What happened at the CANPLAN SLAM?
| Published: 22nd May 2008 14:07 |
The turnout for the CANPLAN Slam was excellent and local residents had plenty to say about how they wanted Chapel Allerton to look like in the future.
To start the evening, Duncan Dallas of CANPLAN introduced the aims and objectives of the organisation and explained how they had set up 4 sub-groups:
- Natural Environment
- Built Environment
- Transport
- Sustainable Community
and that they are compiling a questionnaire which will be distributed to Chapel Allerton residents in the Autumn.
Naomi Archer, the Community Conservation Officer for Chapel Allerton then spoke about the current Convservation Area which was designated in 1973 and explained how she was conducting a study to see whether this area was still fit for purpose. The main purpose of a Conservation Area is to protect buildings from demolition. She thinks Chapel Allerton might have the last back to back houses built in the UK! The residents were invited to draw on the maps which building, spaces and views were really important to them in Chapel Allerton.
20 people took the microphone to talk about what they liked in Chapel Allerton, what they didn't like and changes they would like to see happen. Below are some of the points raised:
- Good, easily located, free parking spaces
- Fewer bars and restaurants
- Better disabled access into shops, dropped kerbs, the ramp outside Fennels to be repaired
- Extend the Willow Tree area by shutting off one of the roads (suggested trialling it for Chapel Allerton Festival)
- More allotments
- Repair litter bins and make some bigger
- Block off Gledhow Valley Road at the weekend and make a family space
- Praise was given for the improvements at Chapel Allerton Park - a resident who faces the park disagreed
- Too much infill
- Safety of parking
- Want seating outside Cafe Nero
- Keep & support local unique businesses
- Keep high street chains out
- Improve cycle lanes (currently stop at random places)
- Too much traffic on Harrogate Road
- Conserve what Chapel Allerton has
- The residents were invited to think about Development Trusts so the residents can own and develop buildings
- Have changing hut on Scott Hall playing fields
- Use Scott Hall playing fields at weekend and in evenings
- More for younger people
- Stop people using Wensley Drive as a short cut
- Need local businesses - what is happening to Well Lane Garage?
- Would like greengrocers
- Restriction on patio heaters
- Greener development
- Bus direct to railway station
- A shopkeeper suggested you had to pay for parking and got a refund with a purchase from a local shop
It seemed everyone enjoyed having their say and indeed listening to everyones ideas.
The evening was hosted at Seven Arts Centre and free tea and coffee was provided.
If you are interested in learning more about CANPLAN or getting involved with the work they do please contact Duncan Dallas at cafe-sci@dial.pipex.com
What do you think?
You will need to sign in to post a comment to this article. if you do not have an AboutMyArea account, you can join now for free.
