Warborough & Shillingford Neighbourhood Development Plan

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WARBOROUGH & SHILLINGFORD

NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2011 TO 2033

Prepared by:

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee

On behalf of the Warborough Parish Council

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction ...... 2

2. The Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan ...... 3 2.1. Structure of this report ...... 3 2.2. How the WSNP fits into the Planning System ...... 3 2.3. Designation ...... 4 2.4. Community engagement ...... 4 2.5. Draft Plan Creation ...... 5 2.6. Relationship between Plan objectives and Strategic Environmental Assessment Objectives/ Sustainability Appraisal ...... 5 2.7. Submission, Examination and Adoption ...... 5

3. The Parish of Warborough and Shillingford ...... 6 3.1. Location and a brief history ...... 6 3.2. Development context ...... 8 3.3. Our sustainability challenges ...... 8

4. The Neighbourhood Plan – Vision, Objectives and Policies ...... 9 4.1. Vision ...... 9 4.2. Objectives ...... 10

5. POLICIES ...... 11 5.1. VILLAGE AND RURAL CHARACTER AND DESIGN ...... 12 5.2. HOUSING ...... 18 5.3. COMMUNITY ASSETS, SERVICES AND FACILITIES ...... 31 5.4. ECONOMY AND TOURISM ...... 38

6. Implementation and monitoring ...... 40 6.1. Implementation ...... 40 6.2. Monitoring ...... 40

7. Appendices ...... 41 7.1. Appendix A Character Assessment-...... 41 7.2. Appendix B Neighbourhood Plan Community (scoping) Survey, December 2015...... 41 7.3. Appendix C Neighbourhood Plan Community (scoping) Survey Results, December 2015 ...... 41 7.4. Appendix D Neighbourhood Plan Community Survey Report- June 2016 ...... 41 7.5. Appendix E Pedestrian Links ...... 41 7.6. Appendix F School Parking Survey ...... 41 7.7. Appendix G Community Issues ...... 42 7.8. Appendix H Local Green Spaces Evidence Base ...... 47 7.9. Appendix I Local Traffic Collision Data ...... 50

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1. Introduction

The Localism Act 2011 introduced Neighbourhood Planning into the hierarchy of spatial planning in England giving communities the right to shape their future development at a local level.

Warborough and Shillingford Parish Council is a “qualifying body” and authorised to lead in the preparation of the Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan (WSNP). To produce the Plan, the Parish Council appointed the Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee, which includes parish councillors and community volunteers, with support from Community First Oxfordshire (CFO), an independent planning consultant - Development Planning Advisory Services Ltd, and South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC).

The WSNP sets out a plan for a sustainable future for the village. It presents objectives and policies that will be used in shaping the future development of the parish. These have been established through extensive public consultation and are underpinned by both statistical information and local knowledge. The aims and objectives of the WSNP relate principally to planning matters but also have relevance to other issues important to the community. The Plan policies are compatible with the Development Plan for the District (the South Oxfordshire Core Strategy 2012, saved Policies from the adopted South Oxfordshire Local Plan 2011 (2006)) and have been drafted to run in parallel with the new Local Plan for South Oxfordshire, 2011- 2033.

Once the Plan has been made (following a successful referendum) the Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan will form part of South Oxfordshire District’s Development Plan. This means that the Neighbourhood Plan will have weight in deciding where any development should take place and the type and character of the development.

The pre-submission version of the WSNP, containing the draft proposals, was consulted on during June to August 2017. Following consultation, modifications were made to this final version of the Plan to ensure its policies meet the basic conditions. A detailed record of consultation comments and the response of the WSNP can be found in the WSNP Consultation Statement. A health check was carried out by an Independent External Examiner in Q4 2017, which also informed this version

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2. The Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan

2.1. Structure of this report

The WSNP vision, objectives and summary policies are set out in chapter 4. Detailed policies, together with justification and evidence for these, are in chapter 5. Several appendices set out supporting evidence.

Supporting documents track the WSNP process and evidence in detail:

● The Sustainability Appraisal Report ● The Basic Conditions Statement ● The Consultation Statement.

2.2. How the WSNP fits into the Planning System

Although the Government’s intention is for local people to decide what goes on in their towns, the Localism Act sets out some important laws. Neighbourhood Plans must have regard to the National Planning Policy Framework and other national planning advice.

The WSNP must also be in general conformity with the adopted strategic policies contained in the development plan for the area. SODC is preparing a new Local Plan, referred to as the Local Plan 2033, which is scheduled to be adopted in 2018. Currently the development plan in South Oxfordshire consists of:

● South Oxfordshire Core Strategy (2012) ● Saved policies of the Local Plan 2011 (2006).

Neighbourhood Plans must also be compatible with European regulations on strategic environmental assessment and habitat regulations.

The Green South

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2.3. Designation

In accordance with regulations, SODC publicised the Neighbourhood Plan application from Warborough and Shillingford Parish Council and advertised a 6-week consultation period ending on 15 January 2016. South Oxfordshire District Council designated the Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Area on 1 March 2016.

2.4. Community engagement

From the outset of the NP process in December 2015, when the community was first consulted about the WSNP, the Steering Committee followed a community Map 1 - Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Area consultation strategy and encouraged community involvement through open meetings, via newsletters, the web site, an initial scoping survey (Appendix B) and more comprehensive community consultation survey (Appendix D), which assessed housing need and other key issues for the villages.

At each stage in the Plan process, elements such as the Plan objectives, site assessment, site allocations and draft policies have been refined in response to feedback from residents and landowners.

The extensive community consultation process is comprehensively documented in the Consultation Statement.

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2.5. Draft Plan Creation

The Steering Committee (SC) drafted policies to meet the WSNP objectives. In this task, the SC had input from Community First Oxfordshire, the District Council and an independent planning advisor.

The draft policies were presented to the public at two sessions on 30 November 2016, published in advance on the Parish web site. Feedback was received and the policies subsequently refined. The planning justification and evidence and local support underpinning each of the WSNP policies is set out in this document. This was included in the WSNP Pre-Submission Consultation in the summer of 2017. A detailed record of these consultation comments and the response of the WSNP can be found in the WSNP Consultation Statement.

2.6. Relationship between Plan objectives and Strategic Environmental Assessment Objectives/ Sustainability Appraisal

An SEA Screening Opinion produced by the Planning Department at SODC on 20 March 2017 advised that an SEA would be required on the WSNP.

The Steering Committee has undertaken a Sustainability Appraisal, which incorporates the requirements for a Strategic Environmental Assessment. A Sustainability Appraisal is more comprehensive than a strategic environmental assessment since it covers the effects of plans on the economy and society, as well as the environment.

This Sustainability Appraisal was carried out in parallel with the WSNP. Sustainability objectives (social, economic and environmental) were compared with WSNP objectives and with development options. This helped to inform the decisions on the location of development proposals. The Sustainability Appraisal Report, setting out the outcomes of the sustainability appraisal process and including the underlying Technical Site Assessment, was subject to a health check carried out by an external consultant, AECOM, in April 2017. The statutory consultees (Environment Agency, Historic England and Natural England) were consulted as part of the SEA/SAR process. Their suggestions and comments have been incorporated into the NP and SEA/SAR, as detailed in the accompanying Consultation Statement.

2.7. Submission, Examination and Adoption

This document is the final submission version of the Warborough and Shillingford Parish Council Neighbourhood Plan.

The District Council will check that the WSNP has been submitted with the right documentation and that it meets the definition of a NDP. It will then be submitted to an independent examiner together with other Plan documents (Basic Conditions Statement, Consultation Statement and Sustainability Appraisal Report). The examiner will check that it meets the ‘Basic Conditions’ or requirements for a Neighbourhood Plan and decide whether it should go forward to a community referendum.

Any recommendations made by the examiner will be considered by the District Council.

If the Plan is supported by a majority vote at the referendum, the Plan will be ‘made’ or adopted by the District Council. This means that the policies of the WSNP will have full material weight – just as the policies of the District-wide Local Plan do - when South Oxfordshire District Council determines planning applications in the Neighbourhood Plan area.

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3. The Parish of Warborough and Shillingford

3.1. Location and a brief history

Warborough is an attractive village and civil parish in South Oxfordshire, about 2.5 miles (4km) north of Wallingford and about 9 miles (14 km) south of Oxford. The built-up areas follow the line of the busy Thame Road, the A329, on the southern tip of Oxford’s green belt. The parish also includes the hamlet of Shillingford, south of Warborough, and beside the River Thames. The 2 villages house a combined total of 433 households (ONS statistics, January 2013).

The place-name Warborough means ‘Watch/look-out hill’ and is a derivation from Old English weard meaning ‘watch, ward, protection’ and berg denoting ‘a hill, mound’ (Mills 2011, 483). It was first recorded as Wardeberg in 1200.

The core of the settlement is centred on the square of land formed by St Laurence’s Church, The Green North, The Green South and The Green itself. There are many historic buildings throughout the village and some particularly attractive groups around The Green North and South and along Wharf Road in the south. Warborough is well known for its spacious green, the character of which is formed by the ditches around the edge, its cricket pitch, the prominent mature trees and the many historic buildings that overlook it. Ditches are also a feature along either side of Thame Road. There is a wide variety of building types in the village ranging from small cottages to large Georgian houses and late medieval farmhouses, with associated weather-boarded barns.

The parish was chiefly agricultural throughout the 17th and 18th centuries with corn and beans being grown on the higher ground to the north of the village, and barley on the lower ground towards the river. Cattle were also reared in the area. Before the General Enclosure Act of 1845 Warborough Conservation Area (red) there was very little enclosure. In order to cover costs Listed Buildings (blue) SODC 2011 of enclosure, 130 acres of common land were sold to St John’s College, together with sales to smaller tenants. The Green, a common pastureland before enclosure, was transferred to the parish officers as a place of exercise and recreation for the inhabitants in 1853 at the request of the Reverend White.

The centre of the Warborough around the church is

made up of terraced and other small cottages, including two alms houses, while the larger farmhouses are found on the edge of the historic core.

Many older houses are detached and set in spacious curtilages. Several of the houses, now private Warborough Alms Houses

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residences, are named after their former use, e.g. The Old Vicarage, The Old Forge, The Old Bakery. While there is no predominant vernacular building material in the village, there are many good examples of red brick with flared headers, which are likely to have been manufactured at the Nettlebed kilns, soft rubble clunch stone, some flint work, dressed stone, timber framing, (both exposed and rendered), thatch, clay tiles and slate. Thame Road had been previously made a Turnpike in 1770.

Shillingford is on the busy A4074 Reading to Oxford road at the junction with Thame Road. The A4074 separates the older part to the south from the mainly newer part, to the north (with the exception of listed buildings along Warborough Road). The bottom of Thame Road was diverted whilst still a turnpike, in the 1820s, to form a mini-by-pass so that it avoids the centre of Shillingford, leaving the original road as a quiet back-water. (Victorian History of Oxfordshire, 2016).

On the south side of the A4074, Wharf Road leads down to Shillingford Wharf, this is now a small Thames-side parish space which is the only public access to the river Thames. Prior to the river bank erosion in the early 19th century, Wharf Road continued to curve to the South-East towards the site of the ferry across the Thames to Wallingford. Shillingford ferry was replaced in Shillingford Conservation Area (red) 1764 by a timber bridge on stone pillars and a Listed Buildings (blue) SODC 2011 new straight stretch of road was constructed to link it to the Henley Road.

The Thames-side terrace gravels have been a favoured area for settlement from pre-historic times. Neolithic settlers at Dorchester and other downstream gravel sites along the Thames took advantage of the lighter, more workable soils, an accessible water supply and slight elevation above the most flood prone areas. This pattern of settlement persisted and was extended through the Roman and Saxon period. This continuity of settlement was also due to the strategic importance of the River Thames as a territorial boundary and for transport and trade.

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3.2. Development context

The WSNP Neighbourhood Plan has been prepared in the context of the South Oxfordshire District Council planning strategy for the Parish of Warborough. The village is classified as a ‘smaller village’ where large scale development is not normally considered appropriate. This does not preclude limited growth being encouraged through positive policies for infill and small-scale development within the built-up area. Policies H1 and particularly H3 of the Neighbourhood Plan achieve this. The emerging Local Plan identifies that smaller villages should be capable of 5-10% growth across the district depending on local circumstances to be determined within a Neighbourhood Plan. Despite Warborough and Shillingford not being identified as suitable for an allocation of development, the emerging Local Plan does allow the Neighbourhood Plan to explore the potential for further development including a site allocation. 39% of respondents in the April 2016 WSNP Survey chose ‘infill only’ in response to the question ‘where would you like to see development?’. This level of agreement is entirely consistent with the Local Plan policy and strategy but the level of agreement also meant that it was not the majority view. It was determined that larger development sites should be considered to identify if development of these larger sites could be incorporated into the villages successfully. This therefore necessitated a site assessment process. This process was further encouraged by the review of responses to the WSNP’s call for sites and the South Oxfordshire District Council Local Plan Preferred Options Document, published June 2016 and further updated in March 2017, which indicated increased pressures on small rural communities to deliver more housing. The site assessment process is comprehensively documented in the Sustainability Appraisal Report. This document also explains the rationale behind the decision in the WSNP to allocate a single housing development site, as set out in policy H2. It is felt that by proactively planning for a site that delivers clear benefits now, together with a more organic infill approach which will grow more slowly, the community can meet the 5-10% growth ‘challenge’ set by SODC. In addition, despite the fact that the parish is a thriving and active community, the viability of the Post Office and shop has been under scrutiny and only one public house remains (two have shut in recent times). It suffers from traffic congestion and road safety issues (with 20 traffic collisions reported on the main road in Warborough over the past 5 years, see Appendix I) due to high flow and little off-road parking, especially around the school. There has been no substantial development in the parish for 35+ years and there is a shortage of affordable, smaller houses and housing for the elderly. Therefore, it is felt that the policies set out in the WSNP can better support and improve local infrastructure whilst continuing to protect the essential character which villagers hold so dear. Whilst there will always be some diversity in opinion when it comes to issues of development, the committee believes there is a strong overriding will amongst the majority of those who have participated in the consultation to limit any development within the Parish to a single site together with infill properties that are modest in size and in keeping in style to the older properties within the village. It fundamentally does not support more substantial development as this would put at risk the rural nature of the village that is seen as the key to its character and indeed the impact on this most important attribute needs to be considered before even allowing any infill development.

