It is recognised that there is little scope for development. What development there is to be should include low cost homes for young people. Also a survey should be conducted by the EHDC of redundant buildings with a view to utilising such buildings for low cost housing.
There is a need to create more local employment as only 145 of the inhabitants work in Ropley. It is recommended that the EHDC relaxes its policy on future planning applications for extensions and garages used for business. Also sympathetic consideration should be given for the development of redundant farm buildings for craft or rural activities, or even light industry subject to strict control on noise and pollution and suitable and safe road access.
This affects everyone, with one third of the residents wanting more provision. Two recommendations are made for the Parish Council and the EHDC. The introduction of residents permits for Church Street, Darvill Road and Ropley Dean, and the extension of parking bays in Dunsells Lane and making new ones adjacent to Town Close.
It is recommended that the following speed limits are introduced:
– Village centre 20mph
– Petersfield Road 40mph
– A31 Winchester Road 40mph
In addition, that "black spots" should be surveyed with a view to introducing traffic calming methods. However, they must be strictly controlled so as not to be deleterious to the rural nature of the village.
It is recommended that the Highway Authorities reviews its programme and methods (leaving cuttings and detritus) for cleaning the roadside ditches in order to reduce roadside flooding and that the Parish Council introduces a by-law prohibiting residents from tipping grass and hedge-cuttings in ditches and on verges.
With 62% of respondents supporting re-cycling, the EHDC is requested to encourage more households to participate in their recently launched collection scheme. It is recommended that the Ropley Society works closely with the Parish Council to implement the actions identified in the Questionnaire to improve the environment and make the countryside more attractive. Also efforts should be made to harness the energies of more than 300 respondents who expressed their willingness to help.
The Parish Council is requested to review the survey on types of disturbances identified by the respondents in the Questionnaire and take appropriate action.
More use should be made of the excellent school facilities by the Village and it is suggested that the Hants CC and Governors should review hire charges in rural villages and more actively promote and make affordable their use by villages.
It is further recommended that the Hants CC and the Parish Council review the high demand for Adult Education evening classes with a view to facilitating their provision.
The Community Care Committee are recommended to review the way they promote their services and harness the large numbers willing to help. There is a need for a good neighbour scheme to assist the 48 people who said they need help with collecting medicines and shopping. The responsibility for co-ordinating this programme should be clearly identified and published.
It is recommended that organisations promote their activities more vigorously by making use of the Public Notice Boards and BisMonRopTis. As 70% of the respondents in the village consider it important to extend the existing cricket pavilion, it is recommended that the Sports Club should proceed with its lottery grant application and it be supported by the Parish Council. It is also recommended that the existing clubs collaborate on setting up a Youth club in the village especially as 100 people have offered to help.
Commemorative
Clock on the Cricket Pavilion — installed in memory of one of Ropley’s great
characters and keen cricketer, Harold "Snowy" BunceIt is hoped that further steps can be taken to bring a reconciliation of both parties for the benefit of the Village as a whole.
The need for extra notice boards and bus time tables (despite being delivered to every household) was identified in the questionnaire. It is recommended that the Parish Council reviews these requirements, though the committee felt that they were probably adequate.
