2011

Trewen Parish Plan

1/1/2011

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Table of Contents
Contents ................................................................................................... 2
What is the Trewen Parish Plan? .................................................................. 3
Comment from the Parish Meeting Chairman .............................................. 3
The 2010 Trewen Parish Questionnaire .................................................... 4
Trewen Parish Boundaries, Hamlets and Footpaths ...................................... 5
About the Parish of Trewen ......................................................................... 6
Churches................................................................................................ 7
Shop ................................................................................................... 7
The Environment ....................................................................................... 8
Traffic and Transport ................................................................................ 10
Business & Employment ............................................................................ 12
Community ............................................................................................. 13
Communication ........................................................................................ 15
Parish Pump ...................................................................................... 16
Parish Website ................................................................................... 16
Planning Ahead ........................................................................................ 17
Housing............................................................................................. 17
Allotments ......................................................................................... 18
Energy.................................................................................................... 19
The Future .............................................................................................. 20
Action Plan Summary ............................................................................... 21
Appendix ................................................................................................ 24
Listed Structures in Trewen, Cornwall, England ......................................... 24
Acknowledgements .................................................................................. 25

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What is the Trewen Parish Plan?
The Trewen Parish Plan 2011 is a document that sets out how the community
sees itself developing in the next 5-10 years.

Why have a Parish Plan?

There are many reasons why the Trewen Parish Meeting decided to undertake a
Parish Plan

 First and foremost it allows the community to have a say in how their
Parish develops in the future.

 It can be used to attract funding for projects, as it can provide evidence of

demand for facilities and activities.

 It can be used to influence planning policies.

 It can be used in providing a framework for action based on what

residents view as important.

 Community groups and residents can use the information in the plan, as
an invaluable tool to help them lobby for change.

 It will be an interesting snapshot of life in the Parish for those who follow
on in the future.

Comment from the Parish Meeting Chairman

Two years have elapsed since we first decided to produce a Parish Plan for
Trewen. The process has taken longer than first envisaged but nevertheless I
believe the 2010 Survey and subsequent Parish Plan helps us all to map the way
forward for our community for years to come. Trewen is one of the smallest
Parishes in Cornwall and has somewhat limited resources. The steering group
have therefore endeavoured to produce a Plan that is both forward looking and
achievable within the limited resources we have to hand.

We have a very good sense of community and mutual support within the Parish.
This I contend will be increasingly important as we all go through some tough
economic conditions in the next few years. My thanks extend to everyone who
has worked so hard to make the initial concept of a Parish Plan a reality.

David J Pett June 2011

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How was the Plan developed?
The 2010 Trewen Parish Questionnaire
In 2009 there was agreement at the Trewen Parish Meeting AGM that a Parish
Plan should be carried out. Community Meetings were held throughout that year
to establish what the Parish plan would contain and how the information would
be brought together.

At the end of 2009 a small steering group was formed to oversee the
development of the plan. The first stage of this process was to design a
comprehensive questionnaire that would be sent to every household and would
include questions for every resident in the Parish. The aim was to give residents
an opportunity to comment on everything they felt impacted on their lives in the
area in which they lived. The steering group consulted with the local County
Councillor and Cornwall Council staff to guide them in this process.

The survey was conducted by distributing a detailed questionnaire to 60

households in the Parish in January 2010. Residents were given 3 weeks to
complete the questionnaire and they were then collected.

Out of 60 questionnaires sent out, 54 were completed. This was a very high
response rate. The responses to the questionnaires were collated and compiled
into a summary report. To view a copy of this report, please contact the
Chairman or Clerk of Trewen Parish Meeting. The report may also be viewed on
the Parish Website at www.trewen.net .

The Parish Plan has been compiled using the results of the 2010 survey as a
foundation and by consultation with the Parish residents at Parish meetings in
2010. The Parish Plan has been produced by members of the Steering Group.
All issues and residents comments in the Plan are those which have been written
and highlighted by responses given in the Parish Survey. Space in this document
limits the opportunity for all comments to be published but the steering group
have sought to publish a cross section of the views expressed.