3.3. Our sustainability challenges

As noted above, a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Screening Opinion from SODC advised that SEA was required on the WSNP.

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The SC undertook a Sustainability Appraisal, incorporating the requirements for a Strategic Environmental Assessment.

The resulting Sustainability Appraisal Report, (or SAR, available as a separate document), outlines the relevant planning policies that apply to the WSNP and presents baseline data relating to the criteria required by the EU SEA Directive, transposed into UK Regulations.1 These criteria are: biodiversity, population, human health, fauna, flora, soil, water, air, climatic factors, material assets, landscape, cultural heritage including architectural and archaeological heritage, and the inter-relationship between the issues.

The SAR also encompasses the effect of the WSNP on key themes as related to the social and economic dimensions of sustainable development.

Where relevant, key findings from the Sustainability Appraisal are provided as additional justification for the Planning Policies and community projects set out below.

4. The Neighbourhood Plan – Vision, Objectives and Policies

The WSNP Vision, Objectives and Policies have evolved and been refined throughout the NP process in two main ways:

1- Extensive community consultation. This included an initial, broad scoping survey (December 2015); a detailed community survey (May 2016); and eight consultation events from December 2015 until December 2016. The totality of the consultation process is documented in detail in the separate Consultation Statement. 2- The Sustainability Appraisal process. This is detailed in the Sustainability Appraisal Report (available as a separate document), which establishes the local sustainability context regarding important social, economic and environmental themes.

4.1. Vision

The Vision for Warborough and Shillingford’s Neighbourhood Plan is:

To preserve and enhance the look and feel of our villages, our community spirit and our countryside whilst supporting our identified housing and community needs.

1http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2004/1633/pdfs/uksi_20041633_en.pdf, p. 13

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4.2. Objectives

VILLAGE CHARACTER

1. To enhance our strong sense of place, community and local identity.

2. To ensure that new housing development is in character with the villages, protects the greenbelt and offers a high quality of design within the villages whilst minimising impact on views.

3. To protect the aesthetic beauty of the villages and the income it generates.

HOUSING

4. To provide existing and future residents with the opportunity to live in a decent home and providing a mix of housing to better meet local needs especially smaller homes and homes for the elderly.

5. To identify development sites to meet the housing numbers indicated in the Local Plan.

6. To ensure that new development does not cause new, or exacerbate existing, traffic, parking and road safety issues around the village and seeks to improve it..

7. To maximise integration of the new development with the existing community.

8. To ensure new development does not cause new, or exacerbate existing, risk of flooding, and seeks to reduce the existing risk.

COMMUNITY ASSETS, SERVICES AND FACILITIES

9. To ensure that local services, recreational facilities and infrastructure are maintained and improved.

10. To ensure that heritage assets are protected. 11. To seek opportunities for landscape, recreational and ecological gain whilst minimising the environmental impact of new development. ECONOMY AND TOURISM 12. To enhance the prospects for local businesses by supporting plans for village amenity premises.

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5. POLICIES

Policies and objectives have been grouped under themes. In this section, each of these themes is given a general introduction. Evidence and justification is set out and then the policy is set out within that context.

Shillingford Bridge

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5.1. VILLAGE AND RURAL CHARACTER AND DESIGN

OBJECTIVES POLICY

1. To enhance our strong sense of place, community and local identity. VC1- 2. To ensure that new housing development is in character with the villages, Village and rural protects the greenbelt and offers a high quality of design within the villages character and whilst minimising impact on views. design 3. To protect the aesthetic beauty of the villages and the income it generates.

Introduction

Our community comprises the village of Warborough and the hamlet of Shillingford and is known as the Parish of Warborough. Both villages have extensive conservation areas and each fall partly in the Green Belt; both have many Grade 2 listed buildings (Figure 1 shows the extent of the conservation areas and Green Belt).

The villages are richly populated with trees and hedges that feature prominently throughout. They sit amidst farmland with open views out across the surrounding countryside, particularly to the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and also to Wittenham Clumps and Oxford City. Although the Green Belt covers roughly half of Warborough and most of Shillingford, and the Conservation areas focus on two areas, the character is defined by wider boundaries and this should be assessed as an entity. Our uniquely attractive villages are enjoyed by both residents and visitors alike and housing growth should not be allowed to impact negatively on this, as unsympathetic over-development did in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

The enclosures of the 19th century gave a framework around which subsequent Figure 1 Warborough & Shillingford Conservation areas (outlined in red), green belt (green hash) and listed buildings growth took place in our villages. (highlighted yellow). Source: SODC GIS

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Warborough - the built-up area of which follows the line of the busy Thame Road. The core of the settlement is centred on the square of land formed by the shop and Post Office, St. Laurence Church with its hall to the west, The Green North, The Green South and village pub, the Green itself with a cricket pavilion and the allotments and open fields to the east.

Shillingford - is to the south of Warborough stretching to the River Thames and is divided by the busy main road (A4074) that runs between Reading and Oxford; Wallingford Road runs over Shillingford Bridge to the Shillingford Bridge Hotel. The Wharf Road conservation area runs down to the River, and the Village owns the Wharf. The Thames Path runs along Wharf Road to the river, there are grass verges but no footways. The northern part of Shillingford contains most of the recent development in various closes, off the main roads.

Character and Design

The one thing a visitor might take away, if they met the residents of Warborough and Shillingford is how much we all love our village. All of it. Ideally, as it is, without change. But change we must, and in doing so we wish to protect the rural ambiance, structure, and appearance as best we can. There are really very few negatives about the structure of the village, the main complaints are about traffic, parking and flooding. The most positive? We have a lot to choose from but the most obvious is the Village Green. In character, you can’t imagine a more enthusiastic village. It values its integration, social life, clubs, events, sports on the Green, boating on the river. It’s a great place to live and the villagers are determined to keep it so.

The Parish Council supports the Local Plan approach where it can be demonstrated that development proposals reflect the sense of place, community and local identity and be complimentary in style, size, siting and other impact. Policy VC1 recognises the value of the SODC Design Guide and supports its approach to quality at every scale, but it also takes account that this is more easily applied to larger sites and that development that impacts on the street scene is very important locally. The aim is not to constrain development or innovative design but to reflect the best in design not the lowest common denominator.

Policy VC1 is also supported by NPPF para 28, ‘Sustaining a Prosperous Rural Economy’, which supports sustainable rural tourism and leisure developments that benefit businesses in rural areas, communities and visitors, and which respect the character of the countryside.

Warborough and Shillingford have proved popular for many years now as a film location. Midsomer Murders, a series set in present day, lists Warborough as a location for 12 of the 121 episodes filmed over the past 20 years. Sites from the village include the Green, various individual houses, the shop and the Pub. Other filming also occurs, primarily in The Green area and also in the ‘new Shillingford’. A local cinematographer cites: “The advantages of Warborough and Shillingford are ease of access from London, adequate space and parking for filming to take place, and suitable, pretty locations.” This in turn generates coach parties and walking parties who come to see the location and further increase custom for the pub and shop.

The use of The Green2 and other village spaces brings in extremely useful extra funds to the Parish Council and provides local home owners, the local farm and the pub with a useful extra income.

New development should not discourage this activity and proposals must therefore take account of the distinct village and rural characteristics that make the Parish attractive to the media industry. This adds a unique burden on development proposals which will be expected to consider the impact of developments

2 After ‘walks’, this is the village asset most used daily by respondents of the WSNP 2016 Community Survey.

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on rural or village character to take account of both the intrinsic value and qualities of Warborough and Shillingford, but also to consider the parish as a film location where matters of short and long-distance views take on a particular artistic and economic dimension.

The character of the village and its rural setting are very important to us. In order to understand and document what makes our villages special, we have undertaken a Character Assessment (Appendix A) which analyses the key urban and natural features that create our unique environment. The character assessment should be used as a design tool for prospective developers, whether for extensions to existing structures, small infill development or larger schemes. We expect new development to add to Warborough and Shillingford’s continual improvement and never to lead to a deterioration in our environmental quality or our enjoyment of our surroundings.

The Character Assessment identified 6 distinctive village areas:

• Thame Road • Sinodun View • The Green • ‘New’ Shillingford • ‘Old’ Shillingford and Shillingford Conservation Area • Shillingford Bridge approach (including Shillingford Court and Court Drive).

Each area was assessed with regard to building type and scale, density, streetscape, distinctive features etc. The Character Assessment also considered open green spaces, spaces in between buildings, topography and landscape, gardens and planting, grass verges etc. SODC design policies and historic assessments were also considered. Current important community views were carefully considered to enable careful consideration of new proposals across the Parish.3

Following the review of each area, the NPSC attributed a rating to each aspect of the built environment to ascertain whether it contributed positively or detracted from the spirit of the place that makes Warborough and Shillingford. A rating from 1 - 5 was given, with 5 being seen as making a positive contribution, and 1 a negative contribution to the rural character of the village. Therefore, it should provide ‘best practice’ guidance for new development design.

The highest rating area was achieved by the area around The Green, with Thame Road and ‘Old’ Shillingford and Shillingford Conservation areas also identified as providing special positive character contributions.

Key views (Figure 3) are specified in the ‘Important Community Views’ in the Character Assessment and include, to the west, the Wittenham Clumps and, to the east, agricultural fields framed by uninterrupted horizons of the Chilterns. To the north lie mixed use farm lands melding into small villages, thus creating the rural atmosphere to the village which makes it so popular to residents and visitors alike. These reinforce the sense of Warborough and Shillingford as small villages in a countryside setting and will be updated as required to ensure it remains relevant and provide sufficient detail to assist development decisions. A key aim of the Character Assessment is to provide an informed basis for early discussion with landowners, residents and potential developers.

3 Warborough Conservation Area Appraisal 2011; Warborough Conservation Area Appraisal and Map 1998; Warborough Conservation Area Map; Warborough Archaeological Constraints Plan.

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The community feels that design and character are two of the most important considerations when assessing new development, as per responses to the WSNP 2016 survey. The second largest number of comments made in that survey concerned the need to “Retain the rural character and spirit of the villages”. Question 31 of the survey asked respondents to choose and rank the top seven criteria for selecting a site for new housing on a 1-7 scale of importance (1 being most important). ‘Not in Green belt’ had an average ranking of 3.3. In question 32, top design and layout criteria, ‘Quality of design’ had an average ranking of 2.8 while ‘Minimise impact on open views’ had an average ranking of 2.7.

Further evidence is provided by consultation results and is included in the Character Assessment, showing a preference for traditional architecture.

The 2016 survey also evidenced the importance of views from the village. ‘Minimise impact on open views’ ranked second most important overall for design and layout criteria, after ‘quality of design’. ‘Low landscape impact’ ranked second overall in the site selection criteria.

The built area is defined by the boundaries of Figure 2: Important Community Views (from Appendix A: Character Assessment) permanent, non-agricultural buildings located around the edge of Warborough or Shillingford where such properties are directly connected to the areas’ main, singular form. The built area therefore does not include: individual buildings or groups of dispersed buildings that are separated by farmland or paddock land from the continuous built-up area of the settlement; large gardens, paddocks and other undeveloped land in the curtilage of buildings on the edge of the settlement, where they provide a transition between the surrounding countryside and the built-up areas of the settlement; agricultural buildings and associated land on the edge of the settlement; or outdoor sports and recreation facilities and other formal open spaces on the edge of the settlement. Where development is permitted on the edge of the built-up area either through rural exception sites or land allocated in this Plan, these sites will form part of this definition.

The Parish Council supports the Local Plan approach where it can be demonstrated that the proposals will not cause physical or visual damage to a Heritage Asset or its setting. Throughout the Parish, we have a high number of listed buildings and Heritage Assets, and any development causing physical damage to these will not be supported. The impact on the setting of such historic assets should be mitigated against or as limited as possible otherwise they would also not be supported.

In the 2016 WSNP Community Survey, of the criteria considered most important in the siting of new housing ‘Inside village envelope’ ranked highest with an average ranking of 2.9, (where 1= most important)

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‘Proximity to bus routes’ had an average ranking of 3.6. ‘Good pedestrian access’ had an average ranking of 3.7.

In the 2016 WSNP Community Survey, 75% prioritised elderly housing. Given any new housing mix should respond to this, pedestrian routes and distances should support use by this demographic.

Street lighting should be avoided and lighting should be low level and conform to ‘dark sky’ guidelines (53% of villagers do not support street lighting; where support exists, there are specific comments regarding avoiding light pollution). Feedback on the Sustainability Assessment Scoping Report (2017) repeatedly mentioned lack of light pollution as a benefit of the village.

The December 2015 WSNP Scoping Survey showed ‘protection of landscape and views’ and ‘development in keeping’ as highest importance for 95% of respondents. In addition, the second largest number of comments made in the 2016 WSNP Community Survey concerned the need to “retain the rural character and spirit of the villages”.

Table 1: Character Assessment’s key conclusions

Village Area Conclusion A: Thame Road Any proposal for planning permission should avoid obscuring views to countryside (see Section 3 Community Views No 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 & 13, including street scenes 14 & 15), use natural materials and a mix of dwelling types, and address all of the bullet points in the Area A summary in any planning statement.

B: Sinodun View Any proposal for planning permission should ensure that development or redevelopment remains within the overall footprint of the existing development to ensure that further harm to the linear form of the village is avoided. Where possible the use of different materials and styles should be considered to help break up the visual impact of the area. Further detail is listed in the summary for Area B.

C: Warborough Any proposal for planning permission should avoid damaging views (see Community Green views No. 5 & 11 including street scene 12), hedges and spaces, the characteristic alley ways between buildings, use natural materials and a mix of dwelling types, and address all of the bullet points as listed in the summary for Area C in any planning statement. Any infill development should be limited in number to avoid a significant change in the overall open character of the area. The allotments and tennis courts create an important openness that enhances both views into and out of the Green and should be protected from development, (see Key Community Views No. 5). Further detail is listed in the summary for Area C.

