Page 37 - Ickford Neighbourhood Plan

ICKFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN : 2019 – 2033 : VISION FOR ICKFORD 37

POLICY E1: ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Proposals to improve the viability of economic development by way of the
extension or partial replacement or redevelopment of buildings, structures
and land, will be supported, provided the design of the scheme respects
heritage features, the street scene and the resulting increase in use will not
have unacceptable negative impact on the amenities of adjoining residential
properties.
In support of homeworking and improved connections in the Parish, provisions
that will facilitate the installation and upgrading of internet services including
superfast broadband will be encouraged.

12. Community Facilities

Comments:
Comments: the community spirit is wonderful, all village facilities must be
Comments:
Comments:
Comments:
maintained and supported; a good shop is valued and a pub with a good restaurant
would be good.
12.1.
12.1.
12.1.
12.1. There are a range of facilities, organisations and clubs in Ickford,
12.1.
which are successful in keeping the village a vibrant and community-based
place to live. Since 1952 there has been an annual Tug of War competition
over the River Thame between Ickford and Tiddington teams. The social and
pastoral infrastructure includes a church, which has a kitchen and facilities
enabling it to be used for functions and coffee mornings and to provide a
weekly play session for parents with pre-school children and a small
assortment of clubs and societies. There is also a pub, the Rising Sun. The
shop/post office was bought by a consortium of villagers in 2001 and is run
as a business by contributing much to the community feel of Ickford. During
consultation, it counted as the most used facility in the village. Ickford Village
Hall is also well used and was built by volunteers in 1950. However, the
village hall facility could be improved, some villagers suggesting relocating
towards the centre of the village during consultation. There is a tennis court
next to the village hall which is run by the Village Hall.

12.2.
12.2. In the centre of the village, there is a well-used recreation ground
12.2.
12.2.
12.2.
on land donated to the village in 1981 by a local villager. This consists of a
football pitch and an area of play equipment for small and older children,
including a zip wire, largely paid for by a fund raising initiative in the village.
This is now maintained by the Parish Council. The Sports pavilion was built
by villagers in 1996 for Ickford football team. The team no longer uses the
pitch and the pavilion has been converted into a small meeting space, also
used for club meetings.

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