THE HARTLEY VILLAGE SURVEY ON NORTHFIELD

A report by the Friends of Hartley Countryside.

27th November 2000

Click here to go to summary.

Introduction

First of all, a huge thanks to all 917 households who found the time to complete the survey. This represents 44.62% of all households in Hartley, an excellent response.

Many of you were kind enough to add comments. We consider these to be valuable and have noted all comments. They have been included in this report, which will be made available to the Northfield Management Committee and Sevenoaks District Council.

However we will, of course, reply personally to all of you who wrote in due course.

Five raised questions concerning the validity/integrity of the survey, which can be guaranteed. An explanation of how we carried out the survey is given in the report.

Number of Replies

This gives a response rate of 44.62%

14 surveys were returned uncompleted and 3 envelopes were empty.

How we did it.

1. Distribution of surveys was strictly controlled: one survey per household plus a FREEPOST return envelope. No returned survey was accepted unless it was returned in the FREEPOST envelope.

2. Duplicates were only issued at the request of the householder and recorded. This effectively eliminated any duplication of surveys. 7 doubles were received; the original was recorded in each case.

3. Each survey and any duplicate issued were uniquely identifiable to a household. This effectively eliminated any attempt to bias the survey.

4. The survey was drawn up after careful piloting which identified the main issues concerning Northfield. Residents were also free to add any further points they felt had been missed. All comments were recorded and have been made available.

5. All households who had not returned their survey 2 weeks before the specified date received a follow up visit/reminder slip.

6. Those households who had not returned their survey by a week before the specified date received a personal call and (if at home) an offer of a duplicate plus a FREEPOST envelope. Those households stating, "Not interested" were recorded.

7. By strictly limiting the survey to one per household it was hoped that this would encourage discussion amongst the household, including children and a consensus reached which could be detailed on the survey by the taxpayers. It was considered the responsibility of the householders to include the views of children, youths etc..

So what did you say?

All the facts and figures are presented in table form. This will enable you to draw your own conclusions. However, for your convenience, they are summarised at the end of the report.

The Tables

The figures and percentages in each table represent the actual number of households that replied to that particular question.

Table 1 - OVERALL AIMS

Table 1 illustrates what the residents of Hartley feel that the Overall Aims for

Table 3 - Use of Land

This question gave the residents of Hartley the opportunity to express their views on what they would like to see on Northfield. They were then asked to rank their first 3 preferred choices in order... 1,2,3. The preferred choices were "weighted" to give a fair representation, the first choice was given 3 points, second choice 2 points and third choice 1 point. The points were then added for each choice and recorded in the table.

Table 4 - WHAT YOU SAID YOU DEFINITELY DIDN'T WANT.

The following suggestions, for what you "definitely didn't want" were recorded once only:

McDonalds, Sub-leasing, Abandoned space, Fast growing fir trees, Eventing, Food outlet, Skating, Transport Depot/Industrial, Allotments, Bird watching, Cricket, Hockey pitches, Helicopters, Professional bodies (Environment), Swimming pool, Youth Centre, Vehicular access except for approved car park.

Table 5 - OTHER SUGGESTIONS

OTHER SUGGESTIONS FOR USE OF THE LAND

The following "other suggestions for use of the land" were recorded once only:

Astro turf, Cricket nets, Rugby, Unrestricted dog walking, Dog free areas, Army type assault course, Band stand/concert hall, Village Hall, Organised village functions Hockey, Basketball, Adventure playground, Kite flying area, Maze, Snooker Hall, Putting green, Indoor leisure centre (e.g. carpet bowls), Light industry, Boating, Brothel!

COMMENTS/REMARKS

Many households provided additional comments and remarks on the survey; these are reproduced below exactly as we received them:

1 Suggest contact "Plant life" (leaflets enc.), Woodland Trust, English Nature, RSPB.

2. Stay as it is.

3. Leave land as it is. Seats.

4. Leave the land as it is.

5. Leave the land as it is.

6. Please keep as natural as possible.

Volunteer for Project Manager, will not require income (name and address supplied).

7. The land should remain empty without any facilities.

8. Far too many football pitches in the area already.

Charts and tick sheets for children (Lullingstone Visitors Centre). Total public access.

9. I have already helped to elect a Parish Council and suggest that you give them your support instead of creating an alternative destructive force.

