DOCSLIB.ORG

Borough Local Plan: Submission Version (2017) 1 Foreword

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Borough Local Plan 2013 - 2033 Submission version Borough Local Plan: Submission Version (2017) 1 Foreword Foreword by Leader of the Council and the Lead Member for Planning We are delighted to present the Borough Local Plan for the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. The Borough Local Plan promotes a sustainable pattern of development for the Borough until 2033. The new development that is proposed in this plan aims to provide for new housing and affordable housing to fulfil the needs of all of our residents, whilst at the same time protecting our valued natural and built historic environment and assets. The plan aims to protect and enhance those elements that make our Borough special in the eyes of not only our residents but all those who choose to visit, work and invest in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. We are privileged to be home to one of the most recognisable and valued historic assets in the country, Windsor Castle and the Windsor Great Park which the Borough Local Plan seeks to protect not only for our own benefit but also for future generations. The Borough Local Plan is based on a substantial and robust evidence base and on the results of the consultation exercises we have carried out in the past, as guided by national policy and legislation. We have worked with partners including our neighbouring local authorities, statutory bodies and local communities and agencies, as well as considering the many emerging and adopted Neighbourhood Development Plans being prepared by parishes and neighbourhood forums. Planning often presents difficult choices and requires a balance of national policy and local wishes. Your Council believes this plan sets out the right framework for the future development of the Royal Borough with policies to protect our most valued landscapes and open spaces whilst also delivering the required level of housing and employment opportunities to meet our growing needs. Cllr Simon Dudley, Leader of the Council and Cllr Derek Wilson, Lead Member for Planning Cllr Simon Dudley, Leader of the Cllr Derek Wilson, Lead Member for Planning Council 2 Borough Local Plan: Submission Version (2017) Making Representations The Borough Local Plan Proposed Submission Document represents the Councils chosen strategy for the Borough having considered other alternatives and all relevant matters. Should you wish to make representations on the legal compliance or soundness of this document you must do so within the eight week consultation period which runs from Friday 30th June 2017 to 12 noon Monday 26th August 2017. Please submit your representations using the on-line forms which can be found on the Borough Local Plan pages at www3.rbwm.gov.uk/blp Alternatively completed representation forms can be emailed to: [email protected] Or hard copies can be sent to: FREEPOST RBWM PLANNING POLICY NO LATE REPRESENTATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Your representations will need to focus on the following: Whether or not the plan is legally compliant (Duty to Cooperate); Whether it has met the tests of soundness: Positively prepared - being based on a strategy that aims to meet objectively assessed needs for development and infrastructure Justified - being the most appropriate strategy Effective - being deliverable over the plan period based on effective joint working Consistent with national policy - enabling the delivery of sustainable development in accordance with the NPPF. Representations should be supported by evidence if possible, and when making representations, please clearly indicate which policy, paragraph or page number you are referring to. Following the consultation period any submitted representations will be collated and sent with the Proposed Submission Borough Local Plan and supporting evidence to the Planning Inspectorate for independent examination. Respondents will not receive individual responses from the Council. It is intended to submit the Plan to the Inspectorate in October 2017. Borough Local Plan: Submission Version (2017) Contents 1 Introduction to the Pre-submission Borough Local Plan 5 2 List of Policies 9 3 Spatial Portrait 12 4 Spatial Vision and Objectives 18 5 Spatial Strategy 25 6 Quality of Place 30 7 Housing 44 8 Economy 60 9 Town Centres and Retail 71 10 Visitors and Tourism 84 11 Historic Environment 88 12 Natural Resources 92 13 Environmental Protection 105 14 Infrastructure 111 15 Monitoring and Implementation 125 16 Glossary 132 Appendices A Maidenhead Town Centre Area Action Plan Superseded Policies 136 B Green Belt Boundary Amendments 138 C Housing Trajectory 152 D Housing Site Allocation Proformas 154 E Marketing and Viability Evidence 214 F Local Centre Maps 217 G Open Space Standards 225 H Sports and Leisure Development Site Proforma 228 - Borough Local Plan: Submission Version (2017) 4 Introduction to the Pre-submission Borough Local Plan 1 Borough Local Plan: Submission Version (2017) 5 Introduction to the Pre-submission Borough Local Plan 1 1.1 Introduction 1.1.1 The Borough Local Plan (BLP) is the key document that provides the framework to guide the future development of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. It sets out a spatial strategy and policies for managing development and infrastructure to meet the environmental, social and economic opportunities and challenges facing the area up to 2033. The Plan not only looks at the scale and distribution of development, but also explains how the Council and its partners will deliver it in a sustainable manner that maintains and enhances the quality of the places that make up the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. 