Crunch time for neighbourhood plan

With a week to go until residents go to the polls over the Haddenham Neighbourhood Plan the arguments both for and against the scheme are vying for your vote.
A map outlining the boundaries for the Haddenham neighbourhood planA map outlining the boundaries for the Haddenham neighbourhood plan
A map outlining the boundaries for the Haddenham neighbourhood plan

The plan has been developed by Haddenham Parish Council which has worked with the village society to produce the document which sets limits for development and amenities within the village.

Those in favour of the scheme, a group named Yes For Haddenham led by resident Keith Milmer are urging voters to accept the proposals on July 16.

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They say that the plan offers key benefits including well-planned growth over 15 to 18 years, a limit of no more than 430 new homes in the village and affordable homes for local families.

This picture shows how the Haddenham Neighbour Planning group feels housing development should be distributedThis picture shows how the Haddenham Neighbour Planning group feels housing development should be distributed
This picture shows how the Haddenham Neighbour Planning group feels housing development should be distributed

Redevelopment of Banks Park and the village hall, as well as support for the sports centre and swimming pool are also among the points included in the plan.

But developers Lightwood Strategic, which wants to build homes in the village, is opposed to the plan, and says that some residents feel the same way.

The firm says that it has supported these residents to produce a Vote No website.

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Vote No campaigners say that the proposed homes in the village are not distributed evenly, and that the north site would bear the brunt of the development.

James Sorentino, of Lightwood Strategic, said: “Our advice to anyone who is not happy with this plan is – get out and vote no, then demand a new committee is put in place to better reflect your wishes.

“The plan should distribute homes more evenly across the village; it should secure a better deal for the community; and it should be put together in a robust way that is transparent to ensure it serves everyone’s interests.”

Haddenham Parish councillor Chris Young also urged residents to get out and vote, but was unable to express a view on the scheme because of purdah rules.

He said: “Everyone should get out and vote to have their voice heard. The parish council is saying please vote, the more people that do the better.”