D: ‘New’ Any proposal for planning permission should ensure that development or redevelopment Shillingford remains within the overall footprint of the existing development to ensure that further harm to the linear form of the village is avoided. Because of the low-profile design of the bungalows and houses, any conversion to a roof area would need to ensure that it is modest in scale and subservient to the overall design and respects the transition to the adjacent rural landscape. Proposals for major redevelopment of the roof area should be resisted. Further detail is listed in the summary to Area D.

E: ‘Old’ Any proposal for planning permission should avoid blocking open views to the river, Shillingford and fields and the Clumps (see Key Community Views no. 7, 8), use natural materials and a Shillingford mix of dwelling types and address all of the bullet points in Summary Area E (particularly

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Conservation the conservation area statement) in any planning statement. Any infill developments Area should be limited in number to avoid a significant change in the overall open character of the area.

F: Shillingford Any proposal for planning permission should avoid creating an impression of greater Bridge Approach density of housing in the approach to the river unless small scale redevelopment (including modelled on the dairy conversion or set well back behind existing walls along the road, Shillingford Court use traditional materials, maintain the open wooded flood plain along the river, avoid and Court Drive) the open field spaces on either side of the Wallingford Road and address all of the bullet points above in any planning statement. The view from the Wallingford Road after it leaves the roundabout looking over Old Shillingford towards Wittenham Clumps should be protected (see Key Community Views number 8). Further detail is listed in the summary to Area F.

Policy VC1 – Village and rural character and design

New development proposals will be supported where:

A. The proposals preserve or enhance local character, taking ffull account of the character areas described in the Warborough and Shillingford Character Assessment B. Materials that are appropriate to the surrounding environment are used, with reference paid to the Character Assessment and Warborough Conservation Area Appraisal 2011; C. The parish's designated historic heritage assets and their settings, both above and below ground, including listed buildings, scheduled monuments and their conservation areas will be conserved or enhanced for their historic significance and their important contribution to local distinctiveness, character and sense of place; D. Impacts on non-designated historic assets take account of the scale of any harm or loss and the significance of the heritage asset; E. New development should not result in harm to tourism, particularly in relation to the Neighbourhood Area’s importance as a filming location; F. Development that requires the establishment of a new boundary should incorporate, where possible, boundary features consisting of native or biodiversity-enhancing hedgerow species and schemes. The use of fencing and walls, where required, should reflect the traditional, rural context of the village and be of a height that preserves open views within the village; G. Development should minimise noise, odour, air pollution and light pollution and should provide sufficient outdoor storage space for refuse, recycling and parking of cars and bicycles; H. Innovative design that enhances local character will be supported; I. Residential development, except for Rural Exception Sites, should be located within the built-up area of Warborough and Shillingford. Proposals for development outside the built-up area will be supported if they are appropriate to a countryside location and they are consistent with local development plan policies

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5.2. HOUSING

OBJECTIVE POLICY

4. To provide existing and future residents with the opportunity to live in Housing Policy H1 a decent home and providing a mix of housing to better meet local Housing Mix needs especially smaller homes and homes for the elderly. Housing Policy H2 Site Allocation 5. To identify development sites to meet the housing numbers indicated in the Local Plan. Housing Policy H3 Infill Development

6. To ensure that new development does not cause new, or exacerbate Housing Policy H4 existing, traffic, parking and road safety issues around the village and Pedestrian Links seeks to improve it. Housing Policy H5 7. To maximise integration of the new development with the existing Parking Provision community. Housing Policy H6 Safeguarding Affordable Housing

Introduction

The purpose of the housing policies in the WSNP is to reinforce Warborough and Shillingford’s rural character, prevent urban sprawl, maintain the villages’ landscape setting, and improve and enhance the area.

The Core Strategy directs development to the main towns and larger villages. The emerging strategy for the Local Plan 2033 endorses this, while also seeking to direct some residual development to smaller villages through NPs. An indicative 5-10% has been put forward in the emerging policy, which is around 22-44 houses for the Parish of Warborough4 . However, this is not a target and it will be difficult for the WSNP to ensure that this necessary housing is delivered.

However, a NP has the potential to identify sites and address local needs. As smaller settlements are not a significant part of the district wide strategy, they should not be expected to deliver large scale growth. Sites, if required, should be considered if development has the potential to improve local sustainability or infrastructure.

39% of respondents in the 2016 WSNP Community Survey chose ‘infill only’ in response to the question ‘where would you like to see development’. This meant that this was not the majority view and so larger development sites had to be considered, thereby necessitating a site assessment process (detailed in the separate Sustainability Appraisal Report).

The site assessment process is comprehensively documented in the pre-submission Sustainability Appraisal Report. This document also sets out the Growth Strategy for the WSNP, which will now be summarised:

4 Local Policy H8: Housing in the Smaller Villages

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• Policy H8 in the emerging Local Plan 2033 states: ‘‘A minimum of 500 new homes will be delivered in the ‘smaller villages’. This will be achieved through Neighbourhood Development Plans which allocate sites for at least a 5% increase in dwelling numbers above those recorded in the 2011 census. In ‘smaller villages’ where there is no Neighbourhood Development Plan a 5-10% increase in dwelling numbers, above those recorded in the 2011 census, will be achieved through the development of suitable sites and through infill development.’’ • The Sustainability Appraisal Report (SAR) explores in detail the growth strategies that were considered by the WSNP. These were: ▪ Limited growth: do not allocate a site. The limited growth option relies on positive policies (Policy H3, together with VC1) that enable some growth within the built-up area or on its edge through infill. This would achieve around 2% growth ▪ Infill development plus site allocation. This option would deliver balanced growth of at least 5% over the plan period, together with local benefits.

• Whilst Option 1 goes someway to achieving SODC’s increase in dwelling numbers (delivering growth primarily through infilling and conversion), Option 2, on the other hand, delivers at least 5% growth. The Sustainability Appraisal Report concluded that it was preferable to allocate a single housing development site, as set out in policy NP H3. By proactively planning for a site that delivers clear benefits now, together with a more organic infill approach which generates slower, sustainable future growth, the community can achieve at least a 5% increase in dwellings, and better support and improve local infrastructure whilst continuing to protect Warborough and Shillingford’s essential character.

Historic View, Thame Road, Warborough

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Housing mix (H1)

The WSNP undertook considerable consultation with residents to understand how any new housing in the village could best serve our local needs. There is an identified need for smaller dwellings both ‘affordable’ and ‘market’ in both the District Council’s Strategic Housing Market Assessment and Warborough and Shillingford Housing Needs Survey (undertaken as part of WSNP Community Survey) in 2016.

To meet the needs of Warborough and Shillingford residents it is expected that proposals for new Figure 3 Dwelling Stock by Council Tax Band (census 2011) market housing will reflect a mix of dwelling types and sizes but, in particular, proposals will contribute towards locally identified need.

The WSNP 2016 Community Questionnaire revealed that existing housing is disproportionately weighted towards large, expensive detached houses. This is illustrated in Figure 3 which shows the proportion of dwelling stock by council tax band. This evidence demonstrates that the parish has an unusually high level of homes in council tax bands E-G compared with the district or nationally.5 Figure 4 Housing Mix (census 2011) Figure 4 shows that the parish has a much higher proportion of detached homes than the district and around double what would be found nationally. Conversely, it has very many fewer terraced dwellings and flats.

Feedback at the consultation meetings with the residents identified a need for downsizing, and smaller homes for young people to be able to live or stay in the village first homes. As well as families wanting to stay together in the village, and older residents wanting to remain in the community, there is a concern that we are losing young tradesmen and women from our community: they cannot afford to stay here and we risk not having the skills available to replace existing resources as they retire.

The demographic profile of Warborough and Shillingford is heavily weighted on the older age group with many retired households. The village is keen to rebalance this demographic.

In the 2016 WSNP Community Survey, when asked what type of housing was needed in Warborough and Shillingford, 93 out of 222 respondents said affordable housing was a high priority. 8 out of 42 respondents said household members who had left the village in the past 5 years did so because of lack of affordable housing. The Housing Needs Summary (in section 3 of the survey report) outlines the baseline data supporting this policy. The WSNP Community Survey stated 80% cite the need for starter homes and 75% cite elderly housing as highest priority, followed by affordable and small family housing. Least support was expressed for large family homes at only 14%.

5 Data from 2011 Census.

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The Community Questionnaire sought to identify the need for housing within the village. It is clear that there are a number of people that live here currently who want to move as well as people outside who would like to move here.

• 62 current households expressed a need for a new home in the Parish • 54 respondents indicated 94 reasons why they needed a new home. The top three reasons were a wish to downsize (15), need for a starter home (14) and to be near family (13) • 39 respondents gave 67 reasons that prevent them from moving. The main reasons were 'lack of suitable housing' (58 of respondents or 74% responses) and 'unable to afford to buy a new home' (38% of respondents or 22% of responses). Lack of affordable private rented housing was the third most common reason (15% of respondents or 9% of responses) • In terms of size of homes needed, there were 46 responses, with the most popular being three bedrooms at 17, followed by two bedrooms at 15. 11 need a four bedroom and 3 would like 5+ bedrooms • When residents were asked to categorize need for different types of accommodation as ‘high, ‘medium’ or ‘low’ (259 respondents), 80% indicated a high priority for starter homes and 75% for elderly housing. Affordable housing was the third most highly prioritized need.

The community survey has therefore identified a need for:

• More small homes to accommodate new household formation and downsizing from larger homes • Affordability for purchasers and renters, especially those with local connections6.

Policy H9 in the emerging Local Plan 2033 (Final Publication Version October 2017) on affordable housing applies only to developments of 11 homes or more, where 40% affordable housing will be required with a tenure mix of 75% social rented and 25% shared ownership. The affordable housing should meet required standards and should be of a size and type that meets the requirements of those in housing need. It is likely that the provision for 40% affordable housing will be too low to meet the Parish’s need to rebalance the housing mix from larger to smaller and more accessible housing. However, to increase the level of affordable and small housing over and above what the local plan requires may affect the viability of proposals. For this reason, it is highly desirable that proposers for new developments where Local Plan policy H9 applies should seek early advice from the Parish Council regarding how their development will meet the identified needs of the villages whilst enabling development to proceed.

Policy H1: Housing Mix

A. Proposals for more than ten dwellings should deliver an appropriate mix of housing types and sizes, having regard to the local community needs, identified in the Housing Needs Survey. In order to meet the aim of ensuring that the proposed housing mix meets identified local housing need, pre-application discussions with the Parish Council are strongly encouraged; B. 20% of all new affordable housing in Warborough and Shillingford will, on first letting only, be subject to a local connection – people with a strong local connection to the parish as set out in SODC’s Housing Allocations Policy and whose needs are not met by the open market will be the first to be offered the tenancy or shared ownership of the home.

6 As defined by Shelter England: england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/homelessness/rules/local_connection

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Site allocation (H2) Given the planning policy status of Warborough as a ‘smaller village,’ there is no strategic requirement for the Neighbourhood Plan to allocate land other than to meet local requirements over the plan period (until 2033). The Core Strategy and the emerging Local Plan Strategy are consistent on this point. However, the emerging SODC Local Plan 2033 does give an indicative growth rate of between 5 and 10% across South Oxfordshire District for smaller villages. This would equate to around 22-44 new dwellings over the plan period. Further, the emerging SODC Local Plan encourages Neighbourhood Plans to achieve a minimum of a 5% increase through site allocation, if this would benefit villages. During production of this Neighbourhood Plan, SODC had a land supply of less than 5 years. Under such circumstances, Neighbourhood Areas without land allocated for development in Neighbourhood Plans may be more vulnerable to speculative development. On 12 December 2016, the Minister of State for Housing, made a written ministerial statement that stated that relevant policies for the supply of housing in an adopted Neighbourhood Plan should not be deemed to be out of date under paragraph 49 of the National Planning Policy Framework if the district can prove a 3-year land supply. Taking all of the above into account, the WSNP SC came to the conclusion that it would comprise positive sustainable planning and would, overall, be beneficial to seek to allocate a site to enable housing growth to be accommodated in a managed way. Such an approach is in general conformity with District-wide planning policy, has regard to the terms of the Ministerial Statement, and is in line with the emerging approach to development in smaller villages (emerging Local Policy H8). The proposed allocation is the result of careful consideration. A significant and appropriate site assessment process was carried out and the process was scrutinised through public consultation. The punctilious site assessment process undertaken is described and set out in full in the Technical Site Assessment (TSA, Appendix 2 of the Sustainability Appraisal Report (SAR)). As is appropriate, the assessment considered sites that were identified by the Local Planning Authority in its SHLAA (Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment) as well as other sites proposed by local landowners. It assessed sites that were available, achievable and deliverable, and was conducted on a comparative basis using criteria as agreed with the SODC. This collaborative approach was in full accordance with national planning advice, as set out in the government’s Planning Practice Guidance. The process was open and transparent. It allowed for original assumptions to be tested and provided for additional cross-checking via multiple public consultation events. Only one site, “Six Acres”, outlined in red in Figure 5, emerged from the process as being potentially suitable to accommodate future growth in an appropriate manner. As above, the TSA forms an Appendix to the Sustainability Appraisal Report (SAR). Taken as a whole, the Sustainability Appraisal Report carefully considered the sustainability of sites and sets out, in detail, the rationale underpinning the allocation of the Six Acres site. Further to assessment, it was concluded that Six Acres: a) performed better than any other site in the TSA; b) has challenges which can be addressed through planning-led mitigation strategies as outlined in the SAR, and c) has the added advantage of providing significant community benefits. Overall, the Parish Council considers that the public benefits to be derived from the development of Six Acres significantly outweigh any potential for harm. Public Figure 5 Six Acres Site consultation demonstrates that the majority of the