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Trewen Parish Boundaries, Hamlets and Footpaths

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About the Parish of Trewen
The Parish of Trewen,
(Cornish: Trewynn), is
situated on the edge
of Bodmin Moor to the
west of Launceston. It
is bounded on the
north by Egloskerry,
on the east by St
Thomas-by-
Launceston, on the
south by South
Petherwin and
Lewannick, and on the
west by Altarnun and
Laneast. The origin of
the Parish name is
probably from the
Cornish for 'white
farm'.

Trewen Parish contains the minor village of Pipers Pool, with approximately 30
dwellings. The Parish contains the small settlements of Trenault and Trewen.1

The Parish comprises 992 acres of land and 2 acres of water. Population 134.
Houses 61.2

The Inney Valley, which runs through the southern part of the Parish, is
designated an Area of Great Landscape Value. In Trewen Parish there are 11
listed structures which include one Grade 1 and ten Grade 2. These include 4
houses, 1 headstone and 1 mill.

About Pipers Pool

Pipers Pool is a small village in East Cornwall situated about five and a half miles
west of Launceston. Pipers Pool is the only village in Trewen Parish on the
eastern flanks of Bodmin Moor. Nearby settlements include Laneast, Polyphant
and Egloskerry. The name Pipers Pool allegedly came from Sir Hugh Piper a
wealthy citizen of Launceston and local landowner in the 16th century. A tablet
to his memory is in St Marys Church, Launceston.

1
North Cornwall District Planning 2005
2
Source: NCDC South Petherwin Ward Profile 2005

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Churches

St Michael and All Angels Parish Church, Trewen

The 13th Century Parish Church is a

granite building in the Early
Perpendicular style, which was
restored in 1863/1864; it
comprises a chancel, nave, and
north aisle. A bell-turret at the
west-end of the Church contains
one bell. The register of baptisms
date from 1616, and marriages
and burials from 1617. The
Church is a Grade II listed building.
Services are held twice monthly.
The annual candlelight carol
service and Harvest Festival are
very popular community events. The Church organises various social activities
including a Summer cream tea and wine and wisdom evenings.

Pipers Pool Methodist Church

Pipers Pool Chapel circa 1940. Note the ‘old
chapel’ building and ‘chapel chimneys’.
The first Methodist society was
formed in the Parish in 1808. The
first Chapel was built in Pipers Pool in
1839 and was on the site of the
present car park. The present Chapel
building was opened in 1876. The
Chapel continues to be used for
weekly Christian Worship services on
Sundays and is led by Methodist Local
Preachers and Ministers from the
Launceston Circuit.

On the first Sunday of the month a Café-style Church is held which is a more
informal time of worship held in the schoolroom. The Church and schoolroom are
increasingly being used as a centre for various community activities. These
include a monthly lunch club, a Parents and Toddlers group held twice monthly,
Pipers Pool Ladies group meeting monthly as well as Parish meetings. The
Chapel has a well equipped kitchen facility.

Shop
There was a shop and Post Office in Pipers Pool but this closed in the early
1970’s

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The Environment
The Parish is situated in a rural area with a range of environments of village and
hamlet, farmed land, woodland and the beautiful river Inney Valley.

What are the Issues?

Both the natural and built environment are key assets to Trewen Parish, being
set in a picturesque landscape. The 2010 survey revealed that the residents
greatly value this environment and wish to see it protected and maintained.
There are 3 footpaths in the Parish; the Trewen to Trenault bridle path is known
by the majority of Parishioners but the other 2 paths (Trewen to Coombe and
Trewen to Hicks Mill) are less well known and used infrequently. Concern was
expressed by horse owners that gates and fences be appropriate for riders.
Clearer signposting and information could be advantageous. Parishioners felt
that the Parish was tidy and well kept although litter was an issue particularly on
the A395 and some of the minor roads. The Church and Chapel grounds are well
maintained. There was some interest shown in Parish boundary and footpath
walks as well as forming a Parish Wildlife group. Some residents felt that rural
skills should in some way be encouraged. There are concerns about dogs
running free and fouling public roads and walkways.

What can be done?

