This document, The Newstead Parish Plan, sets out the aims and hopes of the people of Newstead in terms of its development and direction over the next 10 years.
Its basic purpose is to provide interested parties with a framework, outlining the aspirations of the Parish, with realistically achievable objectives for the next decade.
The Parish plan process was launched following consultation in the Spring /Summer of 2006 with the formation of The Newstead Parish Plan Steering Group. The group were supported by Newstead Parish Council and Rural Community Action Nottinghamshire (RCAN). Nottinghamshire Community Foundation gave a grant of £3500 to produce this plan.
In 2007 a questionnaire was distributed to all households in Newstead and returned by 176 households, a response rate of almost 40%.
In addition young people and children were consulted. On 3rd June 2008 approximately 60 residents attended an “action planning event” to take forward the findings of the consultation.
The Newstead Parish Plan is an outcome of this consultation process.
Background
The parish of Newstead includes Newstead Village, a former colliery village of 450 homes, Newstead Abbey and grounds, and Priory Wood, a new development of 50 4/5 bedroom homes occupying the former site of Newstead Community Hospital.
Set in open countryside and woodland, Newstead Village, with a population of about 1200 is situated approximately 10 miles to the north west of Nottingham and within 3 miles of junction 27 of the M1 motorway. There is a direct link by rail to Nottingham and Worksop.
For much of its life Newstead Colliery had been one of the most productive and profitable coal mines in the country, and a pioneer in innovative mining techniques. The colliery finally closed on 19th March 1987.
What were once slag heaps have now been returned to green belt offering walkers an opportunity to experience the wild life and many beautiful and sometimes rare flora and fauna.
The Parish includes the historic Newstead Abbey and grounds. Although situated in Gedling Borough Council, some land in Newstead Parish is owned by Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council.
Overall Vision
- A rural environment, in a conservation area, which needs to be protected from unwanted and unnecessary developments, whilst still ensuring that the Parish is an attractive place in which to live.
- Improved existing infrastructure and better services.
- A modern and caring community with activities for all residents both young and old.
- A safe and crime free environment.
- Development of sporting, recreational and environmental facilities.
- Provision of good communication systems to keep residents informed, and to enhance the opportunities for community involvement, employment and training.
Since the introduction of The Parish Plan a number of action points have been addressed with the help of members of the community, GBC and RCAN. Future Newstead would also like to thank ongoing groups such as Newstead Residents Association, Parish Council, NAGS and The Womens Institute for their ongoing support of the Plan and work carried out in the village.
What has happened so far –
- Parish Plan has been printed and a copy delivered to EVERY house in the Parish.
- The Parish Plan is also available to view at www.newsteadvillage.org
- Treefest responded to concerns over racism in the Parish by celebrating multi-culture at Treefest 2009.
- The Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) money was raised and was installed next to the youth club & Surestart centre at the end of September 2010. This facility offers a safe and flexible outdoor space for the young people of Newstead.
- The pit tips have been purchased with monies raised from Greater Nottingham Partnership and now Future Newstead, CAST & RCAN are working to develop Newstead & Annesley Country Park.
- There has been an increased police presence in the village and both police & PCSO contact information is now available in the community cafe.
- A comprehensive list of doctors who accept Newstead residents will be published in the village newsletter/website/noticeboards.
- Smart Water Scheme has been introduced.
- BBC Village SOS Big Lottery Project is helping to highlight the image of the village using local and national media.
- Bulb planting around the war memorial.
- Cemetery car park – surfaced and landscaped.
- Links were established with Underwood Cricket Junior cricket team who now play with children from Newstead.
- Church Mosaic completed in church grounds.
- Newstead Miners Welfare car park improvements.
- Country park development of tracks and roadways, erection of hides, hedging and fencing.
- Village Green safety improvements car park creation.
- Village Green Landscape Preparation and planting of beds.
- Hopping Hill creation of meadow and old cemetery car park.
The Parish Plan and a detailed updated Action Plan can be viewed on the Village website.