PARISH OF WHICHAM COMMUNITY PLAN: CUMBRIA
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Parish plans are produced by and for local communities under government
legislation. They provide an opportunity for local people to work together and
develop a shared vision for the future of their community. Parish Plans will
inform strategic documents at local, district and regional level.
The Parish of Whicham is unusual in the dominance of the
land mass of Black Combe, which accounts for two thirds
of the area; a long coastline and a sparse population
centred on two villages Silecroft and Kirksanton, and the
hamlets of Whitbeck and Whicham.
This Community Plan is the culmination of individual
residents’ commitment, vision and love for a special place.
For some in the community the relevance of this process has been heightened by the recent
successful campaign against the proposed building of a new nuclear power station on a Greenfield
site in this parish adjacent to the Lake District National Park boundary [2009-2010].
This document will explain the stages in the Community Plan process, from the underlying principles
for having a locally driven plan, to the involvement of individuals, questionnaire development,
consultation and summary of results. Finally, how the plan is taken forward with wider community
involvement will be discussed.
Under laws laid down by the Council for Europe [Council of Europe Treaty Series no.176],
governments are requested to accept the need for long-term stewardship of each country’s heritage,
landscape and culture, while recognising the major issues facing society today.
The underlying principles are:
European Landscape Convention [E.L.C.] March 2004
These views are further reinforced by: The Government’s Rural White Paper “ Our Countryside,
The Future ” 2000; The Sustainable Communities Act 2007; Charter for Rural Communities,
Carnegie Trust 2008; Cumbria Sustainable Community Strategy 2008-2028; Cumbria Landscape
Character Guidance &Toolkit ,Cumbria County Council 2011; and The Localism Act 2011.
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The Parish of Whicham is situated in the remote south west
corner of Cumbria, mostly within The Lake District National
Park, in the southern part of the Borough of Copeland. The
area has one of the lowest populations in the region on a par
with Ennerdale. It is comprised of approximately 245
dwellings mainly located in and around the villages and
hamlets. All settlements are located on the narrow coastal
plain by the Irish Sea or along the Whicham valley. The bulk
of the parish is dominated by Black Combe, a sprawling fell
of 600m/1,970 feet which lies at the end of a ridge stretching
from the mountainous heart of The Lake District, and is visible from Scotland, Wales and Ireland. In
addition the parish is unusual in having 11.5k / 7.25 miles of the only 10 mile stretch of coastline
situated within The Lake District National Park [LNDP]. It is comprised of safe sandy accessible
beaches and is used by visitors and locals for a range of activities; swimming, dog walking, fishing,
boating, horse riding, wind/ kite surfing. This valuable tourism resource has the award of Blue Flag
Status [Appendix 1 -Map].
The parish is an area of hidden antiquity; megalithic
standing stones, stone circles and ancient tracks. The
coastal land has been inhabited from Neolithic times
and had a significantly large concentration of stone
circles surrounding Black Combe. Most disappeared at
the height of the 18th and 19th century agricultural
revolution. The surviving ones are on Lacra and at
Kirksanton.
Farming, fishing, peat, salt extraction and brewing were the main occupations. Hemp was grown by
villagers for rope making. Today, farming still dominates, supplemented by tourism for those seeking
simplicity and quiet. Horticulture and residential care have added to the rural economy. It is an area
of mainly permanent residents many of whom commute out of the parish for employment. There
are some second homes mostly in Silecroft.
This landscape set against the dramatic backdrop of Black
Combe has inspired some of our country’s most
acclaimed poets and writers; William Wordsworth,
Branwell Bronte, Norman Nicholson and Alfred
Wainwright, enriching our heritage at local, national and
international level.
Access to the parish is by the A595 [A590], from Kendal
or Whitehaven; by the coastal Barrow-Carlisle railway
line or locally by the A5092 from Millom. Due to the
geology of the area which is bounded by the Irish Sea and the Duddon estuary, Whicham Parish has
escaped urban development and remains a quiet rural place. Millom, the nearest town although not
in our parish, is only three and half miles away from Silecroft and has facilities including schools,
shops, supermarkets, health services, restaurants and an Industrial Estate. The railway via Barrow – in
– Furness has links from Lancaster to west coast main line services.
