< Previous | Next >

3 VISION AND OBJECTIVES

Challenges for Old Windsor

3.1 The Neighbourhood Plan seeks to address, as far as is possible, the challenges that face the community of Old Windsor parish. In summary these challenges are:

  • Restrictions on development outside Old Windsor village due to the presence of the green belt, which in turn puts extra pressure on Old Windsor village to accommodate growth. There are only two potentially available brownfield sites in Old Windsor that are in a high risk flood zone for residential development and there are no greenfield sites.
  • The proximity of the River Thames and the threat of surface water flooding and groundwater due to high water table. Related to this is the location of the local sewage treatment works on Ham Island, which is particularly at risk from flooding.
  • The limited capacity of the sewage treatment works and the problems of increasing capacity because of the location of the Ham Island sewage treatment works. Related to this are problems with foul water drainage which are consistently being exacerbated by additional development.
  • How to accommodate growth whilst maintaining and protecting the substantial archaeological sites and historic landscape of Old Windsor for future generations.
  • There are significant cumulative social infrastructure pressures. These include the growing pressure on GP health services as a result of the ageing population (with no capacity at the existing GP practice to support any new care/nursing home development).
  • High and increasing car ownership resulting in a lack of adequate residential and commercial parking. Related to this is a road system that struggles to cope with the regular levels of traffic, particularly at peak periods. This adds to general problems with pollution.
  • Persistent new development of large, 4/5-bed houses which means that first-time buyers and older downsizers are increasingly unable to access smaller, cheaper properties.
  • How to maintain the character and the vitality of Old Windsor as a village, whilst recognising growth and change within the village and in surrounding areas.
  • To maintain, protect and enhance the areas of significant biodiversity that existing within Old Windsor and in particular the Windsor Forest and Great Park Special Area of Conservation.
  • The lack of decent community facilities available to the community of Old Windsor.

Vision for Old Windsor

3.2 In consultation with the community, the established vision for Old Windsor is as follows:

‘In 2033, Old Windsor continues to be a large rural village, a thriving community where a mix of generations live, work and enjoy access to the unique natural environment of the area.

New development has addressed the need to provide housing for the older generations to downsize and young families to stay in the community. This has been achieved by utilising brownfield sites within the village.

Facilities at the Recreation Ground have been enhanced. In particular the new Community Centre, which provides activity space with catering facilities, has helped to enhance community activities and bring the community together.

The historic environment of Old Windsor, including both designated (listed buildings, scheduled monuments, the conservation area and registered parks and gardens) and non-designated heritage assets has been conserved and enhanced.

Development has been sympathetic to the existing heritage of Old Windsor, particularly within the Conservation Area and around the numerous important ancient monument sites and their settings.

The biodiversity, wildlife and its habitat, trees and hedgerows of the area have continued to thrive.

The sewerage and drainage infrastructure issues affecting Old Windsor have been resolved by the sewerage provider. The strict enforcement of policies for flood risk relating to new development has served to not only prevent a worsening of flood risk in Old Windsor but has improved the situation.’

Neighbourhood Plan Objectives

3.3 The objectives of the Neighbourhood Plan as identified through engagement with the community are as follows:

  1. To maintain the character and the vitality of Old Windsor village.
  2. To provide future and existing generations with the opportunity to remain in the community.
  3. To maintain, protect and enhance the areas of biodiversity within Old Windsor.
  4. To encourage development that is sustainable and of a high quality design which respects amenity and is sympathetic to the local townscape, particularly in terms of density.
  5. To protect, conserve and enhance the historic environment of Old Windsor, including both designated (listed buildings, scheduled monuments, the conservation area and registered historic parks and gardens) and non-designated heritage assets.
  6. To ensure that new development is supported by adequate infrastructure.
  7. To ensure that development comes with suitable off-street parking.
  8. To reduce harm to the community by seeking to minimise pollution.
  9. To enhance the facilities available to the community.

< Previous | ^ Top | Next >