10. Willing to contribute in council taxes as long 1 as it is not football/rugby pitches.

11. Just keep it for the people's countryside.

12. Something to interest teenagers.

13. 1 feel this land should be used as common land.

14. 1 think that all decisions should be made by a committee - not one single person.

15. Don't want "anything that would limit its use to a select few".

16. Just leave it alone.

17. Leave as open space.

18. Any children's playground should be "rustic".

19. The woods and open areas should be managed as such. The open space between Hartley and New Ash Green must be retained as countryside, not a sports area, which will be unnecessary considering the facilities already available.

20. Doesn't want 'Any kind of formal track that could be misused by motorbikes/cyclists etc.'

21. Doesn't want 'Anything organised and not nature conservation.'

22. Questions are not "open" in nature and generally provoke "yes" answer.

23. I think that you should have marked each reply with our address so that you can see who is interested and who isn't.

24. How is the Northfield area currently funded?

25. I'm sorry. I do not know the area (Northfield) but in the main agree with its preservation.

26. Definitely don't want worse parking problems.

27. Anything to encourage reasonably quiet pursuits.

28. Donate to Kent Wildlife Trust. Just don't build houses on it.

29. Any sports facilities o any kind (we have enough).

30. Cannot say whether would contribute in tax until proper plan and costings seen.

Statistics from this survey could be misleading e.g. by ticking "no" against football pitches might imply I object to them but also could mean that I don't play football!! I would hope that the Parish Council would be aware, by listening to group representatives, what the needs of the community are!

31. No to anything involving a sport.

32. Primary use should be agriculture and natural open space.

33. Keep as farmland.

34. Definitely doesn't want 'Busybodies preventing the best project from proceeding to the benefit of the whole community (wants executive housing).'

35. There are no facilities for this part of Sevenoaks District - most people would accept higher taxes if more facilities were available e.g. indoor leisure centre, carpet bowls, swimming pool etc.

36. Wide mowed strip around edge of agriculture field for walking etc.

37. It should be managed to stop humans destroying more open land.

38. Leave the land as it is - save all this waste of money - who keeps paying for all these leaflets? Isn't it time everyone worked together - as long as houses aren't built, what is wrong with open countryside?

39. Why no questions about football pitches? Suggests more football pitches.

40. Doesn't want 'Any team games with the resulting noise and bad language.'

41. I leave the questions and answers to the younger generation but for Gods' sake leave the Council Tax alone. We pay enough.

42. Our elected parish councillors should be left to deal with this matter with no interference from the "Friends of Hartley Countryside"!

- under anything definitely not wanted e.g. rugby, motorbikes etc. "These are not proposed".

- under part retained in agriculture "no, no, no"

43. No motorised or team sports. Should be a place of tranquillity.

44. I think THFC have only their own interests at heart and NOT the general interests of the village.

45. We have an elected council to deal with this not an unofficial group.

46. Suggests "Walkways for Disabled". Definitely does not want "cycle paths next to people walkways" "Horse riding track should be for children only".

47. Would only want increase in taxes if swimming pool included.

48. It would be good to have an area for children to roller blade and skate board as they have nothing like that at all.

49. Is this not best left to the PC's of Hartley and Ash-cum-Ridley to organise? They are the elected bodies. Too many cooks etc.

50. Other suggestions: Protection Q2. not inappropriate - all development, Q4. PM - accountable, Q6 (added) - limited involvement of the community. Legally enforceable by-laws to ensure implementation of whatever is decided.

51. Any demolition which would interfere with the wildlife and beauty of the countryside.

52. Definitely not wanted - further sports facilities and play areas. Too many already!

53. I think this space should continue to be a "buffer" between Hartley and New Ash Green and if not used for agriculture it should be a nature conservation area. Wants - 'Designated footpaths to enjoy a conservation area.'

Q2. Wants Northfield protected from housing, car parks, football pitches, and other sporting facilities in 'buildings', which do not encourage people to enjoy nature in the wild!

Q4. PM - providing the 'person' is 'environmentally friendly' and not out to protect his/her job and get a fat salary to destroy a 'wild/natural' amenity. Q5. Ancient woodland and animal habitats - "if we as adults seek to destroy all remaining pockets of such habitats, I think we deprive future generations of their inheritance".