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Many community plans and questionnaires look at key areas such as services, transport, economy
and housing. Often they are prescriptive with each component being of equal importance.
Our community plan seeks to emphasize the overlapping relationship and interdependence of the
key areas. These are seen in a wider three dimensional context and are therefore based on a spatial
model. To clarify, our Parish is dominated by Black Combe where “landscape” [Landscape
Identification, ECOVAST 2006] is the backdrop to our lives, culture, economy, history, feelings and
spirituality.
On that basis we chose to devise a questionnaire which contained open, subjective, emotive
questions as well as some focused ones. We feel we have been successful in getting a “sense of
place” from the community, which will become our reference point and guide. It sets the scene in
order to protect and manage the landscape. On this basis the community plan can be developed
making this an even better place to live in.
Landscape Identification, A Guide to Good Practice; European Council for the Village and Small Town
[ECOVAST 2006].
Spirituality
Feeling and associations
Historic Features
Other man made features
Houses and Settlements
Agriculture and Forestry
Land Cover
Soil
Land Form
Climate
Geology
The Community Plan Steering Group is the body that has overseen development of this Community
Plan. The Chair of Whicham Parish Council, Edith Lister, invited members of the local community to
form a steering group which was set up in January 2011. The group, chaired by local farmer and land
agent, Robert Morris- Eyton, has consisted of nine members [Appendix 2].
Thank you to all the residents of Whicham, Whitbeck, Silecroft and Kirksanton who took the time
to respond to the questionnaire and attend the open days.
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The overall emphasis of The Community Plan Process has been to identify what the community itself
feels should be the future aspirations for the Parish of Whicham, while defining our “sense of place”.
The questionnaire was developed to reflect this. [Appendix 3; Whicham Parish Community Plan
Questionnaire]
Questions used were:
1. Factual: demographics [a snapshot of the parish in 2011].
2. Reflective: feelings and emotions for our surroundings.
3. Personal views and aspirations: what we hope for and what we do not want.
To introduce residents to the idea of a Community Plan and the questionnaire, two open days were
organised in March 2011 at Silecroft and Kirksanton Village Halls. An exhibition of photographs and
information of life in the Parish past and present was organised by the Steering Group. Maps were
available showing the 2010 change to the Parish Boundary .The Kirksanton area had been moved
away from the Millom Without Parish.
Wine, refreshments and a good crack with neighbours and friends added to a stimulating, thought
provoking, and enjoyable start to The Process.
Questionnaires were distributed to all 245 households in the Parish the week before the open days.
They were handed in at the open days or collected during April 2011.A good return rate of 30% was
achieved.
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This information provides an interesting snapshot of the community in the Parish of Whicham 2011.
The summary findings from the Community Questionnaire are as follows:
Parish Age Groups
0 – 24 years 24%
25 – 59 years 38%
60 + years 38%
Our Parish Ethnicity is made up of 96% British and 4% as other with 65% of residents living in the
Parish for 10 years+ and 14% of responders reporting living with a disability
Our parish residents include 1% unemployed, 18% self employed, 32% retired with the remainder
being employed, pre-school, education, part time and home and family duties
Employment activity is based on 74% working outside of the parish with the remaining high figure of
24% working within the parish.
64% use a car, 8% car and train, 8% train service only, 2% car share, 1% uses their bicycle, 6 % walk
to their place of work, with the remainder working from home. There is no bus service and a train
service which although highly valued offers limited out of hours services.
The community response to what was most valued about living here, other positive things and people’s
feelings about their surroundings, emphatically stressed the quality of the rural environment and
lifestyle. These highly prized qualities should be further protected and enhanced by our elected
representatives in local and national government.
The majority of responses clearly demonstrated that the rural community and the tranquillity of the
area, together with the outstanding landscape and wildlife, are what people value most. Statements
which described caring, friendly neighbours and a sense of community occurred frequently. The
opportunity of walking on beautiful, unspoilt empty beaches or up Black Combe with breathtaking
views, all on our doorsteps, makes living here special. The serenity, clean air, clear night skies and
open views of sunsets and sunrises are spectacular.
