As you may have already read in the summary leaflet, North Tyneside Council is creating a new plan for the town centre of North Shields and the surrounding area, including the Fish Quay. Over the following pages you will find a list of the key issues that are affecting North Shields and some options to address them. We would like you to take some time to read through the issues and options and tell us what you feel is best for the development of North Shields. There is a lot of information in this document but your views are really important to help us to be sure the plan fully takes them into account. Unless otherwise stated please tick only one option per question.  There is space towards the end of the questionnaire for you to suggest alternative options and ideas

Q1	The Area Action Plan Boundary An Area Action Plan (AAP) should provide the planning framework for areas where significant change or conservation is needed or anticipated. The Council set a boundary for the AAP to focus on in 2004; do you think this boundary should be altered?
		Option A: Keep the existing boundary
		Option B: Reduce the area, focusing on employment land, the Town Centre and the Fish Quay
		Option C: Increase the area to include more open space and leisure uses such as The Parks Centre, Northumberland Park and the Royal Quays shopping complex
		Option D: Another option

Please specify

The following map identifies alternative boundaries for the plan

Q2	Housing Delivery The Core Strategy guides the number of new houses needed in the Borough and roughly where they should be located. Which method of delivering new housing should the planning department pursue in North Shields?
		Option A: Convert existing dwellings and small-scale infill
		Option B: Refurbish and redevelop areas of poor quality housing
		Option C: Create new sites for housing development, taking into consideration local context and scale
		Option D: Encourage windfall development of a suitable scale (windfall development is development which is not part of a formal allocation or potential development area)
		Option E: An appropriate mix of the above

Q3	Are there any sites within the AAP area that should be considered for housing?

Q4	Achieving High Quality Design As part of a Design and Access Statement, legislation requires development proposals to carry out a character analysis of the site and setting to ensure proposals respond positively. In the case of all new development within the borough, high quality design will be required. Although the AAP does not specify how new developments should be designed it should give guidance on achieving high quality design.  What is the best way to do this?
		Option A: Develop a design code for North Shields to set out specific requirements about how to plan buildings, streets and spaces
		Option B: Create development briefs, which set out guidelines and requirements for the development of specific sites
		Option C: Another option

Please specify

Q5	Tackling Crime and Anti Social Behaviour Which of the following measures would most effectively tackle crime and anti social behaviour?
		Option A: Improved policing and detection are the only measures necessary to address crime
		Option B: The introduction of new and enhanced security and surveillance together with improved policing
		Option C: Increasing the attractiveness and range of activities in the area is key to reducing crime and anti social behaviour
		Option D: Another option

Please specify

Q6	What other measures could be included to combat crime and improve safety in North Shields?

Q7	Sustainable Transport Which of the following sustainable transport options should be a priority for the AAP?
		Option A: Improve footpath and cycle networks and provide more cycle parking
		Option B: Enhance the quality, frequency and capacity of public transport and improve the linkages between various sustainable modes of transport
		Option C: Improve the physical environment at bus stops by introducing new shelters and CCTV and redevelop the Metro Station
		Option D: Use parking restrictions and parking charges to discourage people from making non-essential car journeys

Q8	North Shields Metro Station Should the AAP encourage any of the following?
		Option A: Redevelop the station to include modern facilities and shops and offices in the building
		Option B: Smaller scale improvements to the station with more direct interchange to local buses
		Option C: Maintain existing level of Metro service and focus on improving bus services
		Option D: Another option

Please specify

Q9	North Shields Ferry Would you like to see any changes to the Ferry timetable?
		Option A: Extend the evening timetable to have late ferries everyday
		Option B: Extend the evening Sunday operating hours only
		Option C: No need to extend the operating hours of the Ferry
		Option D: Another option

