Page 16 - Ickford NP Consultation Report

16 VISION FOR ICKFORD : ICKFORD NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN CONSULTATION REPORT

conservation area. The proposed site at Turnfields aligns more
with existing development patterns rather that extending into the
open countryside. Over the plan period, other windfall sites may
come forward – infill sites between buildings etc. The HELAA does
state that some villages do not have the capacity to meet housing
requirements due to constraints. I would argue that Ickford is one
such village due to historic settlement pattern, flood risk and
infrastructure. The Draft Local Plan states at para 4.77: Additional
development in the medium villages will only be permitted in
exceptional circumstances where it can be demonstrated that sites
allocated (either in the Local Plan or Neighbourhood Plan) are not
coming forward at the rate anticipated. Whilst there is a need for
housing identified in the HEELA, the village does not have the
capacity for an additional 115 houses.
126 Ickford Village should be kept as a village. New developments should
be in areas that are looking to grow and have the infrastructure such
Aylesbury, Bicester or maybe Thame. More houses will change the
look and feel of what is currently a lovely village.

Question 5

What concerns do you have about potential housing developments in the
village? (132 answered)
1 Lack of infrastructure. Flooding increase due to increased run-off
Congestion.
2 Increase in traffic. Increase in numbers of people and houses changes
overall nature of village over time.
3 It will spoil the village – it is a nice, quiet village. With more houses
being built – it most certainly will be spoilt.
4 Flooding – already we have had several major floods (and are on a
floodplain!). No access for emergency vehicles (my son is under the
heart transplant team and I am aware of others at risk). Traffic – major
problems already noted regarding parking and access to village
particularly around the shop and school. Backed up sewerage, post
flooding. Safety to children and pedestrians. Impact on ecology of area
(wildlife, meadow flowers and bats). Impact on linear structure of
village (building beyond the village boundaries blurs one village into
another reducing community identity).
5 New houses do nothing to cure existing problems of water, sewerage,
services etc. Roadways and bridges already in disrepair because of
heavy vehicles. Access by emergency services an issue on estate roads.
6 Lack of school places. Lack of drainage. Street lighting.
7 Overwhelming community integration. Land drainage – flooding. Car
parking capacity and access for emergency services. School capacity.
Transportation - public/road, conditions/highway maintenance.
Health and medical capacity.
8 Flooding and sewerage problems.
9 Flooding and bad sewerage.

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