“PERFECT PLACE TO LIVE” “EVERYDAY IS JOY” “FRIENDLY” “SAFE”
“HAPPY” “BLESSED” “Wish to stay here for the rest of our lives”
“Nowhere we would rather be” “LUCKY” “GOOD” “Wonderful place to live”
“FREEDOM FOR OUR CHILDREN TO ROAM THE COUNTRYSIDE IN SAFETY”
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The aspirations of the people who live here are the results from how the Parish could be improved and
the most important changes wanted. For clarity and to help in taking The Plan forward they have been
categorised. Some responses cover more than one category and have been put into the category
considered to have the largest impact on the community. Each category is listed in descending order
of frequency mentioned. For planning purposes some items may be easily achieved. Other
improvements may involve small working groups of residents with particular interest and expertise,
setting up a medium or long term project.
Due to the isolated location, geology and land form of the parish, which have determined the
patterns of settlement, access routes are extremely restricted and methods limited. However this
can add to many of the positive feelings associated with living here. Changes wanted focus mainly on
improvements to footpaths and cycleways utilising the flat coastal plain and ancient pathways. Safety
on existing narrow roads is a key issue, while better signage promotes the natural, historic and
amenity features. Improved public transport services would benefit the community while protecting
the landscape.
The small population clustered around the villages of Silecroft and Kirksanton, the proximity to the
town of Millom, and the predominance of agriculture have all shaped the resources available. The
area is already well supplied to meet the needs of locals and tourists. Currently there are two
Church of England churches, two village halls, two public houses supplying meals and a few bed and
breakfast accommodations, one which is open to the public for evening meals. There are a number
of self catering holiday accommodations, a large static caravan park with some touring pitches, two
horse riding establishments, a golf course, two children’s play parks, a tennis court and a village
green. Within the parish there is motivation and willingness to enhance what exists and develop
what is appropriate to the location. This reinforces the feelings expressed of a friendly, helpful
“working” community where people from differing backgrounds mix. The main focus is on
maximising the use of the two village halls and the parish churches, including outreach services to
meet a variety of social, individual and spiritual needs of residents. A resource for buying basic items,
newspapers, and local produce and a tea room would benefit local residents and tourists. Facilities
such as new public toilets near the beach at Silecroft would compliment this natural resource. An
area designated for individual or community allotments will enable individuals to grow their own
produce.
We live between the sea and the mountains in an area steeped in
history and inhabitated for over 3000 years. The geology and landform
have been shaped by glaciation as seen by the steep sides of Black
Combe and Lacra, and the fertile Whicham valley, coastal plain and
beach. Stone circles, standing stones, later stone wall enclosures, and
the ancient right of high fell grazing on Black Combe have dominated
farming heritage through the centuries. The nature of this parish has
resulted in a rich diversity of wildlife. There are coastal areas designated
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SSSI /Ramsar status. The majority of the parish lies within the protection of the LDNP with the fell
of Lacra designated Landscape of County Importance. Environmental, wildlife and historic education
through information boards and signage will help protect and increase awareness of our landscape.
Restoration and reinstatement of natural features and historic environment such as native hedges,
traditional stone banks, dry stone walls, wild flower meadows and tree planting will help maintain
and enhance the landscape. Protection of ancient scheduled monuments such as The Giant’s Grave
standing stones should be done in keeping with the heritage of the area and people’s feelings and
associations, which contribute to our “sense of place”.
The close knit population within the parish has the potential to make co-operative ventures feasible.
Living in an unspoilt area close to nature, where there are clear skies, clean air and our own
microclimate, residents are very aware of the need for a more sustainable life style. Working
together on such ideas reinforces community bonds and helps us reduce our carbon footprint as a
parish.
The villages of Silecroft and Kirksanton with the hamlets of Whitbeck and Whicham all have distinct
social groups, due in part to their geographic layout. The historical development of these
settlements and continuity of land and farm ownership has resulted in a closely knit community.
