The Draft Future Oswestry Plan survey ran for 6 weeks from 9 February to 24 March 2022. The survey explored how people feel 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.  A report of the survey results is available here. 

Vision  

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

• 90% agree with the proposed vision for Oswestry to become ‘a better place to live’
• 86% agree with the proposed vision for Oswestry to become ‘a better place for business’
• 81% agree 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 10 people disagreed with any of the vision statements.   

Area proposals  

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

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

Big ideas  

• The top 3 priorities for movement are make walking and cycling safer and more enjoyable, public transport hub and manage car parking
• The top 3 priorities for placemaking are making the town centre shopping streets more attractive, Festival Square public space and enhancing Bailey Head/ Castle View public realm
• The top priorities for development and investment are bringing the vacant building back into use, and the former Morrisons site
• Not all people felt 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; and 
• managing car parking

The survey included many open comment questions designed to ensure 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, and 
• importance of local services, culture and leisure

The responses and comments help to further understand the issues that matter most but they also highlight that there is 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 does not 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.