Survey Results Revealed

SURVEY RESULTS REVEALED

The largest independent survey ever commissioned by Exmoor National Park Authority into what local residents think about the services provided by the Authority, reveals that overall satisfaction is very high, with only 6% of respondents indicating that they were dissatisfied.

This is reflected across all of the individual services where satisfaction levels ranged from 62% for planning services to 94% satisfaction with walks, events, talks and activities.

The research, conducted by CN Research between 7 December 2009 and 23 February 2010, comprised a combination of telephone calls and questionnaires resulting in just over 1,000 residents of the National Park being contacted.

The survey covered all aspects of the Authority’s services including planning, education, National Park Centres, tourism, conservation advice, walks and events, ranger service, advice and support to tourism businesses and farmers/landowners, and general enquiries.

Commenting on the results, Dr Nigel Stone, Chief Executive of Exmoor National Park Authority said: “We are very pleased that a substantial majority of people expressing satisfaction with all of the services that the Authority provides. Nevertheless, not everyone is satisfied and we do need to continue to work to improve our customer service and engagement with local residents."

"The detailed responses from people who are not satisfied with our services are particularly helpful in revealing aspects which we need to improve upon. For example, some people do not feel we listen to their views so we must work to improve perceptions about this as we do endeavour to seek local views before deciding policy and making major decisions."

"As an example, we are part way through an extensive consultation programme of 22 events where we are seeking local views on the future planning policies for the National Park. The attendance and involvement at the events so far has exceeded our expectations and has already led to far higher involvement of local residents in the National Park than is achieved by other local planning authorities."

“We also hold weekly planning surgeries in Porlock and Lynton and during the coming year we will be piloting drop-in events at Cutcombe and Blackmoor Gate livestock markets for advice on planning, rights-of-way and any other matters where the National Park has a role. Other initiatives include extending public meetings of the Consultative & Parish Forum from two to four times a year and attendance at the annual shows on Exmoor."

Housing related issues were the most mentioned pressures facing the National Park with more than 15% of people mentioning lack of affordable housing for young people and financial and economic pressures also being cited.

Dr Stone commented: “We are committed to doing all we can to help tackle the need for more affordable housing and to develop the local economy. The National Park planning policies for affordable housing mean that it is easier for a person in local housing need on Exmoor to be able to build themselves a house in or close to a settlement than in any of the surrounding areas outside the National Park. Also, the National Park makes an important contribution to the local economy with more than £5 million attracted each year for conservation work and agri-environment schemes, and through bids for funding such as the £500,000 for the low carbon communities challenge for renewable energy schemes"

"Ultimately, however, it is vital that the district council housing authorities and the district and county councils in their economic development roles play their part in helping to meet the needs of the communities in the National Park."