 Investigate better signage for the existing footpaths so that they are
clearly indicated
 Action by the Parish meeting to make sure footpaths are clear, safe and
accessible
 Design and provide leaflets for circular walks around the Parish and
adjoining Parishes.
 Set up a Tidy Parish Scheme to pick up litter and make improvements to
the Parish environment.
 Start a Parish wildlife group joining in with activities from neighbouring
Parishes e.g. http://www.launcestonParishwildlife.org.uk/
 Investigate dog problems such as fouling and loose dogs on the highways.

Who needs to be involved?

 Trewen Parish Meeting
 Local residents
 Cornwall Wildlife Trust
 British Trust for Conservation Volunteers BTCV?
 Cornwall Council

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 ‘These rights of way need to be preserved’ Parishioners Comment

What Parishioners said:

‘Slippery steps at Coombe’

‘Need clearer signposting’

‘I’d like more information on footpaths

and bridleway’

‘Arrange a Parish walk on the footpaths’

‘Gate over stream can be difficult to open’

‘Condition of some paths needs

improvement’

‘Lay-by and bus shelter could be tidier’

‘See nothing as an eyesore’

‘More flowers, cleaner roads’

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Traffic and Transport
The excessive speed of traffic on the A395 has been a subject on the agenda of
the Trewen Parish Meeting since 1967 and concern has grown as traffic volume
has increased. Significant work has already been done by various people over
the years to combat this issue. In the early 1990’s a 40 MPH speed limit was
introduced through Pipers Pool village. In 2010 after intense campaigning and a
change to government policy a 30 MPH limit was introduced. The village now
also has a flashing warning sign to warn motorists coming in to the village via
the A395 from the East. A Community ‘Speedwatch’ team have been trained by
Devon and Cornwall Police Authority to monitor and record speeding traffic in
the village. A mobile speed camera from the safety camera partnership is also
currently in occasional attendance in the village. The A395 in the village was
completely resurfaced in January 2011. The lack of public transport in the village
is an issue with very few bus services.

What are the Issues?

The measures taken in the last few
years to reduce the speed of traffic
have generally improved the
situation and quality of life for the
Parishioners who live on the A395
in the village of Pipers Pool but
speeding traffic still causes
concerns. The need for further
traffic calming measures was
raised in the responses to the
survey but there were conflicting
attitudes to these measures.
Pipers Pool circa 1940

Transport to amenities and work is a high concern to many in the Parish. The
majority of Parishioners do not use public transport but it is vital for those who
do not have access to a car. The increasing costs of motoring will exacerbate this
problem. Currently the ‘Western Greyhound’ bus company provide a service
travelling from Newquay to Exeter. This bus route travels in both directions 3
times a day. The Local Community Bus (Little Red Bus) will pick up villagers one
day a week and take them to and from local services in Launceston. Some
residents have stated they would use public transport more if a better service
were available.

There is considerable concern regarding potholes and maintenance of the by-

roads in the Parish. Recent severe wintry weather conditions have been a cause
of concern for Parishioners trying to get to work and amenities.

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What can be done?
 Parish meeting could investigate car sharing schemes for work and
amenity provision.
 Work with Police Authority and Cornwall Council Highways to find ways to
reduce traffic speeds in the village of Pipers Pool
 Encourage car sharing
 Promote the Launceston Community Transport
Partnership ‘Little Red Bus’

I consider the lower speed limit

has had a noticeable effect
Parishioner’s Comment

Who needs to be involved?

 Cornwall Council- Local Transport plan
http://db.cornwall.gov.uk/ltp/ltp20062011/index.html
 Cornwall Council Highways maintenance plan
 Devon and Cornwall Safety Camera Partnership
http://www.dcsafetycameras.org/

What Parishioners said:

 Access to A395 from side lanes dangerous due to low
visibility
 Mud on roads
 Better roads than where we were before
 Happy with roads as most have been done recently
 Patching isn’t sufficient, doesn’t last and false economy
 No further traffic calming necessary, will settle in time
 Provide ‘beware of horses’ signs

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Business & Employment
A number of small
businesses operate
within Trewen
Parish. Farming is
still a major
industry in the
Parish and employs
some within the
Parish. There are
some tourism based
businesses supplying Bed and Breakfast, Self Catering and Cafe services.
Currently other small businesses exist within the Parish including car sales,
architect, builders, surveyors, artists and computer services. A lot of
Parishioners travel out of the Parish to their place of work.

