Experts look at Swaffham future
MORE than 1,200 interviews and surveys have been carried out over the past 18 months as part of a comprehensive look at Swaffham's future.
A well-attended meeting at the Town Hall last week heard that Swaffham Town Group has been investigating the environmental, economic, social and transport issues affecting Swaffham with the objective of producing a town plan.
And it has now published progress reports on its work, including the surveys capturing the views of people who experience Swaffham, whether as a resident, an employee, a shopper or a visitor.
The group, jointly coordinated by the town council and the Iceni Partnership, will use the information gathered to help compile the new town plan, which it hopes to have available in draft form by spring 2009.
Presentations at the meeting showed Swaffham's attributes included 100-plus listed buildings in its historic core, a good range of services and shops for a small town, a strong community base and its central position at the "crossroads of Norfolk".
But there were concerns about lack of affordable housing, the nature of the local job market, gaps in shopping and public transport provision and lack of cycle paths.
Dr Neil Powe, from Newcastle University, told the meeting that more than 2,000 people work in Swaffham and make significant contributions to the town economy through their use of local shops and services.
He said the town faced challenges if it wanted to preserve its distinctive character and emphasised the need for future developments to include both housing and job opportunities.
Fellow speaker Craig Wheway, from Leicester University, said many residents were concerned that new housing developments were "too bland" and "fail to reflect the broader character of the settlement".
Dr David Bek, the town council's project officer, said the findings from the surveys would be instrumental in guiding the content of the town plan.
Those interviewed included residents, people working and going to school in Swaffham, tourists and the business community.
Responding to the findings, Sally Williams from Action for Market Towns said Swaffham was uniquely well-placed to meet the challenges of the future due to the thoroughness of the survey work conducted.
And Breckland Council officer Rob Walker said the survey work would be of "immense value" in helping the town apply for future grant funds as well as assisting the district council in targeting resources.
l Findings from the surveys have been published as a series of reports which can be viewed at the Town Hall, Swaffham Library or on the town council's website – www.swaffhamtown
council.co.uk
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Monday 28 May 2012
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