3.1 In consultation with the village and through a village-wide survey in 2017, the following vision for Datchet was established:
In 2033, Datchet retains its character as a large rural village. The attractive village greens, historic centre, public Riverside Garden and Recreation Ground, which are key to the village’s identity, continue to be enjoyed and valued by residents.
The Conservation Area and heritage assets throughout the village have been enhanced and safeguarded for future generations. The special views, including the historic views across the Thames towards Windsor Castle and beyond, and the public and private riverside gardens have been preserved for future generations.
Growth within the Parish has been sustainable, meeting the needs of residents and businesses without compromising the heritage, friendly atmosphere and community spirit of the whole village.
The health and well-being of our residents is paramount. Datchet provides a high standard of 21st-century living throughout the parish. New housing and the development of existing property has delivered character while addressing the needs of the community, providing homes for people of all ages, abilities and means which are well-designed, sympathetic and sustainable. This has allowed young people and families to stay in the community, and older generations to downsize, freeing up family homes.
By incorporating measures to minimise flood risk and mitigate climate change, new development has not increased the overall flood risk for the community. The strict enforcement of policies for flood risk, and improved maintenance of drainage ditches and watercourses, including Datchet Common Brook and the Myrke Stream, have served not only to prevent a worsening of flood risk but have improved the situation.
The biodiversity, wildlife and its habitat, trees and hedgerows throughout the plan area have been protected and enhanced, and continue to thrive, providing access to nature for the well-being and enjoyment of residents and visitors.
Community facilities and services, including leisure and recreation, have been enhanced to meet residents’ needs. Appropriate infrastructure developments keep the village an attractive, well-planned and safe place for everyone.
The needs of pedestrians and cyclists have been addressed with footpaths and cycle paths providing well-connected, safe and accessible routes that have helped to reduce pollution as fewer people make short journeys by car.
3.2 The objectives of the Neighbourhood Plan as identified through engagement with the community are as follows:
Objective 1:
To preserve and protect the character of the village, its attractive historic centre and village greens (collectively known as The Green), public riverside, heritage assets (including non-designated heritage assets) and special views.
Objective 2:
To maintain, protect and enhance green spaces of value to the community to promote biodiversity and ensure local people have access to nature.
Objective 3:
To ensure new housing reflects the high-quality local vernacular in the parish in terms of building style, materials and density, and responds to the housing needs of the community with suitable housing for people of all ages, abilities and means, providing the opportunity for existing and future generations to remain in the community.
Objective 4:
To ensure that development is sustainable and sensitively designed to be attractive, to minimise flood risk, mitigate climate change, promote biodiversity, reduce our carbon footprint, and enhance the existing community’s wellbeing.
Objective 5:
To enhance the facilities currently available to the existing community and to ensure that new development is supported by adequate additional infrastructure, facilities and services, keeping Datchet an attractive, well-planned and safe place for existing and future residents.
Objective 6:
To improve transport and movement, in particular through non-car modes, ensuring there is a safe environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
Autumn view of The Thames from the public Riverside Garden Photo credit: Datchet Village Society
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