There is a growing population of younger children and an even age distribution of adults.There is
awareness for the need to communicate what various groups have to offer across the parish and to
look at different ways to do this. Involvement of younger people in decision making is vital in
protecting the special nature of this parish for the future. The need for some affordable housing is
highlighted.
Friendly helpful neighbours, a permanent rural population and small clusters of housing all contribute
to a low crime rate. However the progression of Neighbourhood/Farm Watch schemes will
reinforce this further and be reassurance for older or single residents or those living in isolated
locations.
The respondents to the questionnaire listed a number of large scale out of character developments
which would have an extremely adverse effect on our “sense of place” and be the erosion of a rural
lifestyle and environment into a semi –urban or industrial landscape .It is the potential scale and
nature of these developments that would be seen as being harmful. The impact on the nation’s
perception of this unique corner of The Lake District National Park would be altered and our
diverse ecology, cultural heritage, agricultural and tourism-based economy would be lost.
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This Community Plan identifies the special nature of our area, the sense of place felt by the people
and the natural and man – made resources.
The results of the Community Questionnaire enable the Steering Group to prioritise key areas for
further work and demonstrate how distinctive characters and features can be preserved. The Action
Plan will be a shared vision for the future of the community over the next 5-10 years. The plan is not
something fixed in time but dynamic in that it will be shaped by the involvement of parish residents.
The plan will be presented to the Parish Council and parish residents through Open Days.
The delivery of the plan will require a range of actions principally led by residents.
Our model with “landscape” at the heart will be the reference point for the plan.
Signed………………………………………………………….. Robert Morris Eyton
Chairman Whicham Community Plan Steering Group
Dated……………………..
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| Priority | Objective | Purpose/Implications | Action | Partners |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transport & Access High |
Transport links – provide safe cycle track to from villages- Kirksanton/Silecroft/station Potential Silecroft-Millom |
Reduce reliance on car usage. Facilitate health and wellbeing Encourage greater use of rail Encourage visitor nos |
Provision of cycleway/footpath |
CCC, Tourism leads Landowners |
| Community Welfare High |
Replace Current Silecroft Beach Toilet block with new build Including retail outlet |
Offer updated facilities Encourage visitor nos Support social/tourism initiatives |
Re design/planning/constr uct |
CBC/LDNP Landowners |
| Access High |
Improve Signage with Access to bridle way/footpaths cycleway Historic monuments |
Ease of access to public rights of way will encourage community and visitor nos – |
Review current signage/gap analysis Update signage ensuring all bridleways/footpaths/ cycleway /monuments are updated to be shown on mapping/tourism data |
Landowners Tourism Group CBC/MTC/Parish Councils Natural England |
| Community Cohesion/In volvement High |
Church Parking. Improve parking facility in particular older people access |
Encourage greater access to church through improved parking area |
Survey current ground Option appraise Implement preferred option |
Church Local Contractors |
| Environmen t Med |
Introduce Parish re-cycling centre (not on beach) |
Encourage more recycling/reduce landfill |
Option appraise land Prepare document to Parish Council for agreement Seek Permission with CBC |
Parish Council Landowners CBC Environmental department |
| Housing Med |
Increase provision of affordable housing |
Offer cradle to grave housing options to parish residents |
Survey land owners Initiate local architect assistance |
Land/Property owners Parish Council CBC/LDNP |
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[handwritten, see original document]
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The members listed have been involved at different stages with a core group carry through the
process.
Margaret Cumming: Holiday accommodation provider for people with disabilities and
smallholder.
Andrew Fell: Farmer and Deputy Chairman Whicham Parish Council.
Helen Fell: Town and Country Planning student, Newcastle University.
David Griffiths: Parish Councillor and Church Warden St. Mary’s Whicham.
Cath Jopson: Parish Clerk and farm owner.
Edith Lister: Chair of Whicham Parish Council, Chair CGP/Millom Without Trust Fund,
Chair Silecroft Village Hall Committee.
Graham Mellen: Committee member South Cumbria Sea Sports Association [SCSSA] and
mechanical estimator Sellafield.
Robert Morris Eyton: Chair Community Plan Steering Group, farmer, land agent.
Alick Nicholson: Local retired businessman.
Alison Nicholson: Writer.