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community who have engaged with the plan-making process, support the allocation, as evidenced, for example, by feedback at the 30/11/16 consultation event and from responses to the Pre-submission Consultation. The Six Acres site can deliver more than 5% housing growth in Warborough and Shillingford over the plan period. Furthermore, its size is sufficient to accommodate at least 50% greenspace. This is in line with Natural England’s recommendation7. The site also provides for a density of development that would be in keeping with that of the surrounding area, in line with the Character Assessment. The site is currently bounded by a hedge to the south and a hedge with mature trees to the west. Hedges and trees to the boundary make a positive contribution to local character. Policy H2 provides for the protection and improvement of these significant local landscape features. The Warborough Conservation Area and a number of Listed Buildings are located to the north and west of the site. Consequently, the site is located within the setting of significant heritage assets. This is a key consideration. The site assessment process, as evidenced in the TSA Appendix to the SAR, considered heritage matters in detail. Subject to appropriate controls, Six Acres can come forward for residential development whilst conserving heritage assets. In reaching, this conclusion, plan-makers took into account Historic England’s response to a residential planning application on the site; professional heritage reports; visual impact wire diagrams; and a heritage asset impact assessment. This background information is appended to the SAR. Policy H2 ensures that any development is required to demonstrate that heritage assets will be conserved in accordance with their significance. The site, when developed will look out across, and be visible from, the rural hinterland. Its setting is therefore not only important in respect of heritage assets, but also in terms of its overall impacts on local character. Like heritage, this is a matter that was afforded much careful consideration through a Character Assessment which included Key Community Views and Warborough Views Historically. Again, this information forms part of the Neighbourhood Plan’s evidence base. Policy H2 requires the design of any development to safeguard local character. In this respect, the Parish Council will support an approach that seeks to avoid new street lighting and which is consistent with the traditional ‘lane’ character - with few pavement or raised kerbs - found elsewhere in the village. Surveys in relation to ecology, arboriculture and archaeology indicate no significant issues in respect of the site, although up-to-date assessments will need to demonstrate, for a final scheme to be approved. The site is not in the Green Belt or the flood plain and there is no substantive evidence to demonstrate that flanking buildings experience runoff or any other type of flooding. The village ditch that runs outside the western boundary is wide and deep with no known downstream bottleneck issues. The Parish Council will, where possible and appropriate, seek to work positively with the developer and Thames Water in respect of onsite surface water management and sewage removal strategies. The Six Acres site is currently an unused field. It is bounded to the west by the A329 which is the main road linking the villages. Of all the sites assessed, it is most centrally located and will provide for new residents to walk and cycle to village amenities and the school. Policy H2 requires the provision of safe pedestrian access, linking the site with the school and village amenities. The most important criterion to the residents regarding the selection of a housing development site, as shown by the WSNP Consultation survey [q10] and several subsequent feedback forms, is the consideration of local traffic and parking.

7 https://www.tcpa.org.uk/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=335bdb7f-e581-4d7c-9e5f-62605d62acdb

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Existing traffic problems on Thame Road near the school are of particular concern. Three personal injury accidents have been reported in the past five years on this section of the Thame Road. The traffic concerns in this area are exacerbated by the school parking issue as illustrated by up to 42 vehicles parked along the road at one time in a recent survey. Consequently, the Parish Council will support measures associated with the development of the site which alleviate parking problems and traffic hazards and development of the site should accommodate the transportation needs of new residents without harming existing village infrastructure. Similarly, the Parish Council will support the provision of appropriate traffic calming measures alongside the development of the site. Thame Road is becoming increasingly more dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists because of the volume and speed of traffic. Although there are both weight restrictions and speeding restrictions on Thame Road throughout Warborough, both of these are frequently ignored (WSNP Community Survey q10). The development of the site provides an opportunity to address this matter. Construction would have an impact on this part of the village. The Parish Council strongly recommends the provision of a construction method statement that seeks to ensure that construction traffic is scheduled not to coincide with school drop-off and collection, when street parking is at its maximum and there is greatest danger to children. The Parish Council recognises that there would be additional public benefits from integrating the site with, for example, the public access to the north as highlighted in consultee responses from Natural England and local residents. The Parish Council will encourage this. The evidence base demonstrates that, subject to detailed design, the site is capable of providing a balance of housing and infrastructure in a way that will enhance the parish. Whilst evidence gathered initially during the NP process (when SODC’s target was to develop 5-7 houses across the Parish) indicated a preference for less than 22 new homes (5% as set out in Policy H8), the site may be capable of delivering slightly more than 22 houses, subject to design constraints. However, the suggestion of 52 dwellings (SODC’s March 2017 HELAA) would result in too large a development, out of scale with the village and would fail to provide for sufficient greenspace. It is possible that infill sites will also add to the Parish’s housing land over the plan period, although infill development is not expected to be significant and the majority of the challenge to find new housing land will be met by Six Acres. Given the location of the Six Acres site, its relationship to neighbours and the need to deliver high-quality greenspace, Policy H2 limits the amount of land to be built on to no more than 50% of the site (with at least 50% of the site to comprise buffer zones, communal green spaces, private gardens and green roofs). The Parish Council will expect plans to demonstrate adequate provision for the ongoing management of common space and facilities, specifically to avoid long term maintenance burdens on the local community. The capacity of the local school would not be an issue for a single site for around 22-44 new homes. This will avoid the need to expand the primary school – any increase would mean yearly admission numbers rising from 15 to 30, resulting in a doubling of capacity and the need to build three new class rooms and possibly additional communal space – which would then result in additional children being driven in from outside the Parish, and begin the cycle of traffic issues anew. Based on the proportion of children that attend the school from the Parish, the school has the capacity to cope (for the next seven years) with no more than an estimated 13.4% increase in housing. This is a factor reflected in Policy H2. It is noted that the potential developer, Rectory Homes, submitted a planning application to SODC on 8 February 2017. This proposed 36 dwellings, then reduced to 29- and therefore presumed viable; both versions were supported by the majority of the village via SODC planning portal analysis and the NP pre- submission consultation. This consultation referred to 36 houses at a time when SODC’s target had risen to 22-44%. The intention of the developer is to exercise their option over the site 'without delay' and

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thereafter to develop the site following the grant of an implementable planning permission. Based on information available it is anticipated that the site development should be completed within 2 years of planning permission being granted. The development of the Six Acres site for at least 29 dwellings is considered to be proportional to the size of the village and the parish; and reflects emerging SODC policy in respect of providing for ‘at least 5%’ growth. Consequently, the allocation provides for a modicum of growth to support local services and facilities, whilst offering new opportunities to provide a wider choice and range of housing types. This includes provision of at least 40% affordable housing and the provision of private two and three bedroom homes. Policy H2 does not specify the precise number of homes or plots to meet the specific needs of the village, but places the onus on a planning application to make a proposal that reflects local requirements in the light of an overall scheme. This approach strikes the right balance between the desire for a clear policy outcome to benefit the local community on the one hand, and allowing an applicant the flexibility to bring forward a viable and deliverable scheme on the other.

Policy H2 – Allocation of Six Acres as a residential extension to Warborough Village

The Neighbourhood Plan allocates the site known as the ‘Six Acre Field,’ outlined in red on the map (Figure 5), for the development of around 29 dwellings. The development of the site must respond to and be in keeping with local character. Development will therefore be required to conserve heritage assets in a manner appropriate to their significance; to protect, and where possible, enhance, existing tree and hedge boundaries to the site; and to preserve, and where possible enhance, the key community views recognised in the Warborough and Shillingford Character Assessment. This should be demonstrated through a Landscape Visual Impact Assessment. Development of the site must also include the following: a. The creation and safeguarding of safe pedestrian routes, connecting with routes to the village school and other amenities; b. A net gain in biodiversity, including a minimum of 50% greenspace; c. A minimum of 40% affordable housing; d. A range of housing types, including two- and three- bedroom open market dwellings Provision of the following will be supported: i. Associated on-site and off-site traffic calming measures ii. Accessible, managed community amenity space of at least 25%; iii. A development without street lights (to preserve local character and protect heritage assets); iv. Development of streets that follow the ‘lane’ character found elsewhere in the village, with few pavements or raised kerbs v. Protection or enhancement of existing hedge and tree boundaries to the site The Parish Council will support the creation of a management agreement that provides for the long-term maintenance of all public aspects of the proposal.

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Infill development (H3)

An infill site is defined as a small gap in an otherwise continuous built up frontage capable of accommodating one or two houses, the development of which will not involve the outward extension of the built-up areas of the villages, is not considered back land (building in the rear garden of properties, which can require unsuitable access and reduce the privacy of adjoining properties) and does not result in harm to the conservation areas’ rural character or appearance through loss of glimpsed views to greenery beyond the building line.

In the case of Warborough and Shillingford infill development is identified as a site that is:

• between two buildings and capable of accommodating one or two houses • not an important open feature that adds to the character of the area • visually linked in the sense that the infill does not detract from the existing frontage • not considered backland (building in the rear garden of properties, which can require unsuitable access and reduce the privacy of adjoining properties)

This plan assumes that a certain amount of infill development will occur in addition to the site allocation. In supporting infill, we also wish to support the second largest number of comments in the WSNP Community Survey 2016, which concerned the need to retain the rural character and spirit of the villages.

A site that is immediately adjacent to an existing property is required to be a site that adjoins the curtilage of that property and whose development makes the best use of the site.

In exceptions only, where retaining natural features is important to the character of a village, consideration will be given to locating a house where the new site does not immediately adjoin the curtilage of an existing building, so far as the site does not create an intrusive piecemeal development which is contrary to the general development pattern of the settlement and that there is a substantial gap between the highlighted property and the site in question. Locating a new house at a significant distance from an existing property will not be acceptable.

Infill development will be prioritised for the use of brownfield rather than greenfield sites, as per the National Planning Policy Framework (paragraph 111).

Policy H3 – Infill development

A. Infill development within the existing built up form of the villages will be supported where it will: i. not cause an unacceptable impact on the amenities of adjacent residential properties; ii. provide safe and secure access, parking and turning arrangements; iii. not severely impact on highway safety; iv. not fill a small gap in an otherwise continuous built-up frontage, where public benefit would not outweigh harm to rural character or appearance through loss of glimpsed views to greenery beyond the building line; v. where possible, retain existing natural features such as a hill, hedge, trees or small streams.

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Pedestrian links (H4) The life of the village as a whole is most active around the central hub wherein can be found The Green, shop, church, school, post office, the two village halls and the pub. Many local activities take place in this area and therefore to maximise integration of new residents it is important that there is easy access via foot where possible, thus avoiding the need for further vehicular traffic (see traffic collision data Appendix I) and amenity parking requirements. There is sport taking place on The Green and tennis courts most weekends when there are not monthly car boot sales taking place in the summer months or one of the events such as the Warborough Festival, visiting funfairs and circuses or fund-raising events. There is no formal car parking in the vicinity of the Green and limited parking capacity at the village halls (with 700 scheduled bookings per year) so it is important to encourage attendance of these activities by foot rather than car. The pedestrian links are surveyed in Appendix E Pedestrian Links. The main footway route runs north/south adjacent to the A329, but is only really adequate from Wheeler’s Corner (where Shillingford meets Warborough) to St Laurence Church. Elsewhere, where pathways exist, road crossings and difficult-to- navigate kerbs hinder use. The survey documents the condition of the footways throughout the parish in general. A project to address these issues is outlined within Community Issues Project 3 Pedestrian Links, Footways. For rigour, the footpath reviews that took place as part of the Site Assessment, showing the links between sites and village amenities, are also included. This footway survey illustrates very clearly the distinct limitations of the footways throughout the parish. There are many areas where none exist and where there is no grass verge either. In other areas, the footways are very narrow or in a state of disrepair. This situation is particularly true at the periphery ends of the parish. In addition, in the north, the footway side of the road is not consistent, thereby requiring anyone using them to cross often-busy roads (five times to reach the Green or six times to reach the school) which in places has poor visibility and sight lines. This is exacerbated by speeding issues that pervade the A329 throughout the parish; the A4074 is worse. A project to address this is outlined within the WSNP Community Issues Project 5 Traffic Calming. In the 2016 WSNP Community Survey, of the criteria considered most important in the siting of new housing ‘Proximity to bus routes’ had an average ranking of 3.6 (where 1 = most important). ‘Good pedestrian access’ had an average ranking of 3.7 considering it the most important criterion (out of 14 options). The same survey asked which community assets people used and how frequently. Natural England suggests that high quality green infrastructure along pedestrian routes integrates new development, makes them more attractive and improves habitat connectivity within the landscape. The following community assets were identified by the majority of respondents as being used at least once per month: walks; The Green; bridleways; Post Office and the shop. Additionally, the majority of respondents used the Greet Hall, St Laurence Hall, Church, Pub and Wharf at least a few times per year. Policy H4 Pedestrian Links A. Permission for new development will be supported provided that it is linked to the main community facilities including walks, the Green, shop, church, school, post office, pub and public transport, by pedestrian routes that allow sustainable, safe, easy and convenient access and which, where practical to do so, incorporates high quality green infrastructure. B. When assessing impacts under this policy, reference should be made to Community Issues Project 3 Pedestrian Links, Footways and WSNP Community Issues Project 5 - Traffic Calming. Any deficiencies identified here should be assessed where new development will add new requirements.

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Parking provision (H5)

This policy is included to support the Local Plan policies on residential parking but recognises that, because of the relative lack of public transport and facilities, Warborough and Shillingford residents are dependent on the private car; as a result, car ownership is higher than average (Figure 6). New development needs to address local concerns that new housing will not add to the identified congestion in the villages. Put simply, where residents have no choice but to own a car this situation needs to be recognised.

The policy is also in accordance with para 39 of the Figure 6 Car Ownership National Planning Policy Framework which states that parking standards should take into account the accessibility of the development, the type, mix and use of development, the availability of and opportunities for public transport; local car ownership levels and an overall need to reduce the use of high-emission vehicles.

The most important factor to parishioners, as shown by the 2016 WSNP Community Survey and several subsequent feedback forms is the consideration of traffic and parking in the community.