Q6. Involvement - "adults as well, I would hope! re: Projects - this could be a valuable asset to the local schools when meeting some facets of National Curriculum Requirements - science, PHMSE etc. Also, as a teacher, our children should be taught to respect and value their inheritance from us - the 'adults'! Inheritance is not only money but also our environment, including wild animals and plants".

Q8. not 'solely' but 'mainly' - a longer future would be ensured. External funding can suddenly 'dry up'.

Q9. small % increase in tax acceptable.

54. Leave it as it is now (1" choice preference).

55. I am not prepared to give credence to a bunch of unelected individuals. 1 fully support my elected Parish Council.

56. Definitely not wanted - 'noisy recreational pursuits'.

57. No organised sports. Suggests 'development of hedgerows and planting of trees in selected areas'.

58. Definitely not wanted - 'Bad manners and aggression from opposing sides'.

59. Do not want football or ball sport or horse facilities. Ban dogs.

60. Q3. Depends on who prepares the plan and what agencies are involved. Q not clear?

Q4. Again a leading question who and what group he represents is important.

Q8. Again a leading question what are the funds available and what groups they represent.

Ticked formal football pitches - inserted Junior.

Who is checking these forms to see that there is no 'fiddling' as there is no identification on them.

'Did you consult with the Parish Council before sending these out?'

61. There is so much vandalism that signs, buildings, children's playgrounds etc. are a waste of money. The money would be better spent on a police presence in the whole area of Hartley especially in the evenings when the groups of teenagers meet in car parks and alleys.

62. 'We give our full support to our PC's endeavours in this matter' (survey not completed).

63. Q6. Wants local community involved in future of Northfield "But also an area for children to play sport!"

64. Q10. Formal football pitches "Not needed".

Q9. Horse riding track - "separate only"

Suggests keep fit activities on jogging track.

65. "No extra restriction on dog walking on current footpaths and new one from PH to Calling Croft". Do we need a rugby pitch?"

66. "I'm not keen on more Football pitches, but have been told there are insufficient for needs of area. We must provide something for young people".

67. What birds?

68. Definitely not wanted "Housing or any noisy activities".

69. "This is a waste of paper - we have a very good parish council with the same ideas".

70. Definitely not wanted - "Any activities generating noise to disturb locals".

71. "A golf course being self financing may be a good idea, for it to be kept well".

72. "As I feel some of these questions are loaded I would just like to state that I go along with the PC".

73. As a rugby player at NAG, I believe facilities should be mainly rugby there with some football relocation to Northfield. I am annoyed about nuisance implication of rugby at Q13. What's wrong with rugby pitches?

74. Horses to be kept on track.

75. Motorbike track to keep children off the street.

76. Definitely not wanted - "Anything noisy/dirty".

77. Q8 & 9 Funding - Depends on project.

78. No anti-dog walking rules.

79. Pure country (relaxing).

80. Will it be site managed on a daily basis with a keeper? Who will be responsible for ground maintenance?

81. Picnic tables and toilets available and ample parking.

82. Something in keeping with the countryside- We are not against having something included to occupy the youth of the area, however we do not think more football pitches are the answer. 1 walk my dogs around Manor Field regularly and have rarely seen anyone but other dog walkers on it.

83. Definitely not an open space for scrambler bikes!

84. Suggests 'Park and gardens - as at Camer Park, Meopham. Hartley does not have any common park area'.

85. Leave for people to enjoy.

86. We pay our Council Tax, but we as an area do not get much back (excl. schools and police etc.) No street light, rubbish collection bags, streets cleaned once in a blue moon. Definitely doesn't want 'Area being used as a dog's loo. Owners should be fined. This should be carried out and enforced'.

87. Anything definitely not wanted 'None'.

88. Nothing noisy.

89. Suggests 'Countryside! Northfield to stay as it is!'

90. Definitely doesn't want 'More sports pitches or bikes of any kind'.

91. Definitely doesn't want 'Anything noisy or polluting'.

92. 'Stop this argument!!!'.

93. Definitely not wanted 'Football/rugby - already provided. Motorbikes/Go carts etc. - already provided'.

94. Want project funded solely by grants 'if possible'. Would contribute in tax 'but not for football pitches'.

95. 'Any area such as the above will need policing to ensure the facilities are not misused or abused. Lake for boating and fly-fishing would also encourage wildlife!'

