Starcross Parish Council

STARCROSS PARISH PLAN

INTRODUCTION

Starcross lies between Exeter and Dawlish and is surrounded by arable land on three sides and the river Exe on the fourth. The arable land is primarily owned by the Earl of Devon.

Over the last 25 years, the village has grown threefold, its current inhabitants numbering approximately 1700. This has transpired through four housing developments of a mixed nature (elderly peoples’ accommodation, housing association and private homes). During this time the infrastructure and community facilities have seriously declined loosing the Peacock Cookson Community Centre, Women’s Institute, butcher, baker, hairdresser, Dawlish Villa Football Club, Cockwood Chapel and two banks. This population expansion and erosion of facilities has served to bring about a loss of community spirit and involvement.

Today, Starcross is very much a commuter village to Exeter comprising a general store, post office, surgery, pharmacy, fish and chip shop and three public houses. There is no community hall or youth facilities other than a playing field.

WHY PRODUCE A PARISH PLAN?

It is Government policy to increase individual participation in public life and for public bodies to consult communities about the delivery of services. As part of the policy of “active citizenship” the Government wants to give more power to parish councils to decide what’s best for their own communities.

If Starcross Parish Council can show we are taking our future seriously, a Parish Plan will increase our chances of getting local authority support to enhance our economic, social and environmental well-being.

It will give us the evidence to help informed policy-making by a range of organisations, from the local planning authority, Police and other outside bodies who provide services to our community.

THE CONSULTATION PROCESS

In June 2001 it was agreed by the Parish Council to establish a Parish Plan which would reflect the views of all the community. To achieve this an independent committee of volunteers was set up to carry out a “Village Appraisal” which included public meetings, focus groups, newsletter bulletins and a questionnaire to every household.

The Committee: Carla Miller, Peter Burrows, Bob Barnes-Watts, Andrew Cadbury and Richard Moynan.

Supported by: David Rolls (Community Council of Devon) and Sarah Tarragon (Consultant).

Funding for the project was received from The Countryside Agency, Devon County Council (DCC), Teignbridge District Council (TDC) and Starcross Parish Council (SPC).

In June 2002, questionnaires were distributed to and collected from every household within Starcross seeking views on various subjects that had been highlighted previously through a public meeting and focus groups.

60% of Starcross residents returned the questionnaire, which was considered to be a very good response. Further analysis also reflected a good representation at all age groups within the community giving solid grounds for accepting the validity of the survey.

A Summary Report setting out the results of the questionnaire was distributed to every household and presented to the community at a public meeting. A detailed report which also highlights residents comments was made available at the Doctors’ surgery and School. Copies were generally available at a cost of £2.50 (free to local organisations).

The report “Starcross Parish Plan 2002 – 2003” sets out the issues that were highlighted during the Village Appraisal process and an action plan for their resolution.

A downloadable version in Acrobat PDF format is available for you to download. Starcross Parish Plan (3.76MB)