Please specify

Q10	New Development and Transport Which approach should the AAP seek to achieve for new development sites?
		Option A: Ensure all new development in the area provides off-street parking
		Option B: Support reduced parking provision for developments within the plan area to support and encourage public transport use
		Option C: Encourage new development to make appropriate provision for car parking but focus on measures to encourage and create opportunities for walking and cycling within the town
		Option D: Another option

Please specify

Q11	Recreational Routes What should the priority action be for the CAP?
		Option A: Connect sections of cycle routes to link them together as a coherent strategic network
		Option B: Where possible secure public access to the riverside as part of any development proposal
		Option C: Promote current routes through improved signage and infrastructure
		Option D: Focus on improving accessibility along current and future pedestrian routes
		Option E: No need for any action
		Option F: Another option

Please specify

Q12	Enhancement of Openspace Provision The Greenspace Strategy identified several greenspaces of low value and low quality. What approach should the AAP take towards these areas?
		Option A: Enhance and protect all open space
		Option B: Develop a number of sites in order to provide capital to improve other greenspaces in the area
		Option C: Develop all sites of low value
		Option D: Another option

Please specify

Q13	Provision for Young People The audit of greenspaces in the Borough recognised a lack of equipped play areas. If revenue can be sort can you identify any sites within the AAP boundary or surrounding area suitable for play equipment?
		Option A: Adjacent to The Parks leisure centre
		Option B: Within the new Smiths Docks development
		Option C: Within an established open space
		Option D: Another option

Please specify

Q14	What kind of equipment should be provided within any new play spaces? Think about any age ranges that are not currently provided for.
		Option A: Equipment for under 5s
		Option B: Provision for 5-9 year olds
		Option C: Equipment suitable for 10-13 year olds
		Option D: Provision for teenagers
		Option E: Provide for all age ranges

Q15	Sports Facilities The Council's Greenspace Strategy highlights deficiencies in certain types of sports facilities. Do you think sports provision within the AAP area is adequate?
		Yes
		No

Q16	Should additional sports facilities be introduced and if so what additional facilities would you like to see, and where?

Leisure and Recreation What leisure and recreation uses would you like to see extended or provided in North Shields and where?

Q17	Sports facilities
		Option A: No need for new facilities
		Option B: Extend current facilities i.e. The Parks
		Option C: A new site

Please specify

Q18	New Library
		Option A: No need for new facilities
		Option B: Improve and update current library
		Option C: A new site

Please specify

Q19	Parks and Open Space
		Option A: No need for new facilities
		Option B: Introduce 'pocket parks' on small areas
		Option C: A large new area of open space

Please specify where

Q20	Skate Park
		Option A: Do not provide a Skate Park in North Shields
		Option B: Provide facilities within an existing open space
		Option C: Provide facilities on a new site

Please specify where

Q21	Water based recreation
		Option A: No need for new facilities
		Option B: Provide facilities at Royal Quays
		Option C: Provide facilities at the Fish Quay

Q22	Are there any other leisure and recreation uses that you would particularly like to see introduced into North Shields Town Centre?

Q23	The Northumberland Square Conservation Area Should the AAP seek to alter the boundary of the Northumberland Square Conservation Area?
		Option A: Retain the existing boundary
		Option B: Expand the conservation area boundary
		Option C: Reduce the boundary

Please indicate what should be included

Please indicate what should be removed.

Q24	Alternative uses in Northumberland Square To ensure the future viability of the Square it may be necessary to consider alternative uses other than the current offices. What should the AAP aim to do?
		Option A: Preserve all current uses
		Option B: Encourage sensitive re-introduction of residential use, splitting the buildings into flats and maisonettes
		Option C: Encourage sensitive re-introduction of residential use, retaining the buildings as whole units to create large family houses
		Option D: Another option

Please specify

Q25	Northumberland Square Central Garden How could the AAP improve the environment in the Square gardens?
		Option A: Produce a public realm strategy informed by other Council work to update and replace street furniture and improve landscaping
		Option B: Undertake a significant re-design of the garden using historic plans and maps
		Option C: Retain existing street furniture and garden layout
		Option D: Another option

