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2. VISION AND OBJECTIVES

Introduction

2.1 The Parish Councils have adopted a vision statement to describe how the Neighbourhood Plan area will appear in 2030.

Vision

“Hurley and the Walthams is an area of four parishes and comprises: 17 villages and hamlets, 7 conservation areas, 200 listed buildings, and approximately 145 public footpaths and bridle and cycle paths.

99% of the HWNP is located in the Metropolitan Green Belt and is further constrained by significant floodplains.

The HWNP recognises the growth pressures on the wider RBWM area as a result of economic growth, pressure from London and the potential of impact from Cross-rail due to open in 2017.

Due to the Green Belt and flood constraints the HWNP seeks to maintain the village nature and rural character of the area. By reason of the protection afforded by the Green Belt we are able to ensure that future development of the area is directed at supporting local housing and employment needs. In addition the HWNP contributes to the sustainability of the natural heritage of the area and provides for the wider Borough, through the provision of green spaces, public footpaths, cycle paths, and bridleways throughout our extensive countryside and woodlands.”

Objectives

  • The continuation of the present Green Belt designation to preserve the special character of the villages and hamlets and their surrounding countryside.
  • The protection of non-Green Belt areas from the pressures of further intensive development.
  • The protection of the special historic and architectural character of the Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings that define many of the villages.
  • The protection of valued community assets – village shops, village halls, schools.
  • The retention and enhancement of local employment opportunities at the area’s main business parks.
  • The provision of new homes on small sites to meet the local need for housing; notably of older households wanting to downsize and of newly forming households from local families.
  • The better management of traffic through the area resulting from the economic pull of London, Reading and Maidenhead, especially with regard to increases resulting from the opening of Crossrail and proximity to the M4 Motorway.

To this end, all of the policies included in this plan should take careful consideration of the additional impact on traffic flow through the area.

2.2 Decisions regarding the expenditure of the community element of any Community Infrastructure Levy that results from development in the plan area should be determined by the individual parish council where development takes place.


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