General parking - results from the 2016 WSNP Community Survey showed that of the criterion considered most important for design and layout of new housing ‘Sufficient parking’ had an average ranking of 3.0 (where 1= most important). Also, ‘Concern about existing parking issues’ was one of the top three themes by number of references.

It would be deemed essential that any developer funds, provides and arranges parking at all stages of such development in such a way as to cause least possible impact on the villages and does not exacerbate existing parking and traffic flow.

School parking and traffic - in the 2016 WSNP Community Survey, when asked ‘How often do you have concerns about parking?’ respondents (242) recorded: School - 44% every day; School - 21% 1-2 times a week. When asked to ‘Rate suggestions to address school parking’, 63% of respondents chose ‘off-street parking at school’ as their first-choice solution. A report submitted by HVJ Transport (link here) indicates there have been three personal injury accidents in the past five years on this section of the Thame Road.

The SC actioned a traffic survey outside the school over the course of a week beginning 19 September 2016 (in fine weather) to ascertain the number of cars parked on the road during school drop off and pick up hours. Busy periods outside school are around the Primary School registration period of 08:40 to 08:50 and at 15:00 at the end of the school day – results are shown in Figure 7. Figure 7 WI Survey - Cars parked outside the School High car ownership and limited bus services mean that parents need a car to get to work and that they also usually need to adopt a ‘drop and go’

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approach. New housing will only exacerbate this situation. Additionally, two school parking surveys have been undertaken.

The March 2016 Parent Survey was very rigorous (full results are available in Appendix F). It surveyed parents to understand whether there were opportunities to reduce car use and to understand the extent that alternative car parking provision would be used. The results from this indicated that the majority of people who were able to walk did so, and that the vast majority of parents would use off-street parking that was in close proximity to the school in preference to roadside parking due to safety concerns. This usage of off-street parking is presuming that sufficient care and consideration is given to the size and layout of any solution to ensure that parking spaces would be readily available and traffic flow had been properly considered.

The results from these surveys, supported independently by a letter from the school Governors, set the required minimum level of parking spaces at fifty if existing parking problems were to be addressed. In conjunction with this requirement, safe pedestrian routes into school from the Thame Road footpath must be maintained as well as consideration given to pedestrian access from any newly created car park.

Policy H5 Parking Provision

A. Proposals for new residential development will be supported where it can be demonstrated that off-street parking provision is adequate to meet the assessed future needs of the development being proposed. B. The provision of additional short-term off-street parking will be welcomed.

Safeguarding Affordable housing (H6)

The parish has a small number of existing affordable Proportion of dwelling stock by council housing units, supported by 2011 census data tax band showing proportions of dwelling stock by council tax band, figure 5, and the number of occupied units 35% has diminished recently. St Lawrence House, which 30% has the capacity for 20 units (mostly 1-bed or 25% studios) is now 75% unoccupied (with vacated 20% premises being boarded up and not re-occupied) Parish 15% and its strategic future is being questioned. The SODC 10% near non-existence of affordable units in the Parish England creates a self-fulfilling prophecy where eligible 5% candidates do not ask to be placed in Warborough, 0% because they know that the likelihood of success is A B C D E F G H low. This is then used as ‘evidence’ that there is no Council Tax Band requirement. The community has reacted strongly in favour of retaining units to support this Figure 8 Dwelling Stock by Council Tax Band demographic of elderly single residents, especially

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those with long ties to the village, including strongly worded NP consultation feedback, and public support at SOHA meetings.

Policy H6: Safeguarding Affordable Housing

A. Proposals for the redevelopment or reuse of existing social or affordable housing sites must seek to avoid the loss of social affordable housing in the Parish and will be supported when: i. It would lead to the significant improvement of existing affordable housing or the replacement of existing affordable housing within in the Parish.

The Parish Council will support the provision of an independent assessment if local affordable housing is deemed to be no longer required.

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5.3. COMMUNITY ASSETS, SERVICES AND FACILITIES

OBJECTIVE POLICY

C1- Community 9. To ensure that local services, recreational facilities and infrastructure Infrastructure are maintained and improved. 10. To ensure that heritage assets are protected. C2-Improvements to 11. To seek opportunities for landscape, recreational and ecological gain community Assets whilst minimising the environmental impact of new development. C3- Local Green Space

C4- Community Infrastructure Levy

Introduction

Services and infrastructure At present, retail facilities include a combined Post Office and shop. Other services are also provided within this facility, such as prescription collection and dry cleaning. This is complemented by one Public House and one Guest House.

It is essential that Warborough retains and provides local services that will sustain and develop the vitality of the community and encourage local spending.

Warborough and Shillingford have a very vibrant and active village life in which a large majority of the parish are engaged. The amenities of the villages are already fully utilised and any new development must take into account the current capacity of the key infrastructure. The school and the two village halls are presently operating at very near capacity. Parking and traffic flow are already at over capacity. The St. Laurence School states that the admission number for admitting children into the F1 class for St Laurence Primary each year is 15 and is generally fully subscribed, ref: SODC schools’ admission policies. https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/sites/default/files/folders/documents/childreneducationandfamilies/e ducationandlearning/schools/admissionpolicies/3760_1617.pdf This number would not appear to provide sufficient vacancies should any large-scale development take place.

Green Space Warborough and Shillingford retain a number of green spaces that contribute to village character and provide opportunities for informal and formal recreation. In accordance with national planning guidance, the community wishes to see the most important of these spaces protected for future generations. Accordingly, these spaces will be afforded protection from new development unless exceptional circumstances demonstrate that proposals should go ahead.

Community Infrastructure (C1 & C2)

Great concern is shown by all that any new development should enhance the current structure - the physical, aesthetic and social. Like many villages, we have a high proportion of retired people, which perhaps partly explains why we have so many successful clubs, but are keen to introduce a greater proportion of the younger generation.

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The village has shown its desire that any new development should be easily accessible to the village hub, the school and public transport by foot. It should support the shop and pub, alleviate the current problems with traffic and parking, and encourage community cohesion. There are a limited number of opportunities for businesses to grow within the village so we are particularly keen to preserve and enhance those businesses where possible.

Infrastructure includes a number of community spaces, some of which are privately owned, that help parishioners meet regularly and enable them to form the bonds that hold our community together. The most important community spaces are included in the table below. Other infrastructure is necessary for the villages to function in terms of movement, modern technology and management of waste. The infrastructure that weaves the community together is also important, as is the school and these are also included in Table 2.

Table 2: Community Facilities

St Laurence Hall • located in the heart of Warborough • used by the majority of residents at least a few times per year; it also houses regular, key community programmes eg Lunch Club for the elderly, coffee mornings etc • averages over two bookings per day, and houses the Parish Church office • parking is severely restricted • improvements discussed further in Project 1 of Community Issues.

Greet Hall • located at the corner of Sinodun View, just north of the St Laurence Hall • used by the majority of residents at least a few times per year • over one booking per day on average, this larger venue with a stage hosts larger classes and one-off events like the Village Show • houses the Parish Council Clerk’s office and a rented business space • parking is severely restricted. There are two play areas in Warborough. The Green playground is seen by some The Green and residents as in need of renovation or enhancement and the Hammer Lane play area Hammer Lane play is also perceived as in need of improvement. In any event, play areas require areas constant maintenance and replacement of equipment and can be a drain on limited Parish Council finances. Given the high proportion of elderly residents, and the complete dearth of fitness equipment, there is an opportunity to provide outdoor exercise equipment for adults. This is further explored in Project 6 of Community Issues.

St Laurence • According to the WSNP 2016 Community Questionnaire no 16, 40% of Church respondents’ use St Laurence church facilities two to three times per year • WSNP 2016 Community Questionnaire p.23 no 21 cites 64% of respondents who would support discussion about enhancing facilities at St Laurence Church • Improvements discussed further in Project 1 of Community Issues.

Shop and Post According to the WSNP 2016 Community Questionnaire no 16, the shop is the Office premises business asset most used daily by respondents. The long-term future of the shop is of some concern as it occupies part of a private residence and is under a short-term lease from the owners of that house. Should the current owners wish to sell to

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downsize or otherwise, there would be no guarantee the shop could continue in its existing situation. The Parish Council is actively looking at alternative possibilities with the aim to provide secure accommodation in the future for the shop for the benefit of the village.

The Village Pub Owned by Brakspear’s, this is last pub remaining (two have closed in the last 20 years). There have been four tenant landlords in the past six years, and it was shut for a short period of time. It offers outside tables front and rear, as well as a bar with fireplace and a separate dining area hosting five or six tables; it hosts village events and regular quizzes.

The Cricket Owned and maintained by the Parish Council, this picturesque traditional wooden Pavilion structure sits at the edge of the Green overlooking the pitch with far reaching views out across the Chilterns. Extensively used by the Cricket Club, it consists of one main room with kitchen facilities plus two changing rooms with shower and toilets. There is an additional external toilet used for village events on the green. It has suffered from vandalism in recent years resulting in numerous repairs to the frontage, roof, electrics and woodwork.

Footways Footways are extensively discussed in Appendix 3. Ways of enhancing these facilities are explored further in Project 3 in Community Issues.

Waste and water The unseen infrastructure, because of the villages’ vulnerability to flooding issues, is mechanisms of particular local concern. Highlighted by unconventional and arguably antiquated pumping mechanisms that have been approved in nearby villages.

Digital Warborough and Shillingford benefits from digital infrastructure improvements. All infrastructure new housing will be encouraged to make provision for connection to high-speed broadband and/or other communication networks, with boxes for technology, services and utilities being carefully sited and masked wherever possible. New cables should be buried if at all possible.

The School The school is a valuable community asset, however the traffic and parking generated by the 60% of children who commute in from outside the Parish causes considerable

disruption and safety concerns. The Parish recognises a need for balanced growth which can re-dress the local balance of children whilst avoiding the need for expansion, which, because expansion plans require moving from a yearly intake of a ‘half-class’ of 15 to a ‘full-class’ of 30, would double the capacity of the school and would require substantial building work and either an unsustainable amount of additional village housing or an increased number of students commuting in from outside the Parish, which risks overwhelming the traffic and parking infrastructure.

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Community Infrastructure Evidence:

The 2016 WSNP community survey found that the top improvements that residents would like to see achieved are: traffic, viable premises for shop/Post Office and parking. The top three facilities requiring renovation are: The Green playground (64% of respondents), the Hammer Lane playground (74% of respondents), and The Green (67% of respondents).

The important of walks is evidenced in the WSNP 2016 Community Questionnaire no 16 where over 60% of respondents used footways every day or one or two times per week. Some are narrow and difficult to use with prams, wheelchairs, etc and crossing of the increasingly busy roads is inhibitive and are detailed in the Appendix E Pedestrian Links. 86% support improvement to these facilities (WSNP 2016 Community Questionnaire no 23).

Concerns have been raised about potential issues around waste and water mechanisms by multiple local experts in this field.

Results from the 2016 survey also showed that the NP should discuss enhancing the following community facilities: St Laurence Hall (78%), St Laurence Church (64%) and investigations into alternative premises for shop and Post Office (85%).

The December 2015 WSNP Scoping Survey showed that 98% of respondents recorded “Community businesses” as important. In addition, 89% of respondents recorded “Sustainable viability of infrastructure including aesthetics” as important.

Warborough and Shillingford used to have three pubs in addition to the members’ hotel at the Kingfisher. Recently, two pubs have closed, leaving the Six Bells as the sole public house serving all residents. There have been four tenant landlords operating the pub over the past six years, and it was closed for a short time. It is very popular, provides food, and has frequently featured in Midsomer Murders. It is an archetypal old thatched pub, with a large garden at the back that overlooks the Six Acre Field and a gravelled seating area at the front which overlooks the Green and the Cricket Pavilion. Villagers are very keen to see this vital community asset retained, as evidenced by the 96% that voted to register it as an asset of community value. It is also well used as made clear in the 2016 WSNP Community Survey.

Robust evidence for considering change of use or redevelopment of the existing pub would be considered one-year’s advertising at reasonable rates. For consideration of proposals involving a recognised community asset, proof that it is not economically viable and no longer required would include robust accountancy scrutiny.

Evidence in support of H5 should also be referenced.

When considering the impact of new development and the arising infrastructure requirements, the Parish Council will adopt the following infrastructure checklist. The development will be expected to:

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a) Demonstrate that community and other key infrastructure are sufficient or can be provided as part of the development. b) Make provision for connection to high-speed broadband and/or other communication networks, with boxes for technology, services and utilities being carefully sited and masked wherever possible. New cables should be buried if at all possible. c) Show in the Design and Access Statement how their design responds to the principles set out in the Building for Life 12 Guide for applications for developments of 10 or more dwellings given the high proportion of elderly residents and the Community survey 2016 in which 75% cite elderly housing as highest priority for housing type. d) Allow for the use of pushchairs, mobility scooters, etc. e) Allow social integration in the villages where developments are to be open to the public. f) Provide storage facilities for rubbish receptacles and cycles.

Policy C1- Community Infrastructure

A. The provision of new community facilities will be supported. B. Applicants will be expected to consult with the Parish Council, appropriate local authorities and utility providers to assess the additional load that the development may cause and identify suitable mitigation. C. Development proposals that will result in either the loss of or significant harm to a Community Facility as defined in Table 2: Community Facilities will be resisted, unless it can clearly be demonstrated that the operation of the asset, or the ongoing delivery of the community value of the asset, is no longer financially viable

Policy C2- Improvements to Community Assets

Proposals to improve the viability of a Community Facility as defined in Table 2: Community Facilities by way of the extension or partial redevelopment of buildings or land will be supported, provided the design of the scheme and the resulting increase in use are appropriate in design terms and will not harm the amenities of adjoining residential properties.

The Six Bells

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Local Green Spaces (C3)

Local Green Space designation is a way to provide special protection against development for green areas of particular importance to local communities.

In interpreting this policy, the very special circumstances of Local Green Spaces may include a proposal of a limited nature that can be clearly demonstrated to enhance the role and function of an identified Local Green Space, or a proposal that would result in the development of local community infrastructure. The Local Green Space designation will not be appropriate for most green areas or open space. The designation should only be used where the green Figure 9 Local Green Space - The Green area is:

● in reasonably close proximity to the community it serves ● 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; and ● local in character and is not an extensive tract of land.