1.1.2 Ultimately, the BLP will be used to make decisions on planning applications. It will also form the strategic framework for Neighbourhood Plans with more detailed guidance to be provided in the form of Supplementary Planning Documents. 1.2 Preparation of the Borough Local Plan 1.2.1 The Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (and amendments in Subsequent Acts) sets out the requirements and consultation processes needed to produce a Local Plan. The Council is also required to have followed the processes outlined within the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012. 1.2.2 The new BLP must also be consistent with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). The NPPF requires that the presumption in favour of sustainable development should be seen as a golden thread running through the BLP. In particular the BLP should be seeking positively to meet the development needs of the Borough, encourage sustainable growth and development, and maintain and enhance the natural and built environments. The Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) provides further clarity about national policy and its implementation. 1.2.3 This pre-submission document follows a process of plan-making which commenced with the preparation of Issues and Options in 2009, 'Planning for the Future' in 2012, the publication of Preferred Options in 2014 and Regulation 18 draft BLP in 2016 and a series of public consultations which are described in the Consultation Statement. It is informed by national policy, the Council’s strategic vision as set out in the Corporate Plan, and a collection of research and information documents called the Evidence Base and on-going engagement with specific consultation bodies, organisations and our local community. 1.3 Evidence base 1.3.1 Local plans are required to be based on adequate, up to date and relevant evidence about the social, economic and environmental characteristics and prospects of the area. A comprehensive evidence base has been developed alongside the BLP to support the policies within it. The evidence base for the BLP is available for reference on the Council website at: https://www3.rbwm.gov.uk/downloads/download/158/borough_local_plan_documents 1.3.2 The BLP must be accompanied by a Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental Assessment (SA/SEA) that considers the impact of the policies on the community, the economy and the environment. The Council has also undertaken a Habitat Regulation Assessment (HRA) which assesses the likely impacts of BLP policies on the integrity of internationally designated nature sites. 1.4 Policy context 1.4.1 The BLP must take account of relevant national guidance, policy and legislation. The BLP does not repeat national policy but aims to explain how the policy has been applied in the local context. 1.4.2 The current statutory development plan for the Royal Borough comprises: Policy NRM6 of the partially revoked South East Plan which is concerned with the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area Saved policies of the Adopted Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Local Plan 1999 Maidenhead Town Centre Area Action Plan 2011 6 Borough Local Plan: Submission Version (2017) 1 Introduction to the Pre-submission Borough Local Plan Replacement Minerals Local Plan (incorporating alterations adopted in December 1997 and May 2000) Waste Local Plan December 1998 Made Ascot, Sunninghill and Sunningdale Neighbourhood Plan 2014. 1.4.3 Once adopted, the BLP will supersede the saved policies of the 1999 Local Plan and several polices in the Maidenhead Town Centre Area Action Plan. Appendix A sets out the policies which will be replaced by the policies of this document and will cease to have effect following the adoption of the BLP. 1.5 Neighbourhood Plans 1.5.1 The Local Plan sets out an up-to-date framework for local communities who are preparing Neighbourhood Plans. A Neighbourhood Plan is a community-led development framework, which in combination with a Local Plan will help guide the future development of local places. Neighbourhood planning offers a formal opportunity to add real value to the planning process by setting out community aspirations for a specific area in the Borough. 1.5.2 Neighbourhood Plans must be consistent with national policies and the strategic policies of the Local Plan. The strategic policies in this BLP are clearly marked in the List of Policies in Section 2.
Recommended publications
  • Wycombe District Local Plan Revised Habitats Regulations Assessment