96. Prepared to contribute in tax to project 'depending on what decision is made'.

97. 'No more noise please'.

98. 'Just leave everything as it is. Peace and quiet away from all the hustle and bustle of cars and noise'.

99. Definitely not wanted 'Anything which could be considered a threat to the existing rural character of the area'.

100. Definitely doesn't want 'Sports pitches or any kind of tracks except walking routes'.

101. 'No football or sports pitches not golf'.

102. 'No noisy sports'.

103. 'Already a sports pavilion in NAG. Why more sports?'

104. 'The land should be left for nature to take its course'.

NOTE: is the fairness of this survey guaranteed as there is no address or signature required and 'extra' sheets could easily be copied.

105. 'A formal park would be a nice way to mark the year 2000'.

106. 'No nasty mass of roadways and buildings. Area to be left as natural as possible'.

107. 'Only sports facility required in Hartley is a covered tennis court'.

108. This is very impressive. Could you please contact me (name and address supplied). Thank you.

109. Definitely doesn't want 'Anything causing excessive noise'.

110. Anything quiet - we have enough noise from the Ash Road, Church Road, and Brands Hatch already!

111. With regard to funding, it is essential to budget for the supervision of whatever facilities are created so that it will never become a 'no go' area/drug pushers haven or perverts paradise.

112. Existing football pitches in this area are not properly managed and the litter after matches is unacceptable and the broken bottles and cans are a danger to children and animals.

113. Ask the teenagers and kids. We need somewhere for the teenagers, a conservation area and similar will be destroyed by some of them, because yet again adults have decided that kids and teenagers do not matter. THEY DO. ASK THEM.

114. Definitely not wanted 'Any noisy activities'.

115. Footpaths needed from Church Road to Calling Croft.

116. Suggests - part retained in agriculture for 'wildflower seed produced'.

117. Local farmers are nothing but a nuisance. Existing farmer must go as quickly as possible as he has abused the land e.g. dumping straw in the wood and causing fire, careless spraying.

118. Q9 - taxes increase. 'Not unless specific proposals are referred back to residents'.

119. This should be a local amenity principally for local people.

120. Keep horses off main roads. We already experience noise from Brands Hatch.

121. Formal football - with proviso 'For use of youth teams up to 16 years of age under strict supervision i.e. boy scouts, youth clubs'.

Q5 - How much would be a 'no go' area? How much space'.?

122. We need proper facilities for young people in Hartley. At present there is virtually nothing hence louts hang around on street corners. Swimming pool and sports/leisure facilities are needed.

123. Definitely not wanted 'Any organised human activities or building work'.

124. 'I would like the whole site to be a small country park'.

125. Suggests 'AGRICULTURE' in perpetuity (or forestry) for whole area.

126. Not wanted 'Nothing that would disturb the peace of the area'.

127. 'It would be nice to have a park with a shallow lake on Northfield, where we could have ducks and swans that the children could feed. This teaches children to be kind to animals'.

Definitely not wanted - 'Football. It attracts anti-social behaviour such as noise, litter and yobism. Rugby and motorbikes also not wanted for similar reasons'.

128. Q10 - part retained in agriculture 'Where does the income go?'

129. Suggests -'Cycle track from South of the Black Lion Public House and adjoining houses, to the New Ash Green roundabout, thus avoiding a very dangerous stretch of road'.

130. Suggestions 'Left as it is'. Definitely doesn't want 'Motorbikes or any sports facilities'.

131. Measures to deal with dog excrement - signs, bins or banning dogs from certain areas where children gather e.g. conservation areas. Money set aside to deal with clearing up of rubbish or damage to the site and to footpaths and houses leading to the field.

132. Q3 (Plan) is critical, the Parish Council have not got a business plan or any cost implications, and it is this major issue that makes many people wary of this development.

133. Suggests 'Woodland planting. This would respect the architect's. (NAG) original concept. Retain agricultural use, why change?'

134. 'If you wish to get the opinions of the public, please ask 'fair' questions. These are all 'leading'. Q10 - last page 'Better'.

135. 'No sports'.

