Grow South Antrim

Village Masterplans Launched

Exciting Plans Ahead for Doagh, Toome & Whitehead

Following public consultation and months of hard work from local people and stakeholders, the Village Masterplans for Doagh, Toome and Whitehead have now been launched.  The Masterplans were commissioned by Carrickfergus Borough Council in partnership with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Councils and funded by GROW South Antrim under the NI Rural Development Programme. 

Carrickfergus Councillor Billy Ashe, Chair of Development Services and Chair of the Steering group for the Whitehead Masterplan, helps launch the Masterplans for Toome, Doagh and Whitehead.

For Doagh, Toome and Whitehead, the Masterplans identify a range of potential projects to improve the villages, from short term goals to long term aspirations.  These villages are now invited to submit applications under Phase II of GROW's Village Renewal Programme to implement these projects.  GROW is currently open for applications under Phase II of Village Renewal, closing at 4pm on Monday, 5th September.

Applications can come from local Councils, community groups or private businesses.  To be eligible, projects must be identified in the Village Plan, and may include, for example, streetscape and aesthetic improvements, provision of signage, promoting greater community inclusivity and participation and making greater use of existing buildings.

For social economy organisations and non-departmental public bodies, funding is available at 75% grant aid up to a maximum of £250,000.  For private sector organisations, funding is available at 50% grant aid up to a maximum of £50,000.

Brian Duffin, Vice-Chair of the GROW South Antrim Local Action Group was involved in the Toome Steering Group, said, "The aim of Village Renewal is to improve the quality of life, making rural South Antrim villages better places to live, work and play.  The first stage of this is developing village plans by looking at what is currently in place in villages and what they need to develop.  The second stage is implementing the actions identified through the village plans to regenerate the villages and enhance the community infrastructure."

"Community consultation has been a vital part of developing the plans, so a huge thank you to all who aired their views and helped the consultants put together plans that truly reflect the needs and vision of the local villages.  The GROW Programme is a fantastic opportunity to carry out major improvements in our villages, to develop them for both the local community and businesses.  With significant funding available to implement actions coming out of the Masterplans, I look forward to seeing villages across South Antrim benefit to become revitalised, building on the vibrant rural community which is already there. "

The final Masterplans for Doagh, Toome and Whitehead are available to download from the GROW website www.growsouthantrim.com  For further information, contact the GROW office on 028 9448 1311.  Applications can be completed online through www.eugrants.org  Applications submitted after the deadline of 4pm on Monday, 5^th September will not be accepted.

Doagh, Toome and Whitehead have had Masterplans produced by a consultant and the remaining eligible villages of Templepatrick, Parkgate, Ballynure, Ballyrobert and Cogry/Kilbride are having plans produced by the Village Facilitator, Briege Coyle, who is employed by Antrim Borough Council and works across Antrim and Newtownabbey Boroughs.

Date Posted: 04 Jul 2011