    Wycombe District Local Plan Revised Habitats Regulations Assessment

    Wycombe District Local Plan Revised Habitats Regulations Assessment Report – including Appropriate Assessment January 2019 Wycombe District Local Plan– Revised Habitats Regulations Assessment Report (January 2019) This page is left intentionally blank. 2 Wycombe District Local Plan– Revised Habitats Regulations Assessment Report (January 2019) Contents Chapter 1 – Introduction .................................................................................. 7 HRA and other assessments .......................................................................... 7 Legislative context .......................................................................................... 7 Sites integrity .................................................................................................. 9 Chapter 2 – Methodology ............................................................................... 12 Stages of HRA .............................................................................................. 12 Scope of the Report ..................................................................................... 13 Assessment Steps ........................................................................................ 15 Chapter 3 – Special Areas of Conservation ................................................... 17 SACs assessed in this Report - Overview .................................................... 17 Site Improvement Plans ............................................................................... 19 Aston Rowant SAC ......................................................................................
  • Naturalist No

    Naturalist No

    The Reading Naturalist No. 35 Published by the Reading and Di~trict Natural History Society 1983. Pri ce to Non-Members £1.00 Contents Page Meetings and ExcUrsions, 1981-82 .. ... 1 Presidential Addressg How to renew an interest in Carpentry · · B • . R. Baker 2 Hymenoptera in the neading Area H. Ho Carter 5 Wildlife Conservation at AWRE9 Aldermaston Ao Brickstock 10 Albinism in Frogs (Rana temporaria Lo ) 1978-82 j' A • . Price 12 . .t . Looking forward to the Spring So rlard 15 ';',' .. Kenfig Pool and Dunes, Glamorgan H. J. Mo Bowen 16 Mosses of Central Readingg Update Mo v. Fletcher 20 : "( Agaricus around Reading, 1982 P. Andrews 23 Honorary Recorders' Repor·ts g Fungi Ao Brickstock 27 Botany Bo H. Newman 32 .' ... 'EIl"tomology Bo Ro Baker 41 Vertebrat~s H. Ho Carter .. ... ·47 , Weather Records M. ' Parry ·· 51 Monthly vleather Notes Mo· Parry 52 Members' List 53 T3 E READIN"G NATU!tALIST The Journal of' .. " The Reading and District Natural His-t-ory Soci.ety President ~ Hon. General Secretaryg Hon-. Editor: Mrs. S. J. lihitf'ield Miss L. E. Cobb Editorial Sub-Committee: Miss E. M. Nelmes, Miss S. Y. Townend Honorary Recorders~ Botany; Hrs " B. M," NelYman 9 Mr. B. R. Baker, Vertebrates ~. Mr. H . H v Carter, Fungi: Dr. A. Brickstock, : .. - , 1 - The Annual General Meeting on 15th October 1981 (attendance 52) was ::followed by 'Mr. B. R. Baker's Presid­ ential Address entitled 'How to Renew an Interest in Carpentry' • A Natural History 'Brains Trust' (54) was held on 29th October under the chairmanship of the President, the members of the panel being Mr.
  • Budget 2018/19

    Budget 2018/19

    Budget 2018/19 ROYAL BOROUGH OF WINDSOR AND MAIDENHEAD BUDGET 2018/19 CONTENTS Page FOREWORD BY THE MANAGING DIRECTOR……………………………………………………... 5 GENERAL STATISTICS………………………………………………………………………………… 7 SUMMARIES AND STATEMENTS …………………………………………………………………... 13 Council Tax for all Bands of Property………………………………………………………………… 15 Parish Precepts………………………………………………………………………………………… 17 Subjective Analysis …………………………………………………………………………………… 18 Collection Fund………………………………………………………………………………………… 19 Revenue Budget Movement Statement……………………………………………………………… 21 Medium Term Financial Plan………………………………………………………………………….. 22 General Fund Cost Direct Cost Budget Summary & Working Balances………………………… 24 GENERAL FUND REVENUE ACCOUNT - DIRECT COST Managing Director - Direct Cost Summary & Details………………………………………..…… 27 Communities Directorate - Direct Cost Summary & Details…………………………………….. 57 Place Directorate - Direct Cost Summary & Details……………………………………………… 81 GENERAL FUND REVENUE ACCOUNT - FULL COST Full Cost Budget Summaries………………………………………………………………………….. 95 FEES & CHARGES ……………………….…………………………………………………………….. 105 Managing Director……………………………………………………………………………………. 107 Place Directorate……………………………………………………………………………. 115 Communities Directorate…………………………………………………………………………….. 118 CAPITAL PROGRAMME ………………..……………………………………………………………. 145 Summary Capital Programme………………………………………………………………………… 147 Managing Director ………………………………………………………………………………….. 148 Communities Directorate ….…………………………………….…………………………………. 151 Place Directorate …………………………………………………..……………………………….. 158 GLOSSARY OF TERMS…………………………………………………………………………………
  • Local Flood Risk Management Strategy