What are the Issues?

Promotion of local businesses, skills and services was a popular issue in the
results of the survey. People are keen to know about the local trades and
services that are available within the community. It was recognised that fast
broadband internet communication is vital for those living and working in rural
communities.

What can be done?

 Create a ‘Trewen Service Directory’ to advertise and promote local
businesses. Distribute the directory to every household and include the
information on the Trewen website.
 Promoting local business and encouraging working from home by
lobbying for improved Broadband services.
 Keep the Trewen website regularly updated.

Who needs to be involved?

 Trewen Parish meeting
 Local businesses

What Parishioners said:

 We need information about services offered by villagers
 Make sure the Parish website is up to date

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Community
There is a strong sense of community in the Parish with various events being
staged and hosted by a number of groups within the Parish. However not
everyone is involved with these activities.

What are the Issues?

Currently there is no Village Hall in the
Parish. Any functions that take place
usually do so at the Church or the
Methodist Chapel. The Methodist Church
currently is the regular venue for a
monthly lunch club, Mother and Toddlers
and a ladies group. Larger functions have
to be held in halls in other Parishes. Due
to the size and finances of the community
it would be unrealistic to consider a
purpose built hall. The questionnaire raised
the issue whether the Methodist Chapel should be altered to provide facilities for
greater community use. The 2010 Survey results supported this suggestion.

What can be done?

 Work with representatives of Pipers Pool Methodist Church to explore
possibilities for improvements to the building including better heating,
seating and access. This would
have to include fundraising and
grant sourcing.
 Explore possibilities for other
interest groups to form in the Parish
to use facilities and bring the
community together.
 Create a community events
committee to coordinate social
activities in the Parish.

Who needs to be involved?

Pipers Pool lunch club in
 Trewen Parish Meeting the Chapel schoolroom
 Residents
 Pipers Pool Methodist Church
 Cornwall Council localism service
 Cornwall Rural Community Council

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What Parishioners said:
 There is a lot going on I was not aware of already
 I don’t know many local people, I feel like an outsider
 I’d like to see a mural painted on the garden wall on the A395 in Pipers
Pool
 Social events are ‘old hat’ and interest only a few
 Community events need to be run by a full committee
 We don’t know when or where events take place

Ideas for Community events:

Children’s activities Film Night

Bingo Parish Fun Day /Sports

Youth Club Supper evenings

Coffee mornings Harvest Supper

Wine and Wisdom/ Quizzes Hobbies clubs

Art Exhibitions/ Concerts Summer fete

Camera Club Walking group

Community Choir ‘Keep fit’ club

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Communication
The Parish utilises various methods of communication to convey information.

 4 notice boards

 Parish Website www.trewen.net

 Door to door leafleting

 Parish Pump magazine published quarterly.

 Word of mouth

 E-mail

What are the Issues?

The Parish is small but as it consists of several small
communities it is possible for some households to miss out
on Parish news and communication. A high number of
households indicated that they are connected to
Broadband (86%). A Parish website was set up a few
years ago but is currently underutilised. The Parish Pump
magazine is widely read and appreciated but could be
enhanced to provide more local news and stories. A pack
containing information about local groups, social events and public services
could be produced and made available to each household. This would be of
particular value to new residents. This could be included with the ‘business
directory’. Very little has been provided for children or young people in any of
the existing forms of communication.

What can be done?

 Promote greater use of www.trewen.net website.

 Create a Parish Pump editorial group.

 Create a village information pack.

 Ensure Parish events are publicised on notice boards.

 Collate residents e-mail addresses so that information can be relayed.