Pauline Preston: Local horticultural business owner.
Dot Williams: Bed and Breakfast accommodation owner and retired art teacher.
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WHICHAM PARISH COMMUNITY PLAN
[Whicham,Whitbeck,Silecroft and Kirksanton areas]
This is a unique opportunity to have your say about how you would like our Parish to develop and
progress.
When filling out the questionnaire:
If you have any queries or would like assistance please contact us. Return the
questionnaire to one of the open days or we will collect over the weekend of 2nd
April. Many thanks we will be in touch about future events shortly.
Steering Group:
Robert Morris Eyton 01229 772298
Maggie Cumming 01229 772849
Pauline Preston 01229 774454
Cath Jopson
Helen Fell
Graham Mellen
Edith Lister
Alick Nicholson
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1. Where do you live?
Whicham……………………………………………………………………
Whitbeck……………………………………………………………………
Silecroft…………………………………………………………………….
Kirksanton………………………………………………………………….
Other ………………………………………………………………………..
2. How many people of each age group live in your home?
| Age Group | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 0-15 | ||
| 16-24 | ||
| 25-44 | ||
| 45-59 | ||
| 60-74 | ||
| 75 or over | ||
| Total persons |
3. How many persons in your home are currently? (Tick all that apply)
| Status | Number of people |
|---|---|
| At School | |
| At College or University | |
| Unemployed | |
| In employment | |
| Self Employed | |
| Own their own business | |
| Part time worker | |
| Retired | |
| Manage home and Family | |
| Other (Specify) |
4. How would you describe your ethnicity?
5. Does anyone in your household have disabilities?
Yes………………………………………………………………………….
No…………………………………………………………………………..
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6. How long has your household lived in the Parish? (Not withstanding recent
boundary change)
0-3yrs………………………………………………………………………..
4-6yrs………………………………………………………………………..
7-10yrs………………………………………………………………………
10yrs+ [please specify]……………………………………………….
7. If your household recently moved into the Parish, where did you live before?
Adjoining Parish………………………………………………………….
Elsewhere in Cumbria………………………………………………….
Other [please specify] …………………………………………………………………………..
8. Do you think there is a sufficient range and affordability of housing to meet
the needs of the parish community?
Yes………………………………………………………………………….
No…………………………………………………………………………..
Comment:……………………………………………………………………………………
9. How do you normally travel to work? Please tick the box for the
number of people travelling by those means
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| By Car | ||||
| Car & Train | ||||
| Car Share | ||||
| Cycle | ||||
| Bus | ||||
| Train | ||||
| Walk | ||||
| Other |
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10. If employed, where?
Inside the Parish ………………………………………………………..
Outside the Parish ………………………………………………………
11. What do you value MOST about living here?
12. List the other positive things about living here.
13. Describe how you feel about your surroundings.
14. How could our Parish/area/village be improved?
15. What are the 3 most important things that you would like to see happen
here?
(If you wish to list more please do so)
16. Please comment on the current recreational & safe cycling/walking facilities
(within the Parish)
Comments (including what you would like to see)…………………………………
17. Do you feel there is sufficient being done to protect the natural
environment of the Parish?
Comment:………………
18. List 3 things you do NOT want in this Parish.
OPTIONAL. Contact Details would be helpful if there are things on your questionnaire you
would like to talk to us about.
Name…………………………………………………..Contact…………….
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* Charter for Rural Communities, Carnegie Trust 2008
* Council of Europe Treaty Series no.176
* Cumbria Landscape Character Guidance &Toolkit, Cumbria County Council 2011
* Cumbria Sustainable Community Strategy 2008-2028
* European Landscape Convention 2004
* Landscape Identification, A Guide to Good Practice; ECOVAST 2006
* The Government’s Rural White Paper “Our Countryside, The Future” 2000
* The Sustainable Communities Act 2007
ECOVAST: European Council for the Village and Small Town
ELC: European Landscape Convention
LDNP: Lake District National Park
Ramsar: The Ramsar Convention [1971] on Wetlands of International Importance – for the
conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
SSSI: Sites of Special Scientific Interest – the country’s very best wildlife and geological sites.