136. Definitely not wanted 'Anything with more noise and car parking problems'.

137. Definitely not wanted 'Not sporting facilities - rugby pitches etc.'

138. Suggests 'An area for all local people to enjoy. No pitches. No motorbikes'.

139. Definitely not wanted 'Anything noisy'.

140. The youngsters really do need an area (other than for football pitches) where they could ride scramble and quad bikes, if these could be properly silenced and slipervised (but Northfield is too flat to be suitable anyway).

141. 'Save our countryside, especially hedges and wild plants. Bulldozers are destroying everything'.

142. This is a biased questionnaire and there are no safeguards against duplicate answers. Will you publish the returned and not filled in 'numbers?'

143. 'Left as nature intended'.

144. Q8 - funding from external organisations. 'This could cause external views to become more important'.

Q9 - increase in council taxes. 'Only if absolutely necessary. We do pay a high charge already. Plus we understand government will review charges after next election. This will increase all council taxes anyway'.

Definitely not wanted - 'No activities that warrant excessive noise. Hartley should be peaceful and enjoyed by all'.

'Good luck with a fair and appropriate project'.

145. 'The questions are slanted to rally opposition to the Parish Council'.

146. 'A place similar to New Barn Park - would benefit all ages and also provide income'.

147. 'What about an old fashioned meadow, just kept tidy and left alone'.

148. 'I think the field should be left as informal open space - for walks, picnics etc. and not town like traffic or formal pitches'.

149. 'We wish to see the majority of this very large parcel of land left in agriculture - It's the farmers who are the custodians of our countryside (not the parish council).

We wish to take this opportunity to thank FOHC for this survey. How sad that HPC have never requested our views on Northfield but are very quick to spend our money!'

150. 'In general there should be minimal "management". This land should return to a mixture of parkland and common land: accessible to all local people, a place for children to play and adults to relax'.

151. Anything definitely not wanted 'This stupid debate going on and on'.

152. 'Will not be controlled, nil social, will cost too much'.

153. 'I'd like to see a good village hall included in the plan, suitable for plays, music and meetings with adequate parking space'.

154. Q8. Funded externally - 'Not if we forfeit the right to have a say in any decisions'.

Q9. Increase in taxes - 'Yes, but to a limited extent as it may be unpopular with the majority of Hartley residents'.

Prefers 'Birds' animals and woodland'

'To add authenticity to the survey the respondents should sign and address, otherwise may not be valid'.

155. Suggests 'Something for older children. Skate park. Somewhere to ride bikes and have fun on them safely. None of the local country parks allow cycles'. There is nowhere in Hartley for young people to "hang out".

156. Definitely not wanted 'Football and rugby pitches - anything that increases traffic'.

157. 'This development should be done in small phases to limit cost and thus gaining an income and a chance to release small sections as funding becomes available. We consider horse riding on the roads extremely dangerous. Anything to facilitate off road riding takes priority'.

158. Suggests - 'Existing footpaths for dogs. Leave a lot of it as countryside not manicured parkland'.

Doesn't want signs saying clean UP dog mess without supplying bins to put it in.

159. Definitely not wanted -'Nothing noisy - a nice peaceful place to be quiet and relax to enjoy a lovely village and God's creation'.

Q9. Increase in council taxes - 'No, because I am already paying the lightest rateable value on my 2 bedroom bungalow and the roadside grass verge outside has not been cut for 2 years except by my own expense'.

160. Q4. Independent experienced person to manage project - 'Yes, but with local interests taken care of by local people'.

Definitely not wanted - 'Soccer pitches because of language e.g. Manor Field'.

161. 'We pay enough Council Tax already'.

162. Q8. Funding from external organisations - 'Impossible, but desirable'.

Q9. Increase in council taxes - 'Yes, within severe limits'.

Bird watching facilities -'Yes, if reasonable'.

Part retained in agriculture - 'Yes, if grants not affected'.

Formal football - 'Junior only'.

'Congratulations on taking on work which the Parish Councils should be doing'.

163. Q4. Independent experienced person to mange Northfield - 'This is a function of our democratically elected local council'.

Q9. Increase in council taxes -'Once again - a council decision'. Horse riding - 'Yes, under strict control'.

Children's playground -'Yes, supervised'.

164. Suggests - 'Quiet natural paths for walking or swimming pool'.

Jogging track - 'Not made up just footpaths'.

Horse riding track. -'Apart from walkers'.

