Page 21 - Ickford Neighbourhood Plan

ICKFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN : 2019 – 2033 : VISION FOR ICKFORD 21

• The area is demonstrably special to a local community and holds a
particular local significance, for example because of its beauty, historic
significance, recreational value (including as a playing field),
tranquillity or richness of its wildlife;
• The area concerned is local in character and is not an extensive tract
of land.

6.29.
6.29.
6.29.
6.29.
6.29. An assessment has been carried out and the results are set out in
the Background Evidence report. Seven local green spaces have been
identified. All the proposed Local Green Spaces are in close proximity to the
village and are used and valued by local residents and are not extensive tracts
of land. Their retention as open spaces is critical to maintain the green
infrastructure of the village and some enhancement of their biodiversity value
is desirable. They are identified on the Policies Map.

POLICY NE3: LOCAL GREEN SPACES

The following areas are designated as Local Green Spaces which are protected
from development in accordance with Green Belt policy.

1. Churchyard
2. Village Pond
3. Land North of Sheldon House
4. Hayfield

5. Land South of Sheldon Road
6. Allotments
7. Recreation Ground

7. Built Environment and Heritage

7.1.
7.1.
7.1. Ickford Village is an ancient settlement which grew up close to a
7.1.
7.1.
crossing of the River Thame. Ickford is mentioned in the Domesday book of
1086 as Iforde when it formed part of Bernwood Forest. The village grew
around two manors, one at the Church and the other associated with Little
Ickford. At some stage during the medieval period these two separate manors
were consolidated into one known as Great Ickford Manor. As a result of its
long history there is a wealth of historic and architectural interest extant in
the village. The earliest parts of the church date from the Norman period,
and there is a reference to Ickford Bridge dated 1237. Ickford is historically
an agricultural settlement, surrounded by remnant ridge and furrow. The
development of the wool trade led to many of the surrounding fields being
turned over to pasture, a pattern that continues to this day. Many of the
historic buildings in Ickford were at one time associated with agriculture.
Part of the settlement was abandoned during the medieval period. To the
south of the church there is an archaeological site comprising remnants of
house platforms, roads and fishponds.

VISION FOR ICKFORD – NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN
www.visionforickford.co.uk