Dartington announces findings from the recent consultation sessions
We have now concluded our series of seventeen public consultation sessions, held in Totnes at the end of last year and at Kingsbridge, Ivybridge and Newton Abbot in February this year.
The twin purpose of these public events was to give local people a chance to learn more about the Abundant Life project at first hand and similarly, for us to hear about their hopes, aspirations and concerns for a residential community project for older people.
Key consultation session facts:
The series of public consultations also enabled us to answer questions on the spot, many of which related to the actual living arrangements and features planned for the accommodation units, such as:
Can I have a bath?
Yes, absolutely. Bathrooms will be provided although within the individual apartments it will be walk-in showers. Having a bath is very important to some people – soothing and restorative – and we would want anyone who wants this to be able to, either independently or with help, and in a room that feels welcoming and cosy.
Can we find a way to ensure that residents really do live there full-time and don’t spend half the year in another country?
Yes, absolutely – it can’t be a real community if those who live there don’t make it their home.
Will we provide welfare benefits advice to residents?
Yes, absolutely, this is part of the well-being service, which aims to help residents keep well, keep active and able to engage in everything that is on offer both within the Abundant Life community and beyond.
Will the apartments have balconies?
Every apartment will be designed so that at the very least, French Windows can open onto what is called a Juliet balcony (ie, the glass doors open onto a balcony rail). We would expect many if not all of the apartments to have some kind of balcony, some of which are enclosed, some not.
Will there be a lake or a pond?
Water is so important to people. We very much hope so – water is pleasing on the eye, soothing to the soul and brings in welcome wildlife.
Will there be pool/shared vehicles available for use by residents?
This is an excellent idea that we know works well in some other, similar, schemes and would be very welcome here. Plus we will discuss adding the Abundant Life site to the current public bus route through the Dartington Hall estate, and to consider having our own minibus to provide for more flexible resident-decided uses.
Commenting on the public consultations, Celia Atherton, Project Director said, “Talking to members of the local community has been an invaluable process. We now have a much clearer idea of a) what kind of features potential residents would like to see within the actual accommodation units and within the grounds and b) the style of the set-up, in terms of what should or should not be permitted to enable a harmonious atmosphere to develop and thrive.”
More detailed findings will be available to view on the website soon.
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The Dartington Hall Trust is a registered charity no. 279756. Company no. 1485560. Registered Office: The Elmhirst Centre, Dartington Hall, Totnes, Devon TQ9 6EL United Kingdom. Telephone 01803 847000; Fax 01803 847007;