165. Suggests - 'agricultural land. 1 don't think it should be used for anything other than agriculture! Or is that too difficult a choice!!!'

Q4. Independent experienced person - 'Yes, provided we get an honest and unbiased point of view'.

166. 'Leave untouched'.

167. Definitely doesn't want 'Anything that creates more traffic and noise'.

168. 'Definitely nothing noisy - disruptive unwanted -just leave the field alone. The only thing is a small radio controlled car track (electric cars)'.

169. Suggests - 'To be left as it is now'.

170. Q4. Independent experienced person - 'Proposals needed'.

Q9. Increase in taxes -'Insufficient information. Proposals needed'.

171. Definitely not wanted -'Nothing to be created which could be vandalised or allow vandals to congregate and cause nuisance to other people'

172. Wants 'Country Park, with walking/cycle paths'.

173. 'Keep as natural as possible' 'We have sports at Ash Green already'.

174. Q4. Experienced independent person - 'possibly'.

Q9. Increase in taxes - 'possibly'.

175. Q4. Experienced independent person to manage such a large project -'I don't agree that the topic is, at this stage, a large project'.

Q8. Funded by external grants - 'Don't know (depends on the actual proposals and their costs)'.

176. Prefers -'Woodland walks, picnic areas'.

Suggests - 'Rough country Bicycle track'.

'No more houses for a change lets have some land for recreation not profit. For all ages'.

177. Q 1. Retained as open space -'No, depends what alternatives there are to utilise land'.

Q9. Increase in taxes - 'Yes, obviously degree of increase to taxes would be advised during project define stage'.

'Given all the facilities available to mainstream sports (football, tennis, squash etc.) please give serious thought to the less supported activities (BMX/Roller Blades/Skate boarding tracks and Adventure Playground). Lets give the youngsters something they want. All I see on the survey is the norm jogging/horse riding/football!!!'

178. Suggests - 'Restaurant with boating lake, swimming pool'.

179. Definitely not wanted - 'Any sport which takes up a large area for a few participants'.

180. Definitely not wanted - 'Noisy activities and those creating extra traffic!'

181. 'We need area for a dog walking path'.

182. Incorporate all of the above - open space for enjoyment of countryside, preservation of areas of archaeological interest, informal knock about sports area, jogging track, swimming pool, snooker hall.

Definitely not wanted - 'Anything noisy'.

183. Suggests -'Something with disabled children combining animals. I would then be willing to give more on council tax'.

184. Q9. Increase in council taxes -'Yes, within limits'.

Formal football pitches - 'Only providing current are inadequate'

Informal knock about sports area - Not understood'.

'Nothing, which creates noise or inconvenience to residents'.

185. Suggest - 'Sports complex as there are not enough of such, free (only clubs). I know there is a sports club at New Ash Green, but a swimming pool is needed'.

186. 'No formal pitches or tracks'

'A garden created for the community i.e. like Charlie Dimmock has been involved with. This would bring Hartley and Ash closer in a pleasant area. Children's area could be incorporated in this project also for disabled children from Milestone School'.

187. Definitely not wanted - 'Anything to do with organised sports - these are already well provided for.'

188. 'We are NOT against rugby pitches. We think some of the questions are "loaded" and ambiguous'.

189. 'Please leave as farmland or countryside'.

190. Suggests - 'Managed Country Park'.

191. Q10. Open space - 'Yes, woodland'.

Part retained in agriculture - Yes, 'retain as existing use'.

Suggests - 'Return to natural state. No development of M form'.

'Questions are leading and not open enough'.

192. 'Where blanks are left because either we don't mind either way or as far as sport - we don't know what is required locally'.

193. 'No golf, football or rugby, thank you'.

194. QS. Ancient woodland and animal habitats protected - 'Nothing there!'

195. Q8 and 9 Funding/increase in council taxes - 'Perhaps, it would depend on what Northfield was going to be used for'.

Definitely not wanted - 'No motorbikes. Do not feel need for more sports pitches'.

196. Children's playground -'Not concreted or fully fitted.'

197. 'It should be a quiet part of the country.'

198. Suggests 'Nature trail devised by experts!'

199. Children's playground - Yes, 'supervised of course'

200. Q8. Funded solely by grants from external organisations -'No, a community effort'.

'Definitely not another children's playground as certain residents have done nothing but vandalise the existing playground at Wellfield'.