Please specify

Q26	Preservation and enhancement of building stock Which of the following options do you consider would most effectively preserve and enhance the existing buildings within the conservation areas.
		Option A: The maintenance and improvement of existing buildings in the town should be the responsibility of private businesses and investment
		Option B: Public investment in streets and the public realm
		Option C: The continuation and extension of existing grant schemes for private buildings
		Option D: Another option

Please specify

Q27	Removal of Permitted Development Rights Some types of minor building work, such as altering windows and doors, do not need planning permission. This is because the effect of these developments on neighbours or the environment is likely to be small, and the government has issued a general planning permission to authorise them. This is known as permitted development. However, in some places like conservation areas these small changes can accumulate to cause considerable harm to character so permitted development rights can be removed. This does not mean minor work will not be allowed it simply means permission must be sought from the Council prior to work taking place. Do you think that permitted development rights should be controlled in the conservation areas?
		Option A: Remove permitted development rights within the Northumberland Square Conservation Area
		Option B: Remove permitted development rights within the Fish Quay
		Option C: Remove permitted development rights within all conservations areas
		Option D: Retain all permitted development rights

Q28	Evening Entertainment Would you like to see a more active and vibrant evening economy with a wider range of evening activities?
		Option A: Promote the growth of a vibrant evening economy in the town centre
		Option B: Promote the growth of a vibrant evening economy at the Fish Quay
		Option C: Make no provision for additional evening leisure uses
		Option D: Another option

Please specify

Q29	Town Centre Boundary Do you consider the current town centre boundary to be adequate?
		Option A: Maintain existing boundary
		Option B: Reduce the boundary to the north and east
		Option C: Create compact town centre
		Option D: Another option

Please specify

The following map suggests ways in which the current town centre boundary could be altered.

Q30	Primary Shopping Frontage Government policy requires the designation of a Primary Shopping Frontage and a Town Centre Area. In the area of Primary Shopping, planning permission would only be granted for shopping uses whilst the rest of the Town Centre would allow for a much wider range of uses such as banks, estate agents, bars, restaurants and takeaways. The aim of this distinction is to maintain the Town Centre’s main role as a shopping centre but to also allow for other complementary uses to the town centre. Do you think the AAP should aim to:
		Option A: Maintain the existing Primary Shopping Frontage
		Option B: Extend the Primary Shopping Frontage
		Option C: Reduce the Primary Shopping Frontage

	Please specify where

The map shows the current Primary shopping frontage.

Q31	Town Centre Retail Supply If the Primary Shopping Frontage was to be reduced what should be done with the excluded areas?
		Option A: Introduce more office use
		Option B: Encourage more leisure uses
		Option C: Allow residential uses
		Option D: Encourage an appropriate mix of uses
		Option E: Do not support a reduction in shopping area
		Option F: Another option

	Please specify

Q32	Town Centre Retail Choice Should the AAP and Development Control process limit and/or encourage any particular type of shop?
		Option A: Satisfied with current provision and variety
		Option B: Increase the number of comparison goods stores, which sell more specialist items such as clothing and footwear
		Option C: Encourage more small convenience goods stores, which sell inexpensive frequent purchases such as food
		Option D: Allow another large food retailer in the town centre
		Option E: Another option

	Please specify

Q33	Town Centre Leisure and Entertainment Would you like to see more restaurants, cafes and bars in the main shopping streets of the Town Centre?
		Option A: Make improvements to the public realm with street furniture and litter bins
		Option B: Focus on improving the perception of cleanliness; remove chewing gum and litter etc
		Option C: Encourage a variety of shops and services
		Option D: Create an imaginative landscaping strategy, which includes a mix of trees, shrubs and planting which are in keeping with the local area
		Option E: Another option

	Please specify

“Employment Land” is the term given to areas which are safeguarded for office parks and industrial sites; the exact type of use varies on each site.

