Draft Future Oswestry Plan consultation results 2022

The Draft Future Oswestry Plan survey ran for six weeks from 9 February to 24 March 2022. The survey explored how people felt about the vision and the opportunities for each of the main locations. The survey was also used to determine priorities and which ‘big ideas’ are most important to local people. The survey results were summarised once it had closed. 

Vision  

The survey feedback suggested widespread support for the vision set out within the draft plan.  

  • 90% agreed with the proposed vision for Oswestry to become ‘a better place to live’
  • 86% agreed with the proposed vision for Oswestry to become ‘a better place for business’
  • 81% agreed with the vision for Oswestry to become ‘a healthier and more sustainable town’
  • 106 people made comments about the vision and themes suggested included:  
    • Focus on thriving businesses and employment   
    • Focus on environment and climate 
    • Public transport and access

The chart below highlights all the responses received with breakdowns by how strongly people agreed or disagreed with the vision statements. No more than ten people disagreed with any of the vision statements.

Graph Showing Findings Of The Future Oswestry Plan Consultation
Graph Showing Findings Of The Future Oswestry Plan Consultation

Area proposals  

  • 78% who gave a view supported the vision and opportunities for the Cambrian Gateway
  • 89% with an opinion supported the vision and opportunities for the Church Street Quarter
  • 79% of those who responded to the question supported the vision and opportunities for The Castle Quarter
  • 63% of those with an opinion supported the vision and opportunities for Mile End

Very few disagreed with the proposals set out, but many provided comments for consideration.  

Big ideas  

  • The top three priorities for movement were to make walking and cycling safer and more enjoyable, to create a public transport hub and to manage car parking
  • The top three priorities for placemaking were making the town centre shopping streets more attractive, improving the Festival Square public space and enhancing the Bailey Head/ Castle View public realm area
  • The top priorities for development and investment were bringing vacant buildings back into use, and using the former Morrisons site
  • Not all people felt that there were any ideas missing, but the top suggestions made were around parking, transport and movement for all needs; heritage; culture and leisure; and facilities for children and young people
  • The other feedback received included comments that Oswestry must meet the needs of residents and visitors, highlighting the importance of local services, culture and leisure, and good supporting infrastructure

Comments 

The comments received during the consultation highlighted the following priorities: 

  • Making the town centre shopping streets more attractive
  • Bringing vacant buildings back into use
  • Making walking and cycling safer and more enjoyable
  • A public transport hub
  • Public realm improvements to Festival Square and Bailey Head
  • Bringing the former Morrisons site back into use for shopping or leisure
  • Managing car parking

The survey included many open comment questions designed to ensure that survey respondents had the opportunity to share their thoughts and priorities. These comments highlighted the issues that seemed to matter the most, including:  

  • Design to reflect the character and history of Oswestry
  • Improved shopping and recreational facilities
  • Support for local businesses and the local economy
  • Public transport and active travel options
  • The need for robust infrastructure to support any increases in housing provision and growth
  • Provision of facilities for children and young people
  • The importance of local services, culture and leisure

The responses and comments helped to further understand the issues that matter most, but they also highlighted that there's not necessarily consensus in all areas, and more of a range of opinions. The engagement that has taken place over the last few years has led to the development of the Future Oswestry Plan, but this doesn't mean the end of engagement. There will be more opportunities for people to have their say and influence developments as the vision is followed, plans are implemented and the Big Ideas move forward.  

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