Next steps for Haversham allocated housing site
Writing and having Made a Neighbourhood Plan is not the end of the process. In Haversham ONH has been working with the Parish Council, the land owner of an allocated housing site; and an SME house builder, Gade Homes, to secure a high-quality development of new homes in the village. Haversham and Little Linford had previously allocated the site for 16 homes in its Made Neighbourhood Plan in July 2023, and ensuring this will be built is an important next step in realising the plan.
A respectful and useful relationship between all the parties has been facilitated by ONH, who have been able to support each party in bringing their strengths to the table. Utilising local knowledge from the very early stages and investing in the required neighbourhood plan policy requirements, has supported the developer in producing a scheme that fully fulfils the Neighbourhood Plan's requirements. Gade Homes has taken a value added approach: respectful of the rural location of the site, including use of equestrian-friendly landscaping surface on the bridleway and planting.
At an early public consultation event this month the illustrative High Street frontage drew the most comment - a restored low limestone wall will separate the frontage from the public footpath. Choosing this layout creates a strong physical tie with the existing village, retaining the area's rural character and illustrating how these homes will be part of the new community, not a separate add-on.
Neighbourhood Plan Updates
The Deddington Plan passed at referendum in May 2024. The plan has been extremely successful in choosing to allocate housing in such a way that a local need can also be delivered in the process.
In this case, the dwelling requirement figure was 45 homes, for the combined villages of Deddington, Clifton and Hempton. The villages chose to allocate 85-90 homes, on a site that would also deliver a nursery and parking.
The plan was mentioned in a speech by Baroness Scott, President of NALC, in the House of Lords who delivered an excellent summary of the benefits of neighbourhood planning, in light of the King's Speech.
Other ONH plans made in 2024 include Ringwood, Whitchurch, Mursley and Southbourne.
Are you thinking about Design Codes?
A new project has begun in Burnham, who have asked ONH to work with them to create a design code that reflects the historic nature of the village. two of the ONH team joined members of the Burnham Town Council and Steering Group for a tour of Burnham in late July.
Alongside the charming character movement and connectivity, public spaces, nature and green spaces will be considered as part of the design code. Thanks for the tour, Burnham!
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