    Local Flood Risk Management Strategy

    Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead Local Flood Risk Management Strategy Published in December 2014 RBWM Local Flood Risk Management Strategy December 2014 2 RBWM Local Flood Risk Management Strategy December 2014 TABLE OF CONTENTS PART A: GENERAL INFORMATION .............................................................................................8 1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................8 1.1 The Purpose of the Strategy ...........................................................................................8 1.2 Overview of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead ................................................9 1.3 Types of flooding ....................................................................................................... 11 1.4 Who is this Strategy aimed at? .....................................................................................12 1.5 The period covered by the Strategy ...............................................................................12 1.6 The Objectives of the Strategy ......................................................................................12 1.7 Scrutiny and Review ...................................................................................................13 2 Legislative Context ..........................................................................................................14 2.1 The Pitt Review .........................................................................................................14
  • Bpnp Pre-Submission Consultation Public and Statutory Body Responses and Outcomes

    Bpnp Pre-Submission Consultation Public and Statutory Body Responses and Outcomes

    BPNP PRE-SUBMISSION CONSULTATION PUBLIC AND STATUTORY BODY RESPONSES AND OUTCOMES This document summarises the responses received from the public and from statutory consultees to the pre-submission consultation of the BP Neighbourhood Plan. While every effort has been made to reflect the representations in a full, fair and balanced manner, this document is only intended to provide a summary (the representations are also available in their entirety, referenced by number). This document also sets out the BPNP Steering Group's comments to the responses received and any outcomes resulting. SOME RELEVANT DATE POLICY / No. METHOD POST CODE ADDRESS NAME E-MAIL SUMMARY OF RESPONSE RECEIVED CONSIDERATIONS & OTHER BPNP SG COMMENTS & OUTCOMES RECEIVED SECTION FACTORS RESIDENTS CONSULTATION RESPONSES On-Line 26 Court Close, Agree. Give thought to any possible future fracking. If sited sympathetically 19-May-15 SL6 2DL P.J.N. Harvey [email protected] BE15 R01 Survey Maidenhead it may provide healthy income for the Parish without negative consequences. Agree. There should be a footpath from Holyport village all the way to TI4 Holyport College. Cycle routes should not have frequent give way stops. The whole point of easy cycling is to get going and keep going. Agree. However I am concerned that from time to time some of our lovely village pubs put up marquees and close for private functions. My view is that these premises have insufficient facilities for these type of events (parking On-Line Glen Eyre, Holyport 20-May-15 SL6 2EY Mr R.T. Gibson [email protected] E3 and WC in particularly) and should not prohibit their usual customers.
  • Bracknell Forest Ramblers Route

    Bracknell Forest Ramblers Route

    This broad, straight track is part of a Follow a cinder track for 350 yards (315m) and then turn left off the footpath by some white fencing, where Location map Roman road which once linked London Section 1 you’ll follow an old tarmac road for a further 350 yards. Turn right just after the gas pumping station and follow a with the Roman town of Silchester. Even Ramblers route bridleway, which runs parallel to power lines, in a westerly direction, crossing a stream at one point. Stay on this The Look Out to Wildmoor Heath: though the Romans constructed the road, path for 0.8 miles (1.3 km) until you reach the Crowthorne to Sandhurst road. 4.5 miles (7.2 km) local people who lived here after the Roman Introduction Occupation believed that only the Devil could Numbered text relates to numbered route The Ramblers Route have been responsible for such a feat of sections in the maps. engineering - hence its name. is 26 mile/ 41.8km Section 1 The Look Out Discovery Centre is open daily circular walking trail Continue straight along the Devil’s Highway, and provides many attractions for the family, drop down a slope to a gate and follow the that passes through with over 90 science and nature exhibits. The track beneath the route of the Sandhurst- attractive countryside Look Out is situated on the edge of Swinley Crowthorne bypass. About 175 yards (160m) on the outskirts of Forest which is the largest area of unbroken beyond the bypass, turn left onto a footpath woodland (mostly Scots Pine) in Berkshire at and head south.
  • Jealott's Hill, Warfield Technical Summary