201. Q 1. Wants Northfield as an open space 'controlled and maintained i.e. as following questions suggest'.

202. 'The area should cater for all age groups, children, teenagers, adults. It should be an area that is adaptable for all uses i.e. fetes, sports, galas'.

203. 'Open spaces should be rigorously defended to sustain the rural nature of Hartley and nearby areas'.

204. 'No organised sport or anything involving large numbers of people. No motorised sport, including radio controlled aircraft or cars etc.'

205. 'Leave to evolve. No sport, no building, no professional bodies (environment)'.

206. 'The area has sufficient facilities - not fully utilised'.

207. Suggests - 'An army type assault course for the children, maybe scout camp, meetings etc.'.

208. 'Leave it as it is, its beautiful'.

209. 'As there is little countryside left we should try to preserve what we have now' '

210. 'Any form of open space would be nice'.

211. QS. Funded solely by grants - 'Yes, if possible: (if for wildlife projects)'.

Q9. Prepared to contribute by increase in council taxes 'if Q8 not possible: (if for wildlife projects)'.

'Small area use for "knock about sports".

Children's playground - 'small area to encourage families to visit'.

212. 'Leave things as they are - we do not want anything that attracts children or additional traffic'.

213. 'The land should be left as farmland'.

214. 'Enough sports facilities already, motorbikes especially out'.

215. Q10. Preservation of areas of archaeological interest - 'Are there any?'

216. 'Please leave the area as NATURAL as possible, with some agriculture, designated paths and special areas for blind/disabled children (e.g. touchy/feely/scented plants/texture paths etc.)'.

217. 'No sport, nature only'.

218. Q2&4 -'leading questions.'

Q10. Part retained in agriculture to provide income and benefit the wildlife 'How?'

Q10. Bird watching facilities/Jogging track - 'Possibly'.

219. Suggests 'Better maintenance of walking route leading to Langafel School'

220. 'An area that suits all ages who wants to enjoy'

221. Q10 Part retained in agriculture -'Maybe'.

'No team sports or motor sports'.

222. Suggests -'Gardens for disabled children with special requirements i.e. scented plants for the blind'.

223. 'There is nowhere for teenagers to go'.

224. 'Any noisy activity, especially those involving youths from a wide area'.

225. Definitely not wanted - 'Anything that would be for a minority or stop it being green'.

226. 'No senior sports pitches or buildings. No motorised vehicles (2 Junior only formal football pitches)'.

227. Suggests - 'Access for people with disabilities, possible areas for visually/sensory impairment sufferers'.

Doesn't want - 'Motorbikes, formal sports itches/other grass deserts'.

228. Q10 Yes - Nature conservation areas - 'Strong fences'.

Q10.Yes - Bird watching facilities - 'Small facilities'.

Q10. Yes - Horse riding track -'Dust track'.

Suggests - 'More trees, nature walks'.

229. 'No formal pitches. Foot and bridle paths round perimeter'.

Q9. Increase in taxes - 'Yes, by a small amount'.

230. Q10. Jogging track - 'Vandal proof obstacles logs/hillocks'.

Suggests - 'Simple flat area for skate boarders plus removable goal posts'. 'It is important that items are simple and vandal proof, nothing that can be thrown! Or moved/removed/bumt. This will then cost less!'

231. 'A better sports facility - swimming pool - schools could benefit plus the older youths of the area'.

Q8. Funding by grants -'maybe'.

Q9. Increase in taxes - 'proposal first!'

232. Suggests - 'Open space with cycle tracks (dog free)' Preferred choice. 'The key is to provide an attractive, natural undeveloped space between Hartley and New Ash Green'.

Q9. Yes, prepared to contribute by an increase in council taxes -'provided this ensures input into the decision making process'.

233. 'Please keep natural'.

'Definitely!! Consider existing sports facilities at NAG and Hartley sufficient'.

Doesn't want sport or 'anything else noisy!! or children orientated'.

234. Q9. Prepared to contribute to project by increase in council taxes - 'How much?'

235. 'Halls available for Dance, Drama, Theatre, Arts, etc. to keep Theatre alive. 1 and my partner will give our services free'.