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Who needs to be involved?
 Trewen Parish Meeting
 Residents
 Young Parishioners
 Local service providers
 County Council

What Parishioners said:

Parish Pump
 Maybe a bus timetable in the pump
would be helpful

 Include kids' stuff

 Regularly updated information please

about services offered to villagers

 Agree an annual budget to produce a

quality newsletter which appeals to all
members of the community

 More about people who live in the Parish

 A section of ‘for sale’ items

 Just keep to articles about Parish

meetings and affairs

Parish Website
 Must be kept up to date

 Didn’t know about it

 Content should include history and background to Parish

 More recent photos please

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Planning Ahead
Housing

What are the Issues?

Nationally, housing is an important issue as there is a perceived need for more

housing stock. In many rural areas the lack of affordable housing means that
young people who would like to continue to live in the area are unable to do so.
This means that in time the population of many rural areas is in danger of aging
or declining.

Total Age Range Number of persons

population
Age range of Trewen Parish
146 0-10 4
11-20 5 as reported in the 2009
21-40 21 questionnaire.
41-65 43
65+ 26
Not returned 47

This was not viewed as a particular problem amongst the respondents to the
2010 Survey. The Parish contains very few building plot spaces and this has
been reflected in the low number of recent planning applications. 14% of
respondents did consider that there was a need for more housing in the Parish
although 40% responded negatively to that suggestion.

What can be done?

 Continue to consider
planning applications on a
case by case basis

 Be aware of local need for

housing for the future

Who needs to be involved?

 Parish meeting

 County Councillor

 Cornwall Council

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Allotments

What are the Issues?

As the cost of food increases there is an increasing demand for gardens. There
was a small group of respondents who expressed interest in either acquiring an
allotment or garden sharing with other Parishioners. Some gardens and land
appears to be under-utilised.

What can be done?

 Create a register of residents requesting allotments.

 Create a register of residents willing to garden share.

 If demand is there, seek out land that could be used for allotments.

 Get advice regarding how to set up ‘garden sharing’ schemes.

Who needs to be involved?

 Parish meeting

 Cornwall Council

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Energy
What are the issues?
Energy costs are rising rapidly and there is increasing concern about this issue.
There is no natural gas supply in the Parish so residents use various types of
energy source. Domestic Oil and Solid fuel are the most popular. Some
residents already successfully work together to purchase domestic heating oil
and significant cost savings have been achieved. The 2010 Survey revealed
interest in the Parish organising energy saving workshops and 42% respondents
to the Survey indicated support for research into sustainable community energy
projects. Trewen Futures Group is a small social group that meet regularly to
discuss future sustainability and is well placed to help with this issue.

What can be done?

 Encourage and increase numbers using the Heating Oil purchasing group.

 Work with Community Energy Plus to provide ‘workshops’ for energy

saving assistance and ideas.

 Research sustainable energy options both as individual households and

Community.

Who needs to be involved?

 Parish meeting

 Trewen Futures Group

 Cornwall Council

 Energy providers

 Work with Community Energy Plus (CEP)- an award-winning charity that

delivers local solutions to fuel poverty, energy efficiency and sustainable
energy). http://www.cep.org.uk/

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The Future
This Parish plan has been compiled as a result of a Survey conducted in 2010
and is, by necessity, reflective of the issues of that time. Circumstances
inevitably change over time and priorities may change to mirror different issues.

The proposals in this Parish plan are over a short space of time of about 5 years.
We propose that there will be a review of progress made toward the plans aims
annually.

In May 2011 a Parish meeting was held with a renewable energy company that
revealed that a planning application for a 500kw wind turbine is being
considered at Trenault. The consultants revealed that there may be community
benefits offered to the Parish if the turbine was installed.

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Action Plan Summary
By when
The Environment
 Investigate better signage for the existing footpaths so that they are clearly indicated. End of 2011

 Action the Parish Meeting to make sure footpaths are clear, safe and accessible. Reviewed annually
 Design and provide leaflets for circular walks around the Parish and adjoining Parishes.
End of 2013
 Set up a Tidy Parish Scheme to pick up litter and make improvements to the Parish environment.
 Start a Parish wildlife group joining in with activities from neighbouring Parishes. 2012

http://www.launcestonparishwildlife.org.uk Reviewed annually

 Investigate dog problems such as fouling and loose dogs on the highways.