The WSNP designates 4 areas as Local Green Spaces: o The Green, outlined red/green stripes in Figure 11 o The Allotments, outlined/striped orange in Figure 11 o Rod Eyot, outlined green /red stripes in Figure 11 Figure 10 Local Green Space - The Wharf

Figure 11 Green Spaces in Warborough

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o The Wharf (outlined and shaded in blue in Figure 12)

Figure 12 Green Space in Shillingford

As demonstrated in Appendix H, these are well used green spaces within the villages, and are considered special to the local community due to their recreational value and historic significance. They are all used on a daily basis by many people and it is considered important to protect them to the highest Figure 14 Local Green Space - The Allotments level possible. Results from Figure 13 Local Green Space - Rod Eyot the December 2015 Scoping Survey showed that 95% of respondents were in favour of “Development ‘in keeping’, and the protection and preservation of the rural charm and surroundings”; 99% of respondents recorded “The Green as an open community space” as important; and 83% of respondents recorded “Strategic review of community assets including open spaces” as important.

Policy C3- Local Green Space

A. The four areas below (as defined in the supporting plans) are designated as Local Green Space, where development is ruled out other than in very special circumstances: i. The Green; ii. The Allotments; iii. Rod Eyot; iv. The Wharf.

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Community Infrastructure Levy Contribution (C4)

The Parish Council is keen to ensure that, where appropriate, development contributes to village infrastructure. All new development is potentially liable for a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Policy C4 – Community infrastructure Levy Contribution enables the village to prioritise use of these funds for specific community projects (Appendix G).

A number of projects have been identified through the Neighbourhood Plan preparation process and which would significantly benefit the villages (Section 7.7). The projects relate to village facilities, highways, recreation and amenities and will contribute to meeting all of the Neighbourhood Plan objectives for community facilities, active community, traffic, and village character. Discussions with the County Council indicate that there will be no council funding for such improvements, but they could be financed locally or from Community Infrastructure Levy funding under this policy.

At WSNP SC meetings, we discussed the importance of supporting the Shop and Post Office, improving the safety and visual appearance of the key village areas marred by parked cars. Whilst the proposed Six Acres car park would meet these needs in the vicinity of the school (Policy H5), there is an additional desire to address parking issues at the Green and Shop.

The full project list is in section 7.7, Appendix G. These project proposals should be developed once funds are known, to provide indicative costings and allow further prioritisation. They can then be developed into specific projects that will be costed and phased and will be secured either through Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) or S106 where this is directly related to a development proposal. Other sources of funding (grants and/or donations) will also be investigated.

The project proposals were identified through community engagements (2015/16) and the Neighbourhood Plan Community Survey (2016) as documented in the Consultation Statement.

The projects identified in Appendix G are based on current circumstances and priorities. These may change and the Appendix will be reviewed annually and updated as required.

Policy C4 - Community Infrastructure Levy Contribution

Community Infrastructure Levy contributions from development will be used for the benefit of the community, including the priority projects listed in Appendix G.

5.4. ECONOMY AND TOURISM

OBJECTIVE POLICY

12. To enhance the prospects for local E1 Enhancement of Employment facilities businesses by supporting plans for village amenity premises.

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Introduction

The Neighbourhood Plan sets out to maintain and encourage the Parish’s local economy to support the ongoing sustainability of the community. There are a limited number of opportunities for businesses within the village so we are particularly keen to preserve and enhance those we can. The NP will support the sustainable growth of all types of businesses and enterprise in the Parish, rural tourism and leisure facilities that benefit local businesses, residents and visitors, and which respect the character of the countryside.

Results from the December 2016 WSNP Scoping Survey showed that 98% of respondents recorded “Community businesses” as important. In addition, 89% of respondents recorded “Sustainable viability of infrastructure, including aesthetics” as important.

Economy & Tourism (E1)

Employment opportunities in the villages are modest. The Upper Farm and Shillingford Farm support some agricultural workers; most live outside the Parish. Shillingford Farm houses some light industry in addition to agricultural barns. There is an upholsterer in Warborough, some B&Bs and a plethora of home working.

Policy E1 – Enhancement of Employment facilities A. The development of new employment facilities within the built-up area of the village will be supported subject to the following criteria: i. the proposal respects the character and appearance of the immediate locality in terms of its height, scale, design and massing; ii. the proposal does not cause an unacceptable impact on the amenities of nearby residential properties; iii. the proposal provides adequate parking, servicing and access arrangements in accordance with the most recently published standards of South Oxfordshire District Council. B. Proposals located outside the built-up form of the village will be supported where they meet the three criteria in this policy and where they respect the character of the countryside in which they are located. Proposals for tourism, rural business and craft-related developments will also be supported where they meet other development plan policies.

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6. Implementation and monitoring

6.1. Implementation

Implementation of the WSNP plan will be ongoing. Responsibility for determining planning applications rests with SODC.

6.2. Monitoring

The Parish Council will monitor the Neighbourhood Plan and the implementation and effectiveness of its Policies.

Twelve-month review

WSNP will be reviewed one year after its adoption at a community referendum by the parish council and the reconvened Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee or their representatives.

The purpose of the review will be primarily to assess the extent to which the Neighbourhood plan objectives have been implemented in practice and the contribution of the polices and projects contained within it towards meeting those objectives; and secondly to rectify any errors and omissions.

Five-year review

WSNP will be reviewed every five years thereafter. Review of policies will be led by Warborough Parish Council. The purpose of the review will be primarily to assess the extent to which the Neighbourhood plan objectives have been implemented in practice and the contribution of the polices and projects contained within it towards meeting those objectives; and secondly to rectify any errors and omissions.

Where significant amendments or additions are needed that cause significant public concern, a public consultation will be undertaken to be sure that 50% or more of respondents to the consultations with residents accept the changes

End of plan review

At least two years prior to the expiry of the WSNP, a full review will be undertaken to gauge the success of the Plan in meeting its objectives and to put in place a succession plan.

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7. Appendices

7.1. Appendix A Character Assessment- Click here to link to this document on the Warborough Parish Council Neighbourhood Plan - submission documentation website

7.2. Appendix B Neighbourhood Plan Community (scoping) Survey, December 2015 Click here to link to this document on the Warborough Parish Council Neighbourhood Plan submission documentation website

7.3. Appendix C Neighbourhood Plan Community (scoping) Survey Results, December 2015 Click here to link to this document on the Warborough Parish Council Neighbourhood Plan submission documentation website

7.4. Appendix D Neighbourhood Plan Community Survey Report- June 2016 Click here to link to this document on the Warborough Parish Council Neighbourhood Plan submission documentation website

7.5. Appendix E Pedestrian Links Click here to link to this document on the Warborough Parish Council Neighbourhood Plan submission documentation website

7.6. Appendix F School Parking Survey Click here to link to this document on the Warborough Parish Council Neighbourhood Plan submission documentation website

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7.7. Appendix G Community Issues

Consultation with the community highlighted a number of issues of interest and concerns that cannot be the subject of formal policies in a Neighbourhood Plan because they do not directly relate to spatial planning.

These projects summarised below are intended to inform future project priorities to be managed by the Parish Council on behalf of the community, and will be delivered as funding allows. Funding for these projects would be sought from planning conditions, Section 106 agreements or the Community Infrastructure Levy. They are not presented in priority sequence, but a possible way of prioritising is by looking at the percentage of support from the community survey, for example 96% of respondents supported registering the village pub (Six Bells) an asset of community value.

St Laurence Hall and Church facilities

Work with the Church of England authorities to help identify enhancements to St Laurence Church, Warborough to facilitate wider use of the church for religious services and non-religious gatherings such as concerts and talks and assist where possible.

Evidence

According to the WSNP 2016 Community Questionnaire p.23 no 21 64% of respondents support discussion about enhancing facilities at St Laurence Church.

Shop Premises

The long-term future of the shop is of some concern as it occupies part of a house and is under a short-term lease from the owners of that house. Should the current owners wish to sell to downsize or otherwise, there would be no guarantee the shop could continue in its existing situation and the Steering Committee is actively looking at alternative possibilities with the aim to provide secure accommodation in the future for the shop for the benefit of the villages. It is proposed to investigate enhancements to St Laurence Hall, Warborough to upgrade the hall facility and also create a larger separate space that could be in the longer term a location for shop and post office, making better use of the total triangular site bounded by the road. Traffic calming should be investigated.

Evidence

Results from the 2016 NPSC Community Survey showed that 85% of respondents support effort to secure viable long term premises for shop and post office. The most popular aspect thing that a new facility should seek to achieve is to maintain current services close to the current location.

According to the WSNP 2016 Community Questionnaire p.23 no 21 80% of respondents support discussion about enhancing facilities at St Laurence Hall. The hall facilities are used on about 700 occasions per year or nearly twice a day on average by around 14 different groups in the villages. The community is interested in maintaining, supporting and securing viable long term premises where applicable for local businesses, particularly the shop, the post office, the pub and the use of the village as a location for filming.

Results from December 2015 NP Scoping Survey showed that 98% of respondents recorded “Community businesses” as important. 89% of respondents recorded “Sustainable viability of infrastructure” as important.

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Pedestrian Links, Footways To work with the local highways authority to achieve improvements to the footways throughout the villages where they are in a very unsatisfactory condition and which do not allow common ease of access for disabled vehicles or pushchairs to the village amenities and improve crossings. When funding is available it would be considered important to upgrade footways in order to improve this problem and add high quality green infrastructure. The Neighbourhood Plan Appendix E– Pedestrian Links has captured some of the areas that require attention. We will seek to prioritise those areas that require the most attention and the focus will be on any areas which are dangerous. Some properties have vegetation that obstructs pavements making it particularly difficult for wheelchair and pushchair users to navigate pavements. Conduct a parish campaign for neighbours to trim back hedges and trees so they are no longer on the public highway, initially this can be progressed as an information campaign with the Parish magazine.

Evidence

In the comments from the 2016 WSNP Community Survey and to NPSC members personally, several disabled residents cited the condition of footways as an issue for them. A local carer also sought out the NP to stress the issues that many of her charges experience, for example with wheelchair, walker and scooter access.

Many comments from the NP St Laurence School Parking Survey March 2016 highlight the issues relating to footways. Some said:

• It doesn't feel safe enough to drop my child off and let him walk into school unsupervised; better paths on Shillingford side of the main road for those getting out of cars; sometimes I wait for the traffic to die down before attempting to head off myself • The hedge should be cut back at the corner between Warborough and Shillingford as it is tricky to see when walking from Warborough to Shillingford - perhaps more year 6s could walk on their own if that crossing was easier • We walk to and from school most days and live just opposite the Kingfisher Inn. Crossing the Thame Road at the corner where Warborough Road ends is quite difficult with several young children. It would be great if anything could be done to improve the safety of crossing here • No suitable road crossings in village for pedestrians; no safety barriers to protect children from stepping onto road; pathways are of poor condition; speeding vehicles in village is common; reduce speed limit outside of school to 20mph or lower! Speed humps, traffic calming is required in village • Very disappointed how Warborough has no pedestrian crossings or safety barriers to protect its young children going to School. It's 2016 and we are still having conversations about what to do!

Removal of vegetation obstructing the pavement is a legal responsibility. The owner or occupier of a property has a legal responsibility (Highway Act 1980 s154) to ensure that the 'public highway' adjacent to a property is not obstructed by vegetation from their property. Local Authorities also have a legal duty to ensure that public highways are unobstructed. Vegetation should not obstruct pathways and go beyond the property boundary and a minimum headroom of 2.3m (7ft 6 inches), is required from the property boundary. If the Parish Council agrees, this information can be included free of charge within the Parish Council section of Parish magazine.

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The Pub To register The Six Bells public house as an Asset of Community Value.

Evidence

In the 2016 WSNP Community Survey 96% of respondents supported registering the Six Bell as an Asset of Community Value.

Traffic calming The Parish Council and County Council Highways Department have already invested limited and hard pressed funds this year to manage the traffic across the villages. This has included 30mph signs painted on the road throughout Warborough, 'Keep Clear' signs have been painted on the Thame Road at obvious passing places along the Thame Road adjacent to the school. Parking outside the school is a significant issue. An ideal solution would be for off road parking to be provided which is within easy walking distance to the school.

Further traffic calming should be investigated and progressed in conjunction with appropriate authorities. • Provision for a 20 mph zone (set for school times) created adjacent to the school with digital signage. • Improved signage highlighting the school and the proximity of children

Appendix E: Pedestrian Links explains (with pictures) dangerous pedestrian crossing points within the villages. Possible solutions to these are traffic calming measures should be introduced to slow traffic speed at strategic points entering and exiting the villages. The point at which New Road becomes Thame Road is a very sharp turn, we would like the 20 mph zone extended to before this turn.

To the North of Warborough it is necessary to cross the road at various points to walk to the village amenities and school. Ideally a pedestrian crossing is required in at least one of these points but as a minimum the 20-mph zone should be extended to before the most dangerous crossing point.

Note: Upright traffic calming (speed humps etc.) cannot be installed since street lights are not in place

Evidence

In the 2016 WSNP Community Survey, when asked ‘What are your traffic concerns?’ respondents recorded: ‘extremely concerned’ over speeding as the highest category in five out of six locations throughout the Parish. Also ‘Concern about existing traffic and roads issues’ was the top theme by number of references.

20 Traffic collisions have been reported on the main roads in Warborough in the last 5 years (Appendix I).

It would also be deemed essential that any developer provide additional traffic calming measures to assist in the reduction of traffic speed and ensure road safety. Some areas of the villages have inadequate footways and can be extremely dangerous, especially for children walking to school and for the elderly. In particular, routes from the north of Warborough to the school were highlighted. Many areas have no pavement or inadequate pavement. Pavements on parts of these routes are also very narrow and in poor condition. Proposals to improve the safe delivery of pupils to Warborough and Shillingford Primary School and the elderly to the shop, church, pub and The Green by bicycle, or on foot should be supported and promoted. Car travel only exacerbates an existing problem.

