Plans for future development in Haddenham have taken a major step forward with the first of a series of workshops on the village’s neighbourhood plan.
Around 50 residents turned up to share their views and begin to create a vision for Haddenham at a meeting at the village hall on August 31.
The aim of the neighbourhood plan is to create a strategy for how the village will develop until 2030.
After an introduction from Andrew Fell, the lead parish councillor for the project, the rest of the afternoon was run by Michael Talbot, with help from other people who ensured everyone felt able to contribute their opinions in small groups.
The main areas dealt with included the village’s current strengths and weaknesses.
A vision of the ‘ideal Haddenham in 2030’ was constructed by each of the table groups.
The meeting ended with a look at the first steps and potential hurdles to be overcome to achieve that vision.
Topics discussed included:
> Haddenham’s unique cultural characteristics
> The way villagers might encourage young entrepreneurs and those with creative and artistic talents
> The housing needs of young adults and the more mature villagers
> Infrastructure and incentives needed to attract new businesses and create jobs
> Defining areas of the village where new homes could be located
A number of other public meetings will be held to ensure as many people and businesses have a chance to voice their opinion.