Q34	New Office Space Should the AAP suggest land for new offices?
		Option A: Yes, increase the amount of office space
		Option B: No, other uses should be a priority
		Option C: Content with current amount and distribution of uses

Q35	Provision of New Office Space If required, where should new offices be provided?
		Option A: Replace existing offices around Stephenson Street and Norfolk Street with modern office units
		Option B: Develop new office space on Norfolk Street car park
		Option C: Retain office use around Northumberland Square
		Option D: Another option

	Please specify

Q36	Dock Road Which option should the Council adopt?
		Option A: Protect and retain the existing designated area of employment land at Dock Road
		Option B: Release part of the Dock Road Employment site for a high quality mixed-use development including housing
		Option C: Develop an entirely residential scheme on the site
		Option D: Develop the Dock Road site for cultural and creative industry uses
		Option E: Another option

	Please specify

Q37	Prospect Terrace Which option should the Council adopt?
		Option A: Protect and retain the existing designated areas of employment land at Prospect Terrace
		Option B: Release part of the Prospect Terrace site for a high quality mixed-use development including housing
		Option C: Develop an entirely residential scheme
		Option D: Develop the site for cultural and creative industry uses
		Option E: Another option

	Please specify

Q38	Town Centre/Fish Quay Connectivity There are inadequate access links connecting North Shields Town Centre to the Fish Quay. Which of the following measures would most successfully improve connectivity.
		Option A: Enhance and improve the bank side stairways linking the town centre to the riverside
		Option B: Introduce a ‘tourist’ transport link e.g. Open top bus connecting the Town Centre to the Riverside
		Option C: Improvements to signage and information
		Option D: Not necessary to improve access
		Option E: Another option

	Please specify

Q39	Regeneration of the Fish Quay How should regeneration be driven in the Fish Quay?
		Option A: Keep the fishing industry at the centre of regeneration efforts in the Fish Quay Conservation Area, ensuring a balance between industry, residents and visitors
		Option B: Focus on the social, arts, cultural and visitor aspects of regeneration
		Option C: Allow more residential developments throughout the Fish Quay
		Option D: Encourage more services such as hairdressers, travel agents or dentists
		Option E: Another option

	Please specify

Q40	Tourism Opportunities The Fish Quay represents an opportunity to revive the tourism industry and develop culture and leisure activities. However, it also represents an area of important local cultural heritage, the significance of which should be maintained and enhanced. How should the AAP encourage tourism?
		Option A: Develop facilities for the arts community such as workshops and galleries
		Option B: Encourage more evening entertainment uses like restaurants
		Option C: Establish a Museum exploring the heritage of fishing in North Shields
		Option D: Improve connections to the Town Centre
		Option E: Do not encourage any particular development and allow the natural encouragement of visitors
		Option F: Enhanced interpretation of biodiversity and heritage through leaflets and signage
		Option G: Tourists and visitors should be not be encouraged
		Option H: Another option

	Please specify

Q41	If you feel like there are any options that we have not considered, please write them in the box below

About You The next few questions are about you. This information will be used to obtain a profile of respondents to this questionnaire.

Q42	Please indicate whether you are:
		A local resident
		Representing a business or organisation

	Please specify

Q43	Are you?
		Male
		Female

Q44	What is your age?
		Under 25
		25 to 34
		35 to 44
		45 to 54
		55 to 64
		65 or older

Q45	What is your ethnic origin?
		British
		White - Irish
		White - Other
		Black/Black British African
		Mixed - Other
		Asian - Pakistani
		Asian - Other
		Chinese
		Other ethnic background

As part of the development of the Area Action Plan for North Shields we will want to involve the community further and keep people up to date with what is happening. If you would be interested in being contacted in the future as we develop the plans for North Shields please fill in your details below:

Q46

Name:

Q47

Address:

Q48

Email:

Thank you for taking the time to complete this questionnaire.