    Jealott's Hill, Warfield Technical Summary

    JEALOTT’S HILL, WARFIELD TECHNICAL SUMMARY/OVERVIEW NOTE ON ECOLOGICAL CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES Executive Summary Development at the Jealott’s Hill site offers the opportunity to create extensive areas of new species and wildflower-rich mesotrophic grassland, through the reversion of arable land and through the diversification of existing improved grassland currently in agricultural use. Small patches of existing more diverse semi-improved grassland around the current research campus buildings could also form the basis of a significant project to create or restore new areas of ‘lowland meadow’ priority habitat; either through their retention and positive management in situ to promote enhancement, or through the use of the soil seed bank in these areas to diversify larger parts of the rural hinterland of the estate currently in agricultural use. Existing species-rich hedgerows can also be subject to positive future management using traditional conservation-friendly methods such as laying, with older hedgerows prioritised for retention within the layout, and new species-rich native hedgerows planted in conjunction with the proposals. Existing ponds can be subject to ecological restoration to improve their suitability for a range of species including aquatic invertebrates, amphibians, foraging bats and hunting Grass Snake. The habitats present both on site and in the wider area are likely to support a range of fauna of varying ecological importance including; amphibians, reptiles, breeding and overwintering birds (particularly farmland birds), mammals such as bats and Badgers, and invertebrate assemblages. The scale of the proposals and large areas of proposed Green Infrastructure being brought forward will provide the means to deliver new habitat for these species and this will be informed by further ecological survey work in due course.
  • Download Systematic List

    Download Systematic List

    SyStematic LiSt Bird report for 2000–2001 observers Please see the list of contributors at the end of this report to whom we extend our thanks. abbreviations and place names The normal abbreviations are shown below in the table. For place names difficulties arise where there are several names for the same sites including where, for example, a gravel pit complex is named but not the individual pit. A map and guide to the main sites is included towards the end of the report to assist with identification. age/Sex pLaceS/ LocaLitieS ad adult com Common f/s First summer cp Country Park f/w First winter (plumage) fm Farm imm Immature gc Golf course Juv Juvenile gp Gravel Pit(s) m Male res Reservoir pr pair r. River f or fem Female Sf Sewage Farm r/h Redhead StW Sewage Treatment Works r/t Ringtail S/p Summer plumage e Berks East Berkshire S/s Second summer m.Berks Mid Berkshire S/w Second winter W Berks West Berkshire W/p Winter plumage dorney W Dorney Wetlands W Winter K&a Kennet and Avon 3/s Third summer Qmr Queen Mother Reservoir 3/w Third winter In an attempt to show the national status of our breeding birds, any species that is protected under Schedule One of the Wildlife and Countryside Act and any species that may be red or amber listed in the most recent list of Birds of conservation concern for the UK will have the species status placed in brackets after the county status which precedes the species account.
  • Contract Leads Powered by EARLY PLANNING Projects in Planning up to Detailed Plans Submitted

    Contract Leads Powered by EARLY PLANNING Projects in Planning up to Detailed Plans Submitted

    Contract Leads Powered by EARLY PLANNING Projects in planning up to detailed plans submitted. PLANS APPROVED Projects where the detailed plans have been approved but are still at pre-tender stage. TENDERS Projects that are at the tender stage CONTRACTS Approved projects at main contract awarded stage. Planning authority: Rugby Job: Outline Developer: Ian H Bix & Associates, Sandpiper Road Wythall £13.35m Properties Ltd Agent: Malcolm Tempest Ltd, Christopher Street, London, EC2A 2BS Tel: Humberside, HU13 9PB Tel: 101 01482 326415 Plans Submitted for 5 houses Client: Mr. House, Leete Way, West Winch, King’s Lynn, Planning authority: Bromsgrove Job: High Parks, Newton-le-Willows, Bedale, 020 7843 3199 KNARESBOROUGH £1M Contracts MIDLANDS/ EAST Brian Swan Agent: Mrs. Beverley Bates, 25 Norfolk, PE33 0ST Tel: 01553 844077 Reserved Matters Granted for 174 houses & 4 North Yorkshire, DL8 1TP Tel: 01677 450777 HULL £10M St James Retail Park, Grimbald Crag Main Road, Kilsby, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 NOTTINGHAM £1M bungalows Client: Miller Homes (East BEDLINGTON £1.05M Carlam Hill Farm, Carlam Lane Wawne Road BARNSLEY £7.275M ANGLIA 8XR Tel: 01788 822486 Cafe and residential Units, Clifton Lane Midlands) Agent: Miller Homes (East Land South Of Red House Farm E, Red Planning authority: Kingston-Upon-Hull Planning authority: Harrogate Job: Detail Land at, Ellwood Off Wilson SOLIHULL £0.5M Planning authority: Nottingham Job: Detail Midlands), 2 Centro Place, Pride Park, Derby, House Farm Estate Job: Detailed Plans Submitted for solar Plans Granted
  • Download Articles

