Wendover Neighbourhood Plan July 2018
Analysis of the Questionnaire has now been substantially completed. Feedback events were held on Thursday 14 and Saturday 16 June. Full details can be seen at http://wendoverneighbourhoodplan.co.uk.
Here are some of the key findings:
Housing: 94% of respondents agreed with AVDC’s decision to reject the various sites previously considered for housing provision around Wendover (such as Tring Road); substantial majorities (between 76% and 92%) opposed any large scale housing (above 16 houses) within the Town. 68% do not think Wendover needs more housing.Respondents who agreed more housing was needed (32%) said this was to help young people who cannot afford to live here. Most of this group favoured either affordable starter homes for purchase, or affordable homes for part rent/part buy (71% and 64%). New homes should be designed with appropriate green spaces for wildlife, and for play and recreation (over 90%).
RAF Halton: 56% opposed the proposed housing allocation in the VALP at RAF Halton. This was on the grounds that if this brownfield site were developed it would create a strain on facilities and pressure on the road network.
Green spaces and the Environment: All the respondents expressed a wish that the Green Belt, AONB, and all existing green spaces, trees and hedgerows, and other wildlife sites such as the Canal should be protected and preserved (all these aspects scored above 90%). There was a wish to protect and preserve all footpaths and other kinds of green and built heritage assets (again scores of 90% plus). This was in part to assist local business.
Transport: 75% felt more off street parking was needed and sites most favoured were the area of Witchell above the cricket field and a second deck on the Station Car Park (80% and 72% respectively). Problems with on street parking were reported and parking was identified as a barrier to business by 80% of respondents. Substantial support (83%) was expressed for walk to school initiatives and 65% favoured a 20mph speed limit in the roads around the school campus. 62% favoured a new access to the school site to link it with Tring Road and 67% favoured a link road from Tring Road to London Road (if feasible and affordable). Concerns over congestion led 68% of respondents to conclude that lack of parking was a barrier to business. There were valuable comments over improvements needed to the bus services (more routes/and frequency during the evenings and week- ends), and train services (more capacity).
Business development: 71% wanted tourists encouraged and most respondents wanted more retailers, service trades and banks/financial services to be encouraged to do business here (73% plus). Lower rent/rates were suggested as measures to encourage business and broadband access and faster broadband speeds were considered very important (over 86%).
Services: People valued the local shops services, health services, pubs and restaurants and regarded these as important (all over 90%), 76% favoured plans to expand Wendover Library and 64% wanted more facilities for older children.
The above is a snapshot of some of the key issues and the full report is available on the WNP website.