Traffic & Transport

Ongoing
 Parish meeting could investigate car sharing schemes for work and amenity provision.
Ongoing
 Work with Police Authority and Cornwall Council Highways to find ways to reduce traffic speeds in the
village of Pipers Pool
Ongoing
 Promote the Launceston Community Transport Partnership ‘Little Red Bus’

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Action Plan Summary
Business & Employment
2012
 Create a ‘Trewen Service Directory’ to advertise and promote local businesses. Distribute the directory to
every household and include the information on the Trewen website.
Ongoing
 Promoting local business and encouraging working from home by lobbying for improved Broadband
services.
Ongoing
 Keep the Trewen website regularly updated.

Community
2012
 Work with representatives of Pipers Pool Methodist Church to explore possibilities for improvements to
the building including better heating, seating and access. This would have to include fundraising and
grant sourcing.
Long term
 Explore possibilities for other interest groups to form in the Parish to use facilities and bring the
community together.
Ongoing
 Create a community events committee to coordinate social activities in the Parish.

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Action Plan Summary
Communication
Ongoing
 Promote greater use of www.trewen.net website.
Ongoing
 Create a Parish Pump editorial group.
2013
 Create a village information pack.
Ongoing
 Ensure Parish events are publicised on notice boards.
Ongoing
 Collate residents e-mail addresses so that information can be relayed.

Planning Ahead
Ongoing
 Continue to consider planning applications on a case by case basis.
Ongoing
 Be aware of local need for housing for the future.
2012
 Create a register of residents requesting allotments.
2012
 Create a register of residents willing to garden share.
2012
 If demand is there, seek out land that could be used for allotments.
2012
 Get advice regarding how to set up ‘garden sharing’ schemes.

Energy
 Encourage and increase numbers using the Heating Oil purchasing group. Ongoing
 Work with Community Energy Plus to provide ‘workshops’ for energy saving assistance and ideas. 2012

 Research sustainable energy options as individual households and Community. Ongoing

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Appendix

Listed Structures in Trewen, Cornwall, England

Some building names may be abbreviated or partial; this is how they are
recorded in the original register.

Barn Directly to South East of Trewen Farmhouse

Grade II Trewen, Cornwall
Barn Directly to South West of Trewen Farmhouse
Grade II Trewen, Cornwall
Boundary Stone at Ngr Sx 2716 8334
Grade II A395, St Thomas the Apostle Rural, Cornwall
Bridge Directly South of Trewen Mill
Grade II Altarnun, Cornwall
Bridge Directly to South of Trewen Mill
Grade II Trewen, Cornwall
Church of St Michael
Grade II* Trewen, Cornwall
Headstone of Richard Prout 7 Metres to West of
Church of St Michael
Grade II Trewen, Cornwall
Innyside Farmhouse
Grade II Trewen, Cornwall
Menwenicke
Grade II Trewen, Cornwall
Milestone 350 Metres to South East of Pipers
Pool
Grade II A395, Trewen, Cornwall
Sherrell ( Now ‘The Old Post Office)
Grade II A395, Trewen, Cornwall
Trewen Farmhouse
Grade II Trewen, Cornwall
Trewen Mill
Grade II Trewen, Cornwall

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Acknowledgements

The Parish Plan has been compiled by the Steering group which was appointed
by the Trewen Parish meeting.

Parish Plan Steering group:

David Pett (Chairman) Lucy Banks, Judy Cole, Sheila Lawes, Mark Gibbons and
Simon Turner.

Our thanks extend to the following people who have supported us in this work.

Councillor Philip Parsons - Cornwall Council, Altarnun Ward

Sally Lewis - Cornwall Council Community Regeneration Officer

Mark O’Brien - Cornwall East Community Network Manager

Sharon Davey and Cornwall Rural Community Council

Sheila Lawes, David Pett – Photography

Terry Mitchley - Cover Photograph

Mark Gibbons - Parish Boundary sketch

And finally, thanks go to all Parishioners who have assisted in any way to
provide information.

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