    Download Articles

    The Birds of Berkshire Annual Report 2005 Published 2009 Berkshire Ornithological Club The Berkshire Ornithological Club (BOC) was founded as Reading Ornithological Club in 1947 to promote education and study of wild birds, their habitats and their conservation, initially in the Reading area but now on a county wide basis. It is affiliated to the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). Membership is open to anyone interested in birds and bird-watching, beginner or expert, local patch enthusiast or international twitcher. The Club provides the following in return for a modest annual subscription: • A programme of indoor meetings with • Conservation involvement in important expert speakers on ornithological local habitats and species. BOC subjects members are involved in practical conservation work with groups such • Occasional social meetings as Friends of Lavell’s Lake, Theale • An annual photographic competition Area Bird Conservation Group and of very high standard judged by the Moor Green Lakes Group. President Gordon Langsbury FRPS • Opportunities to participate in survey • A programme of field meetings both work to help understand birds better. locally and further afield. These The surveys include a regular Garden can be for half days, whole days or Bird survey, supporting the BTO in its weekends. work and the new Berkshire 2007–11 County Atlas and avifauna. • Regular mid week bird walks in and around many of Berkshire’s • The Club runs the Birds of Berkshire and neighbouring counties’ best Conservation Fund to support local birdwatching areas. bird conservation projects. • Exclusive access to the pre-eminent site Queen Mother Reservoir (subject to permit) This annual Berkshire Bird Report is published by the Club and provided free to members.
  • Environmental Report SA/SEA

    Environmental Report SA/SEA

    Central and Eastern Berkshire Authorities Joint Minerals and Waste Plan Environmental Report SA/SEA July 2020 Contents Non Technical Summary ............................................................................................................... 1 1. Introduction and Purpose ................................................................................................... 26 1.1 Background .................................................................................................................... 26 1.2 The SA/SEA Process ..................................................................................................... 27 1.3 Meeting the requirements of the SEA Directive ............................................................. 30 1.4 Requirements of SA ....................................................................................................... 32 1.5 Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) ...................................................................... 32 1.6 JMWP Background ........................................................................................................ 33 1.7 JMWP Vision .................................................................................................................. 34 2. Stage A Scoping Appraisal Findings ................................................................................. 36 2.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 36 2.2 Task A1 Review of Plans
  • MAIDENHEAD U12's RUGBY FESTIVAL

    MAIDENHEAD U12's RUGBY FESTIVAL

    MAIDENHEAD U12’s RUGBY FESTIVAL Saturday 13th October 2018 FESTIVAL START TIME IS 13:30PM PLEASE ENSURE YOUR TEAMS ARE ON- SITE AT 12:30PM Welcome A very big welcome to all our visitors today to start the 2018 Maidenhead RFC Festival. With the challenge that the summer and the hard grounds has brought to many rugby clubs around the country, it is fantastic to still welcome you to Braywick despite it being a Saturday and I hope you enjoy playing on the fantastic AGP. It should make for some great games. The quality of rugby and the spirit within which it is played is fantastic to see at all the festivals I attend and hopefully the quality, fun and enthusiasm showed by all players’ today will bode well for the future and also be a part of what encourages them to aspire to reaching the heady heights of their club’s senior teams when the time comes. It is so important that in these times of financial rewards throughout rugby that we nurture these young players love for their clubs and offer them the opportunity to represent their clubs at the highest level. As Chairman and past Colt there is no better feeling than seeing a number of previous seasons’ colts running out with the 1st team on a Saturday afternoon. A big part of this is thanks to you, coaches, managers and parents, who put so much effort into making the playing environment for your young charges so enjoyable and rewarding. So I would also like to thank all of you for your love of rugby, your hard work and commitment to rugby’s young players and for being here today.