Have your say on the draft West Northamptonshire Parks Development Strategy

Feedback updated 14 Jan 2025

Results updated 14 Jan 2025

We received 288 responses to the survey, the majority of these are residents of West Northamptonshire.

82% of respondents stated that they have used more than 1 major park within the last 6 months, whilst 5% of respondents had not visited one of our major parks in the same time.

The top four main reasons for visiting parks are:

• To get some fresh air;
• go for a walk;
• exercise and fitness;
• and to enjoy nature. 

Parks Development Strategy Vision

91% of respondents agreed with our draft vision: “West Northamptonshire’s parks are places for people of all backgrounds to thrive through exercise and relaxation in the open air, enjoying nature and heritage, building communities, and supporting biodiversity.” 

Parks Development Strategy Objectives

The majority of respondents agreed with our draft objectives: 

1. Provide a network of safe and accessible parks serving the whole of West Northamptonshire  
2. Create spaces for health and wellbeing to flourish  
3. Preserve and develop the biodiversity, heritage, and landscape values of all sites  
4. Encourage engagement and participation of communities and partners to develop a sense of pride and community cohesion  
5. Secure investment in our parks  
6. Make good use of public money and assets  

Of the 6 objectives, 18% of respondents disagreed with our proposals, with the highest rate of disagreement concerning the objective “Secure investments in our parks”. Reasons included the current poor state of some parks and facilities; reluctance to accept charges; potential involvement of private companies in new park activities and; the need to invest in local 'pocket spaces' rather than well-established parks. 

Overall comments included: concerns with safety and antisocial behaviour; support for heritage and history; suggestions for improvements in parks; specific park concerns and; the importance of wildlife and biodiversity. 

The final questions focused on our delivery and ambitions. Overall 56% felt that the way we described how we will achieve our ambitions was clear. A summary of comments include a strong desire for immediate action rather than a 20-year plan. The draft strategy was seen as lacking specific details and actionable steps; the language used was described as “corporate speak” which needed to be more straightforward and specific, with clearer communication about funding and responsibilities. 

Further comments included a need to ensure parks are accessible to all, including those with disabilities and; the importance of keeping them free to access, especially in rural areas. Residents also want more community and volunteer involvement and, there's a call for more focus on improving current parks before expanding. 

97 comments were received with ideas or suggestions on actions we could take to deliver the strategy. Here’s a summary of the main priorities received: 

• Involve local associations, clubs, schools, and residents in park regeneration and maintenance. Engage with local people to understand their needs and preferences. 
• Keep parks clean, litter-free, and safe. Increase the presence of park wardens and improve lighting and signage. 
• Ensure parks are accessible without needing a car, integrate with walking and cycling infrastructure, and provide free parking for short visits. 
• Increase the diversity of parks to cater to different demographics and ensure parks are inclusive and accessible to all. 
• Work with local wildlife organisations, prioritise biodiversity, and commit to rewilding areas and creating wildflower meadows. 
• Invest in maintenance schemes for roads and drainage, provide rubbish and barbecue disposal bins, and ensure regular upkeep of parks. Improve facilities like toilets and install more benches, bins, and wheelchair-friendly tables. 
• Take action and improve oversight of contractors to ensure proper maintenance of parks. 
• Install mini gym equipment, cafes, and toilets in parks. Organise group social events, sports, nature walks, and music events. Partner with existing sports provisions and encourage community and volunteer involvement. 
• Provide clear, specific plans for each town and park, including details on actions, timelines, and funding. Avoid vague language and ensure transparency. 

Finally there was strong opposition to building on green spaces like Eastern Way in Daventry and a desire to protect all green spaces and ensure they are not developed for housing. 

We received over 100 further comments on the draft strategy; many of these reflected the comments received within the previous questions. New comments included: the potential to address noise impact from highways using low-noise pavement and earth mounding and; ensure historical accuracy, particularly regarding the oldest parks. It was queried why Thornton Park is excluded from the strategy despite its historical significance. A comment was included requiring fun fairs to protect the ground or be relocated to more suitable areas. Additionally, a consideration for local artists to be involved in enhancing parks with their skills.

How we have and will use the information

All responses to this consultation have been reviewed, leading to amendments in the draft strategy. Eastfield Park is now recognised as a major park, and the strategy now provides a clearer understanding of the parks service responsibilities, including a list of all council-owned spaces covered by this strategy. We are also exploring, using feedback received, why residents do not use our parks to ensure they are accessible to everyone who wishes to enjoy them. 

Many responses related to park specific issues. Longer term projects and plans have been considered within the strategy and action plan, while short-term plans are to be addressed by the team where practically possible to make improvements. 

In addition to the consultation, we hosted a session with park users and health and wellbeing partners. The outcomes highlighted the need for collaborative efforts and the involvement of partners and key stakeholders in ensuring the strategy's success. Consequently, new proposals have been included to foster these relationships. 

Concerns regarding the proposals for Eastern Way in Daventry have been compiled to inform the decisions of our colleagues managing this proposal. Comments specific to a park or green space will be reviewed and addressed by the relevant officers where applicable. 

Overall, minor adjustments to create a more succinct and clearer document have been made to ensure it is accessible and easy to follow. The Strategy emphasises the contribution of parks to communities and the importance of collaboration to achieve our vision and priorities. 

We recognise our parks are vital links for communities and deliver health and wellbeing benefits as well as being spaces to support wildlife. This is now reflected throughout the document. Whilst we cannot accommodate all the comments received throughout the consultation process, we have strived to make improvements and the inclusion of amendments where possible. 

The final strategy will be adopted by the Council Cabinet in early 2025.