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Outdoor Fitness Equipment / Children’s Playground To improve the children’s playground facilities (4 to 12-year age group) and provide adult fitness opportunities. Considering the deficit of playground space for local children, the Parish Council is keen to explore options for finding and developing a single or several new areas. One such location could be an area adjacent to the tennis courts in close proximity to the existing (and popular) green playground. Quotations have been obtained for a space measuring approximately 40m x 40m which vary between £40k and £80k. This would increase the playground space to over 0.2 hectares close to the recommended area detailed in the Fields in Trust guidelines. Furthermore, it would be advisable for improvements to the existing gravel area car park to ensure that no negative traffic or road safety effects are experienced as a result of the improvement to this area. With regards to the Hammer Lane playground, there is an option to close the playground in the long term, especially if an alternative area has been created/improved. Alternatively, significant funding would be required to replace the majority of equipment in current use on this site. Any project should investigate incorporation of high quality green infrastructure to enhance biodiversity.

Evidence

Out of 173 respondents to the Community Survey: • 38 would like to see the Green playground enhanced • 68 would like to see it renovated • 19 would like to see Hammer Lane Playground enhanced • 53 would like to see it renovated Fields in Trust (FiT), formerly the National Playing Fields Association, recommend 0.25 hectares of playground equipment space per 1000 population. Warborough currently has a population of a little over 1000 people but only 0.06 hectares of playground space across two playgrounds located on the Green and Hammer Lane. The majority of the equipment is over 10 years old and significant efforts to refurbish were undertaken in 2015/2016 to prolong the use of the aged equipment as funds to replace this equipment were not available.

Given the high proportion of elderly residents in the Parish, there was discussion during community consultation events (February and June 2016) about the need to provide outdoor fitness equipment for adults, and this could be investigated in parallel to youth facilities.

Reference 1. www.fieldsintrust.org/Upload/file/PAD/FINAL%20ONLINE%20Planning%20Guidance%20for%20Outdoor%20 Sport%20and%20Play%20Provision%20Oct%202015.pdf

Reference 2. ‘Design for Play: A Guide to creating successful play spaces’, Play England (2008)

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Parking on and around The Green To improve parking facilities around The Green to enhance the aesthetics of the area and prevent damage and erosion of the grassed areas caused by cars. Any project should include incorporation of high quality green infrastructure to enhance biodiversity.

Warborough’s village Green, at the heart Warborough Conservation area, is a well-used, highly-valued area of open recreational space with distant views to the Chiltern Hills. Parking at the southern end is required for residents and the pub, as well as other Green-based activities such as cricket, the car boot sales and coach-related activities. Residents highlighted concerns regarding ‘car-scape’ around The Green that detracts from the aesthetic beauty and character of the area, as well as causing damage to the landscaping.

Evidence

Results from the 2016 NPSC Community Survey showed that 83% of respondents support improvements to parking around The Green. In addition, this general improvement to parking has been a longstanding ambition of the Parish Council. Parish Council minutes of June 2013 confirm a motion to improve parking around The Green South through the use of grass reinforcement system to improve the current arrangements but not to adversely affect the aesthetics of the area.

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7.8. Appendix H Local Green Spaces Evidence Base

The Neighbourhood Plan designates four Local Green Spaces, shown at a high level in Figure 15 (with detailed maps in Section 5.3, C3)

1) The Green (shown in Figure 15) 2) The Allotments (shown in Figure 15) 3) The Wharf (showin in Figure 14) 4) Rod Eyot

We set out below justification as to why we believe these important spaces meet the criteria established in the NPPF for Local Green Spaces.

Figure 15 Orientation of Green Spaces in Warborough Parish

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan The Neighbourhood Plan

NPPF NPPF Criteria 1: The NPPF Criteria 2: The designation should only be used NPPF Criteria 3: The designation should only be Criteria designation should only be where the green area is demonstrably special to a local used where the green area concerned is local in used where the green space is community and holds a particular local significance, for character and is not an extensive tract of land. in reasonably close proximity example because of its beauty, historic significance, to the community it serves. recreational value (including as a playing field), tranquillity or richness of its wildlife.

The Green The Green is at the heart of Saved for the village in the late 1840s by the vicar of the This 11-acre site is encased by lanes and homes the most densely populated time, Rev H White the 11 Acre Green is used throughout on three sides, with hedging on the fourth. This part of Warborough, steps the day by children on the playground area, by walkers enclosed space is critical to the local character from the Church, shop, pub both with and without dogs for access and at weekends of the immediate area. and school and surrounded and some evenings. It is used for cricket in the summer, on three sides by homes. rugby in the winter. It hosts a monthly car boot sale during the summer months. It also services many events including The Warborough Festival, various celebrations both local and Royal, visiting funfairs and circuses. It is mown regularly and kept tidy by villagers. It holds the cricket pavilion, various benches, a children’s playground, and several elegant mature trees, and is occasionally used for added parking space. Bordering the Green is an area that contains the tennis courts and cricket nets. Registered on the Parish Asset list as acquired c1895

The The allotments are adjacent These 50 plots are popular, heavily subscribed (with a Encased by hedging on all sides, this approx. Allotments to The Green in Warborough, modest waiting list) and used every day. They contain not five acre area, also flanked by the Green South minutes’ walk from the heart only the expected vegetables and flowers but also some and Green north lanes, with the tennis courts of the village. livestock is kept there. The allotment holders regularly and cricket nets adjacent, is a distinct and meet, operate the site well and hold swop shops for the enclosed space. villagers to exchange surplus vegetables. Local archives record this nearly five acres as ‘coming to the parish with

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan The Neighbourhood Plan

the Enclosures Award of 1853’ and are registered on the Parish Asset list as acquired c1895

The Wharf The Wharf is located at the On the river Thames in Shillingford, this is the only access At the end of the single-track Wharf Road, closest accessible spot on the for the community to the river and is well used, especially enclosed by a thatched boathouse and the river for the majority of in the summer months by fishermen, people launching private drive in front of a stone cottage residents of both villages. canoes and small boats, or simply enjoying the view or a (formerly a warehouse for ferried goods) this good book. It also provides access for watching of local cosy space offers a focal point for the character aquatic wildlife and kingfishers can frequently be seen of the immediate area. Approx 110sq m with a there. It has been known for the occasional intrepid 17 m river frontage swimmer to access the water. It is also used to view various Thames spectacles like Swan Upping.

Ownership of this land was registered formally by the Parish in 2008.

Rod Eyot The Rod Eyot is adjacent to Given to the village at the same time as the adjacent Greet This small triangle of lane is flanked on two the main Thame Road, and Hall in the early 1900’s. Eyot is ‘from Old English iggath (or sides by public roads, and on the third by a

sits adjacent to one of the igeth), which is based on ieg, an island’. Local archives footpath in front of residences. village halls, in the heart of record ‘grassy banks, railings round it and bull rushes and Warborough. wild iris grew there’ until it was filled and grassed over in 1967. As well as providing a characteristic green pause in the densely built-up central area of Warborough (for wildlife and humans), this small space, because of the layout and condition of footways in this part of the village, is used continually by walkers as an informal footpath to access the adjacent Greet Hall and north end of the village. It is important to the setting of the Greet Hall and the Conservation Area.

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan The Neighbourhood Plan

7.9. Appendix I Local Traffic Collision Data8 Traffic collisions reported on [Thames Valley] incident recording system between 13 November 2012 and 12 November 2017 are as follows: Location 8/25/1 (New Road, Shillingford)

• 4 collisions, reported on: o 28 February 2013 10 October 2013 18 October 2013 18 June 2014 Location 8/24/1 (Thame Road Warborough)

• 16 collisions, reported on: o 22 August 2013 31 August 2013 14 October 2013 22 October 2013 1 December 2013 2 May 2014 14 October 2014 12 December 2014 2 February 2015 22 February 2015 12 March 2015 10 May 2015 25 December 2015 28 September 2016 29 October 2016 25 November 2016 All incidents were brought back for the given locations on the Command & Control incident recording system for the given time period. These were then manually checked for an opening or closing classification indicating road traffic collision. Duplicated reports of the same collision were then removed.

8 Thames Valley Police Public Access Joint Information Management Unit November 2017

Neighbourhood Plan Appendix A: Character Assessment

Table of Contents

Background ...... 1 Objective ...... 1 Approach ...... 1 Village History Outline ...... 1 Warborough and Shillingford Conservation Areas & Green belt ...... 3 Character Assessment: Village Areas ...... 4 Introduction ...... 4 Area A: The Thame Road ...... 6 Area B: Sinodun View ...... 14 Area C: Warborough Green ...... 16 Area D: New Shillingford ...... 20 Area E: ‘Old’ Shillingford and Shillingford Conservation Area ...... 22 Area F: Shillingford Bridge Approach ...... 25 Key Community Views (KCV) ...... 27 Green Spaces ...... 33 Spirit of Place ...... 35

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment Background

Objective

The WSNP sets out policies for any future development. There was a strong desire expressed by the village throughout consultation events and surveys to ensure that new development was ‘in keeping’ with the well-loved village space.

The aim of this document is to collate the findings of an independent and diverse group of local residents which identified those features within the built environment that contribute to the unique and distinctive character of Warborough & Shillingford.

Approach

Three members of the Steering Committee, together with the assistance of the village archivist, old and new photographs and physical inspections, drafted this document initially. SODC identified appropriate conservation and constraints maps and the Warborough Conservation Area character study (1998) was considered. Community First Oxfordshire recommended using the Oxford Character Assessment Toolkit1. It was reviewed by the WSNP Steering Committee with input on ratings and refined. Feedback was also accepted following publication on the Parish Council website.

Village History Outline

The Parish of Warborough & Shillingford is an extremely attractive village and civil parish in South Oxfordshire, about 2.5 miles (4km) north of Wallingford and about 9 miles (14 km) south of Oxford the built-up area of which follows the line of the busy Thame Road, the A329. The parish also includes the Figure 1 Warborough & Shillingford hamlet of Shillingford, south of Warborough,

1 https://www.oxford.gov.uk/info/20193/character_assessment_toolkit/878/character_assessment_toolkit

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment beside the River Thames. The two villages house a combined total of 433 households (ONS statistics, January 2013).

The place-name Warborough means ‘Watch/look-out hill’ and is a derivation from Old English word meaning ‘watch, ward, protection’ and berg denoting ‘a hill, mound’ (Mills 2011, 483). It was first recorded as Wardeberg in 1200.

The core of the settlement is centred on the square of land formed by St Laurence’s Church, The Green North, The Green South and The Green itself. There are many historic buildings throughout the village and some particularly attractive groups around The Green North and South. The village is well known for its spacious green, the character of which is formed by the ditches around the edge, its cricket pitch, the prominent mature trees and the many historic buildings which overlook it. Ditches are also a feature along either side of Thame Road. There is a wide variety of building types in the village ranging from small cottages to large Georgian houses and late medieval farmhouses, with associated weather-boarded barns.

The historical form of Warborough reflects the medieval strip farming that persisted until the enclosures of the 19th century. This gave the village its framework around which subsequent developments took place.

The parish was chiefly agricultural throughout the 17th and 18th centuries with corn and beans having been grown on the higher ground to the north of the village, and barley on the lower ground towards the river. Cattle were also reared in the area. Before the General Enclosure Act of 1845 there was very little enclosure. In order to cover costs of enclosure, 130 acres of common land were sold to St John’s College, together with sales to smaller tenants. The Green, a common pastureland before enclosure, was transferred to the parish officers as a place of exercise and recreation for the inhabitants in 1853 the request of the Reverend White (SODC 2011).

Many older houses are detached and set in spacious curtilages. Several of the houses, now private residences, are named after their former use, e.g. The Old Vicarage, The Old Forge, The Old Bakery, and The Old School. While there is no predominant vernacular building material in the village, there are many good examples of red brick with flared headers, which are likely to have been manufactured at the Nettlebed kilns, soft rubble clunch stone, some flint work, dressed stone, timber framing, (both exposed and rendered), thatch, clay tiles and slate.

Shillingford is divided by the busy A4074 Reading to Oxford road at the junction with Thame Road. The A4074 separates the older part to the south from the newer part, to the north. The Thames-side terrace gravels have been a favoured area for settlement from pre-historic times. Neolithic settlers at Dorchester and other downstream gravel sites along the Thames took advantage of the lighter, more workable soils, an accessible water supply and slight elevation above the most flood prone areas. This pattern of settlement persisted and was extended through the Roman and Saxon period..

There is no street lighting anywhere in the parish, with the Figure 2 River residents exception of the Shillingford roundabout. The village survey indicates that despite recurring suggestions from parishioners, 53% of the village prefer to have no street lighting.

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment Warborough and Shillingford Conservation Areas & Green belt

Warborough Parish straddles the southern-most reach of the Oxford Green Belt as shown in the map, Figure 3.

The green belt divides Warborough, with the western side of the A329 falling entirely within it, and the eastern side falling outside of it. Shillingford is almost entirely covered by the green belt. The Parish lies within the setting of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

There are 2 conservations areas in the Parish (outlined in pink in Figure 4): Figure 3 Southern section of the Oxford Green belt Warborough Conservation area (outlined in pink at the top of figure 4) is in the predominately linear part of Warborough village straddling Thame Road from the original Upper Farmhouse at the North end of the village down to New Road at the bottom and stretches eastwards to include the village green area in the centre. This area, which includes 46 listed buildings, contains dwellings from the late 15th century through to the present day, with one listed building falling outside the Conservation Area. Although two 20th century developments took place on the western (green belt) side of the village, Sinodun View and Henfield View, the eastern half of Warborough (not in the green belt), is now more vulnerable to development which would impact the overall character.

The Shillingford Conservation Area (outlined in pink at the bottom of Figure 4) covers Wharf Road. There are 7 listed buildings in Shillingford that fall outside the conservation area.

