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2. Vision and Objectives

Our Vision for Eton and Eton Wick, evolving to 2036

Located north of the River Thames and set within a landscape of farmland, Common Land and Lammas Land, Eton and Eton Wick will continue to evolve as two distinct yet close-knit sustainable communities.

We aim to maintain and enhance the vitality and character of our historic community while supporting our increasingly diverse population to prosper and thrive.

In doing so, we seek to improve the quality of life for those who live and work in Eton and Eton Wick by meeting changing needs, while valuing local character and conserving the area’s historical and environmental qualities for future generations.

Key Objectives 2016–2036

The Neighbourhood Plan will pursue the following objectives to deliver this vision:

Housing and Development Objectives [HD]

  1. Establish sustainable parameters and design principles to ensure new development is appropriate to the local area, particularly within areas of high heritage value.
  2. Conserve the heritage character of the area, including its streetscapes and the historic countryside surrounding Eton and Eton Wick, by ensuring policies promote the protection and enjoyment of both designated and non-designated heritage assets, in a manner proportionate to their significance.

Business, Leisure and Tourism Objectives [BL]

  1. Protect and support the different roles played by commercial and retail businesses within Eton and Eton Wick.
  2. Revitalise the centre of Eton Wick for pedestrians — enhancing shopping and open space opportunities while respecting the village’s rural character.
  3. Support the continued evolution of Eton College as a world-class educational institution, consistent with the overall vision for the area.

Transport and Communications Infrastructure Objectives [TI]

  1. Support access improvements between Eton Wick and Eton, including measures that promote sustainable modes of transport.
  2. Facilitate solutions to improve traffic flow, air quality, and safety at Keate’s Lane Junction in Eton.
  3. Encourage improvements to mobile phone connectivity across the Neighbourhood Plan area.
  4. Enhance community and public infrastructure to improve the lives of residents and visitors, including support for healthcare provision in Eton Wick.

Environment Objectives [EN]

  1. Conserve and enhance the natural environment, promoting improvements to green and blue infrastructure (including historic hedgerows, meadows, and watercourses).
  2. Mitigate flood risks associated with new development and improve drainage and sanitation across the Neighbourhood Plan area.
  3. Encourage the creation and planting of new habitats to support biodiversity where appropriate.

When residents were consulted in autumn 2015 there was an understanding that the Neighbourhood Plan process required consideration of the need for development. Residents accepted the need for some development, and supported improvements to the local infrastructure. Development within our Neighbourhood Plan area is constrained by a number of factors including the fact that Eton is predominantly covered by Green Belt, Flood Plain, Common Land and Lammas Land designations. There are also significant constraints relating to heritage and conservation within the plan area including listed buildings and a Conservation Area. This heritage is strongly valued by the community. The objectives respond to these challenges and seek to enshrine the vision and principles into the plan by acting as the bridge between the vision and policies.

A key theme within all of the objectives is the need to improve Eton and Eton Wick’s existing infrastructure (physical, social and green infrastructure) and to provide commensurate infrastructure reinforcement alongside new growth.


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