1 Loss of vehicular access to properties along

Castleview Road/Islandmagee Road

1 Rail connection to White Harbour

1 War memorial should not be moved

1 Traffic lights not required – crossing patrol

man sufficient

1 All of them

Additional comments raised

3 Two full sized 4G pitches with lighting

3 No need for major changes

3 Plans could include access to White Harbour –

by foot or rail

3 Extension of Blackhead Path to the Gobbins –

provision of interpretative centre, pony and

traps etc

3 Inclusion of a Victorian bandstand

2 Changing facilities at the recreation area

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2 Maintain good access to/from Blackhead Path,

boatyard and small pier for fishing

2 Less dog fouling along paths – health issue

2 Resurface Blackhead Car Park and ‘tidy up’

2 Hotel facilities

2 Children’s park/play area could be extended

2 Need basic improvements for locals and

tourists – toilets, parks and sea front

2 Innovative events – murder mystery, ghost

walks, street theatre

2 Cycle path to Downshire along railway line

2 Development of cycle network out from

Belfast as far as Whitehead (along coast)

2 Renovate swimming pool for local access

2 Former Police Station – potential for more

parking

2 Restore the community swimming pool

1 Disabled footpaths need improved

1 Whitehead is an ideal day trip location

1 Promoting Marine Parade as a visitor

destination

1 Repainting the Rangers Club more in keeping

with seafront

1 Artwork should be good quality by recognised

artist

1 Victorian poster should show train moving

toward the village – not away

1 Improvements to the quarry, scout hall and

boat house should be included

1 Conversion of Castleview Pavilion into

changing rooms in the medium term

1 Circular walking route from Blackhead car park

to Yacht Club, Cable Road and King’s Road

1 Difficulty in maintaining coastal path – coastal

erosion, public safety etc

1 Well signposted circular path at Blackhead

1 Potential for one way system

1 Traffic calming measures

1 Parking at Whitehead Community Association

is an asset

1 Additional parking required to serve increased

visitor numbers at rec. grounds and RPSI site

1 More parking required at Blackhead Path

1 Enhanced community usage at school

1 Retain as a village

1 Do not remove green areas from centre

1 Better eating facilities

1 Need to address build up of seaweed by

promenade wall and car park slipway

1 Develop the Beach Road and old quarry area

1 Introduce a 20mph speed limit throughout

town to reduce congestion

1 Seafront area could be more attractive to

visitors

1 Flags at Orange hall and Rangers Club give

wrong impression of town

1 Sheltered sandy beach area between two piers

1 Mini marina or harbour – sea faring tradition

1 Improved family friendly facilities for tennis

club

1 Ulster-Scots connection?

1 Better street parking

1 Don’t fix if not broken

1 Whitehead still the envy of many towns and

villages

1 Provide good roads and footpaths with less

litter and fouling

1 Brighter Whiteheads work has been excellent

1 Improved transport and activities for young

people

1 Great area for tourists – but not enough done

1 The ‘12th

’ car park – such a waste

1 Additional footbridge at Chester Avenue side

of railway station

1 Repair of upper path from Old Castle Road

1 Better shops

1 Improved sports facilities

1 Rejuvenating old and historic buildings

1 Skateboard Park for the young people who use

streets around Balmoral Estate Agency

1 A museum to capture town’s history

1 New park with more facilities for older

children - witches hat/zip line etc

1 Less litter

1 Removal of graffiti

1 Mini illuminations at Lough front – Blackpool

1 One way traffic system

1 More events like Easter Races, Victorian Fair

1 Toddlers storytime

1 Increased advertising – booklets/circulars

1 Projects linking kids, teen and seniors

1 Sporting facilities need to be ‘joined up’

1 School programme to help clean up litter

1 Neighbourhood clean up programme

1 Widening of path to ‘Blah Hole’

1 Pathway from Ballycarry to Whitehead

1 Nature walk from quarry to lighthouse

1 Proposals will need funding to upkeep

1 Floodlighting and safety measures

1 Secure accommodation provided to Translink

for buses – avoid garaging in CF

1 Don’t overrun town with new apartments

1 Craft workshops

1 Historical references – attract tourists

1 Allow B&B accommodation licenses like

Blackpool

1 Better and cheaper public transport 1 Highlight underground river marking

Islandmagee

1 Underground cables

1 Secure caravan park

1 Need to tackle concentration of alcoholics in

certain areas

1 Walking short cut between Riverforde and

Windsor

November 2010



ANNEX E

FEEDBACK RECEIVED – PUBLIC CONSULTATION EVENT

November 2010



Issues raised during the Public Consultation Event

5 Refurbishment of Blackhead Path

5 Barrier by slipway to prevent build-up of seaweed – bad smell

4 Improved cycling provision

3 New 4G pitch – current pitches too small

2 Floating pontoon at pier similar to Portrush – enabling boats to moor

2 Golden café – 1970s

2 Open access to old swimming pool

2 Craftshops

2 Traffic calming - 20mph zone with speed humps

2 Refurbishment of Gobbins Path

2 Hotel

2 Dog fouling – particularly on football pitches

2 Question viability of civic space – redundant?

1 Link to White Harbour

1 Starter units

1 Ballyclare craft connection

1 Improved changing room facilities

1 Bird watching facilities

1 Quarry end – potential antisocial problems

1 Train enthusiast facilities

1 Whitehead Wombles – great work

1 Disused kilns

1 Run-off at railway station – manhole covers

1 Unique tree planting

1 Major congestion

1 Main football pitch needs to be replaced

1 Retain two pitches

1 Pedestrian connectivity between Whiteabbey and Whitehead

1 Bandstand

1 Connection to towpath at Whiteabbey

1 Small lake at quarry for birds and wildlife

1 Hide along quarry walk for birdwatching

1 Potential for breakwater across from roack outcrop

1 Ballystrudder expanding onto Whitehead

1 Entrepreneur facilities

1 Secondary level education

1 Pedestrian crossing at Library

1 Extra car parking is welcomed

1 Crossing at the school

1 Zebra crossing along King’s Road

1 Spread remit wider

1 Roads are narrow – 30mph speed limit is too fast

1 Footpaths at Railway Station – private property

1 Pokie not serving the area

1 Upgrade railway to a better service

1 One way system

1 Three junctions on Edward Road – very dangerous

1 Pram / wheelchair accessibility

1 Pier doubling up – slipway already

1 Amphitheatre – possible white elephant

1 New link road – potential race track

1 Lighting the castle

1 Recycle old buildings

1 Slipway – very little use

1 Steps off slipway need to be renovated

1 Beach between swimming pool and yacht club

1 Painted houses at Marine Parade are an attraction

1 Antisocial behaviour

1 Groups need to work together

1 No bookmakers wanted in Whitehead

1 Flooding of Blackhead Car Park

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1 Hotel Kennedys at car park

1 Bandstand back in situ at car park

1 Car park dates from 1970 – area infilled by waste material from quarry

1 Newcastle style promenade

1 Limits of growth – no expansion

1 Relocation of pitches to edge of town

Whitehead Village Masterplan - Mid and East Antrim ... VILLAGE MASTERPLAN 2 CONSULTATION FEEDBACK...

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