236. Definitely not wanted -'Senior football and rugby. Two junior football pitches would be acceptable'.

237. Q9. 'Yes' prepared to contribute to project by increase in taxes - 'As long as not football/ rugby pitches'.

238. We support HPC's and Ash-cum-Ridley's plans for Northfield.

239. This is best left to the elected Parish Councils.

240. The residents of Hartley have already given you their views at the ballot box. They want an end to this nonsense that is being perpetuated by the self-interest of a very tiny minority. Leave the decision to the democratically elected PC members who have support of the vast majority of the village residents.

Also included below is a letter from one Hartley resident (name and address supplied).

27th September 2000

Dear Sir,

Though delighted that someone has found the time and resources to conduct a survey of the residents of Hartley about the future of Northfield, I am not impressed by the nature of the questions, many of which are either of little value or suggest the answer, which reduces their value.

Q1 Who is going to say 'No' to something for his/her benefit?

Q2 Likewise, this question is spoiled by the word 'inappropriate'. Nobody wants anything 'inappropriate', but some may like the idea of an appropriate building, for example.

Q3 A proper plan? Good idea! Yes.

Q4 We appear to have a management committee. I suggest that what is needed is sound advice. The person should be independent and successful, rather than merely experienced.

Q5 Here is a very biased question. One naturally thinks 'Yes', but is there anything unique? And how much? All development is a balancing act. I cannot answer.

Q6 I do not see the significance of this question. Generally, the involvement of more people brings with it less efficiency.

Q7 This will be answered by many as if the question is "Are there enough soccer pitches.." 1 believe that you could have gained useful information by asking a supplementary question along the lines of "If not, what is needed?" My answer? I do not know, but if there is a need for junior football facilities, why does one see advertisements seeking players? Particularly, I do not wish to see Hartley become a place which attracts players from the surrounding area.

Q8 Who is going to answer "No"?

Q9 The answer from any law abiding citizen has to be "Yes". I do not believe that 1 have much choice where the payment of taxes is involved. Why ask?

Q10 My preference is to leave things as they are but I recognise that this is unlikely to happen. Agriculture provides the best open space, although the alleged income has been conspicuously absent. 1 would NOT put anything there to attract vandalism, such as (unfortunately) childrens' swings etc. Likewise, a hide for birdwatchers would not survive for long. Turn it into parkland. Plant some trees. Exclude vehicles, except from a parking area. Provide two areas, one near Ash Road and one near Church Road with access therefrom, for the use, in emergency, of the Kent Air Ambulance. What is not wanted? Anything that routinely produces massive noise and/or litter, such as team games. Incidentally, although I voted against a Golf Course some years ago, that could well be preferable to some options. Golf courses are generally attractive in appearance, provide some facilities for wildlife and are well maintained. The participants rarely yell obscenities and they expect to pay for their recreation.

Yours faithfully,

PS Who is funding this survey?

SUMMARY

1. From the number of replies received and the number answering all questions it is quite clear that this survey has generated a high level of interest throughout the parish. Replies were received from every road in the village.

2. Residents have welcomed being consulted on an issue, which has implications for the whole village, not only in terms of finance but how they want to see the village developed.

3. In brief the results clearly indicated the following:

Questions 1 to 7 - AIMS

Prioritising these aims:

1 . Northfield should be protected from inappropriate development e.g. housing.

2. Northfield should be retained as "open space".

3. Northfield's ancient woodland and animal habitats should be protected.

4. The local community should be involved in the future of Northfield.

5. A proper plan detailing use and costs should be available prior to any development.

6. An experienced, independent person should be appointed to manage such a large project (accountable to the Parish Council).

7. The existing sports facilities in the area are seen to be sufficient.

Questions 8 and 9 - FUNDING

Preference is for funding solely by grants but 32.9% are prepared to contribute to the project by an increase in council taxes (Note: - this appears to be dependent on project type and small increase is mentioned).

Question 10 - USE OF THE LAND

Overwhelmingly you want:

1. Open space for the enjoyment of the countryside.

2. Nature conservation.

3. Part retained in agriculture.

What you definitely did not want:

1. Motorbikes.

2. Rugby.

3. Football.

4. Racetracks.

5. Formal organised sport of any kind.

Printed and published by the Friends of Hartley Countryside.

(c) The Friends of Hartley Countryside November 2000.

No part of this publication may be reproduced by any method without the prior consent of The Friends of Hartley Countryside.