The village-scape of Warborough and Shillingford today displays the features, which together with the ‘village character’ described below, define its essential rural character as a small Oxfordshire village: although the green belt covers roughly half of the village, and the conservations areas focus on 2 areas, the character is defined by wider boundaries should therefore be assessed as an Figure 4 Warborough & Shillingford: Green belt (green); Conservation Areas (pink)

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment entity within which different planning criteria can be applied to distinct areas. Character Assessment: Village Areas

Introduction

For the purposes of this report, the village was considered as being composed of 6 distinctive areas, each with its own identifiable character, indicated on the map in Figure 5:

1. Thame Road 2. Sinodun View 3. The Green 4. ‘New’ Shillingford 5. ‘Old’ Shillingford & Shillingford Conservation Area 6. Shillingford Bridge Approach (including Shillingford Court and Court Drive) The character of each area was assessed with 1 regard to building type and scale, density, 2 streetscape, distinctive features etc. Following the review of each area, the NPSC 3 attributed a rating to each aspect of the built environment from each location to ascertain whether it contributed positively or detracted from the spirit of the place that makes Warborough & Shillingford.

The Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee (NPSC) has also considered open green spaces, views into and out of the village, spaces in between buildings, topography and 5 landscape, gardens and planting, grass verges etc. Not surprisingly there are some wishes coming out of the Village Survey that appear in contradiction to each other. For example 6 the village has also shown its support for some new development, should it be needed, coming in the form of infill. To the extent that infill might take place in the gaps between buildings that would reduce the sense of open outlook also valued by the village, there is a need to avoid extensive gap filling over time.

A summary of views from each area in Figure 5 Parish Areas included at the end of this section.

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment

A rating from 1 - 5 was given with 5 being seen as making a positive contribution and 1 a negative contribution to the village character and accompanied by a summary analysis of the important aspects of each area. The following sections list the various merits of each area found by the group, moving from the north of the village to the south.

It is not intended to comment on the value and role that different areas provide to the village overall.

During consultation with the village during the NP process, there was a modest attempt to understand style / architectural preferences and help define general comments regarding style preferences. The results are shown in the table below.

In a survey of 167 people held at a public consultation event on the 30th November 2016, villagers shared opinions on which styles of building elements they liked, by looking as several photo illustrations of each style (the numbers below indicate the number of ‘ticks’ placed next to specific architectural preferences):

Traditional style of windows 95 or Modern style of window 3

High pitched roofs 44 or Low pitched roofs 19

Traditional style doors 83 or Modern style doors 5

Do you like:

Brick fronted houses 41 Render fronted houses 21 Brick and stone fronted houses 56

Garage 79 or Car port 9

Porch or Canopy 71 or No porch or canopy 2

Conclusion: This indicates fairly conclusively that there was a strong preference shown for traditional style of building echoing the older properties in the village

Figure 6 Historic View of the War Memorial, Warborough

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment Area A: The Thame Road

Outlined in yellow in Figure 7 Rating: 4 / 5

The Thame Road forms the largest part of the village and dissects the village north-to-south, from the original Upper Farmhouse at the North end of the village down to New Road at the bottom. This area roughly aligns with the Warborough Conservation Area (Ref: Character Study SODC 15 June 2011) except that part south of the school.

The bottom of Thame Road was diverted whilst still a turnpike, in the 1820’s, to form a mini-by-pass so that it avoids the centre of Shillingford, leaving the original road as a quiet back-water. (Victoria History of Oxfordshire, 2016). The road at the north is sited in the low foothills of the Clay Vale and slopes downhill gently to the centre of the village. The centre of the village is largely flat until the southern end when it again slopes gently down onto the Thames flood plain.

Housing Style These range from timber-framed hall-house all the way through to modern individually designed one or two storey buildings. The vast majority of the buildings in the parish are domestic dwellings of traditional form representing every period of history from medieval to the present day. The historic character is one of gradual, small-scale growth, mainly linear in nature where buildings of various ages are mingled together forming a varied streetscape. Most buildings face the roads through the village although often buildings sit at right angles to the road whilst others are reached by way of small, unmade lanes. Varied materials used for buildings include timber frame Figure 7 Thame Road Area with both brick and render infill, stone, flint, brick, render and timber weather boarding for walls, thatch, plain clay tiles and slates as roofing.

20th century buildings in Warborough include a terrace of four whitewashed modernist houses south-west of the church built as farm labourers’ accommodation for St. Johns College, Oxford in 1952 which are representative of their (minus the gravelled front gardens - now used for parking) era but perhaps less well received in the village. Figure 8 Thame Road Labourers' houses

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment

Figure 11 The Cricketers Pub conversion

Figure 10 this new property was designed to match the adjoining public house conversion, of The Cricketers Pub to residential housing (Figure 11), which was met with great acclaim in the village.

Figure 12 There are examples of newer architect designed houses, showing high quality current modern Figure 9 Medieval Cruck Cottage on Thame Road style.

The vernacular architecture of this area is illustrated with use of thatch, white painted render, red brick, timber frames, clay tiles and black timber weather boarding which contribute to the mixed character of the village.

At the centre of the village, next to the entrance to The Green there are two village alms houses (Figure 13).

Despite the changes in architectural design over the last 500 years, these varied dwellings have, over the years, melded into a village whose rural character is firmly that of a small, close village community. Figure 13 The Alms Houses Main Road (A329)

The Thame Road presents a typically rural village picture, still having hedged fields and paddocks interspersed with the houses many in quite large gardens along its length contributing to an open feel. In its northern half Thame Road has multiple bends between attractive houses giving a tightly knit feeling. It also benefits from mature planting and incidental green spaces, including:

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment

The War Memorial (Figure 14) which is situated in the middle of the village at the entrance to The Green, providing a focal point.

Figure 15 Rod Ayot Figure 14War Memorial

The Rod Ayot (figure 15) A green triangular oasis with mature trees outside The Greet Hall – see Section 4 Green Spaces)

There are a few sites along Thame Road which currently add to the rural character of the village, but which might at some point in the future be made available by their owners for infill housing.

The road itself is bordered for most of its length by a mixture of pavements and grass verges.

In places, the verges are a positive asset presenting every spring a magnificent display of daffodils which spread along much of the length of the village.

However, the footpaths, frequently changing sides as they do, mean the access, is very problematic, especially for anyone who may have pushchairs, wheelchairs or be in their later years. They are generally in poor condition, in places the damage is quite significant Crossing spot between Footpath by the Church and detracts from the appearance of Church and Shop the village.

The difficulties are particularly notable when walking from the North end to the centre of the village, requiring 9 crossings of the road due to footpath changes of side. Proposals to introduce street lighting are not well supported (NP Community Survey 2016).

It is considered essential that any new development should have ease of foot access to the central hub and the school, as traffic and parking are of such major concerns.

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment

Smells At the North end of the village is Upper Farm, housing pigs. There have over the years have been complaints about the smells, but others consider this all part of the rural environment.

Traffic Of the highest concern to the village is the impact of traffic and parking on Thame Road. Although the village has good signage, traffic generally ignores both the speed limit and the weight limit. Most residents have sufficient parking to enable the roads to be kept clear, which adds to the attractiveness Flooding at St Laurence and rural character. However, at the South end of Thame road in the school area, where parents park on the road at school times over an area of about 400m there are significant issues.

Flooding Flooding is of major concern to the village. The centre of the village has been flooded on several occasions in the recent past due to run off from Spiers Hill at the north of Thame Road. Part of The Vale of Clay, the land at the north has an extremely deep terrain of clay so is impervious to the rainfall. The village has a very antiquated drainage system consisting of ditches, culverts, sewers, draining both to the south into the Thames and to the west into the Thame. In recent heavy rainfall, the system has failed and flooding has occurred. At the south end of Thame road, the land falls into the flood plain of The Thames and floods most years. Figure 16 Flooding at St Laurence

Infrastructure

Great concern is shown by all that any new development should enhance the current village structure - the physical, aesthetic and sociological. Like many villages, we have a high proportion of retired people, which perhaps partly explains why we have so many successful clubs, but are keen to introduce a greater proportion of the younger generation. What is holding us back is the lack of smaller houses in the village, both for those young people without or with small families and those who wish to downsize at the other end of their lives, which would free up larger properties in the village for those with larger families. This would improve the balance which would have benefits for almost all in the village.

The village has shown its desire that any new development should be easily accessible to the village hub, the school and public transport by foot, to alleviate the current problems with traffic and parking – both showing in surveys and feedback as the greatest concern to the village. The proximity to these central amenities would ensure support of the shop and pub and provide ease of access to the Church, Green, pre-school and School; whereas development at the edges of the village might encourage more cars use to access the school and hub and more egress to other amenities outside the village.

The entire village has recently benefitted from the installation by Gigaclear of superfast fibre broadband which has greatly improved the connectivity to the outside world and will benefit those who currently work from home and those who wish to do so in the future.

Public Buildings

Thame Road is the site of most of the public buildings in Warborough, mainly clustered around the centre. They are all well supported by the village and being clustered near the Green, form meeting points for village life.

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment

The Greet Hall St. Laurence Hall

The Halls: The village has a very full and active social life with a plethora of clubs and societies which meet regularly in the two village halls. Both have high occupancy rates and further development would need to consider enhancing these resources.

Warborough & Shillingford’s strong sense of identity is well illustrated by the vibrant integrated social life within the village which includes many clubs and organisations – Gardening club, Photographic Club, W.I., Lunch club, Dining club, Cricket club, Tennis club, Bowls club, Walking club, Cycling Club, Drama, Sculpture, baby and toddler clubs, various forms of fitness clubs catering for all ages, the Shillingford and Warborough Community Choir, .the Warborough and Shillingford Society, Allotments, etc. Both halls have very high occupancy rates – St Laurence averages over 2 bookings per day, and the larger Greet hall over 1 per day annually. In a village of 433 households, that’s a lot of activity! The village is well integrated around its centre and all the villagers are interested, engaged and involved in its future, especially where any new development is concerned.

Figure 17 Village Show at the Greet Hall

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment

St. Laurence Church (left) dates back to the 13th century. It has an attractive tower which is prominently dated 1666 (the year the church tower was built). It is a three-stage and has a chequer-work decoration on the buttresses. St Laurence's is an aisle-less church, the nave and chancel being in one with a south transept and porch. There was at one time a minstrels' gallery. Perhaps the oldest item in the church is the font, which dates from late in the 12th century.

Figure 18 St Laurence Church Public Community Views

Several street scenes are highlighted for their contributions to the local character and include:

• Views to and from The Rod Eyot along the Thame Road (figure 18) • Views to and from the St Laurence Hall and towards the war memorial along the Thame Road

Glimpsed views of the countryside are further detailed in the Community Views section. Figure 19 View north from Rod Eyot

Local Facilities

The Aisha Stores & Post Office (figure 19) has been run by Raj for many years and recently incorporated the Post Office. It is highly valued village asset and there is concern in the long term, as it is currently part of a private house. Should the current owners sell, the village would need to safeguard a new location for the shop & PO.

Figure 20 Village Shop & Post Office

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment

St. Laurence Church of England School (figure 20) is a well subscribed primary school and pre-school. Echoing our rural environment, the classes are named after birds. • Robins are the Foundation Class. • Owls are the mixed Year 1 & 2 Class. • Bluebirds are the mixed Year 3 & 4 Class. • Eagles are the mixed Year 5 & 6 Class.

Figure 21 St Laurence School

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment

Summary - Area A: Thame Road

• Largest part of and backbone of village and within the Conservation Area and the Conservation Area Study helps define what is important here.

• Starts in the rolling foothills of the Chilterns with sinuous bends and ends straighter on the river flats

• Houses represent gradual growth maintaining cohesion defined by a mix of styles

• Footpaths exist but need upgrading

• Through traffic increasing but on street parking only a problem around school

• Flooding sometimes affects A329 at centre of village

• No street lighting, adequate off-street parking which mainly avoid ‘carscape’

Most Positive Features

• Variety of house styles and natural materials but with generally consistent (high) roof pitch

• sensitive boundary treatments eg period-material walls hedges and

• Proximity to road varies as well as end-on or face-on to road

• Rural character maintained by hedged fields and paddocks interspersed with houses along length with areas of openness being important to maintain

• Presence and visibility of most of village’s public buildings strengthens sense of identity

• Openness around shop, war memorial and church creates focal point

• Immediate access to public views and countryside via side lanes that maintain the feeling of a village placed in a rural setting

• The open green space provided by Plough Field offers a valuable green gap that defines the separation between Warborough and Shillingford

IN CONCLUSION - Any proposal for planning permission would need to avoid obscuring views to countryside (see Section 3 Community Views No 1,2,3, 4 & 6), use natural materials and a mix of dwelling types and address all of the bullet points above in any planning statement. Any infill development should be limited in number to avoid a significant change in the overall open character of the area.

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment Area B: Sinodun View

Shown on the map (figure 23) bordered in yellow Rating: 1 / 5

This group of dwellings are those that were built as Local Authority houses and flats at Sinodun View and St Lawrence Close in the 1950’s, now in private or housing association (South Oxfordshire Housing Association - SOHA) ownership.

Figure 23 Sinodun View home

The ‘estate’ cul-de-sac form of development, which created 34 congruently-designed houses (figures 23&24) in generous plots and a group of 16 flats, forms a pattern of development which is in contrast to the gradual, linear, mixed development of the rest of the village. Some of the flats are currently empty and further clarity is expected Figure 22 Sinodun View Area from SOHA to inform the village as to its intentions for their future. These houses and flats are valued accommodation in the village.

The Road

Only one road, a wide cul de sac, in the area with little traffic; the footpaths are a little better than the rest of the village (figure 24). They have been neglected and suffered with repeated digging up by utility companies in recent time but provide proximate access for the residents. Parking, especially on the corner of Sinodun View at the Rod Eyot, is problematic.

It has easy access to the centre hub of the village and is well served by the nearby children’s playground in Hammer Lane.

There are no public buildings or infrastructure. A significant public view in this area is gained at the playground behind Sinodun View and at the start of Hammer lane with open fields and the Wittenham Clumps. (see Section 3 Key Figure 24 Sinodun View home Community Views number 3)

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment

Summary – Area B: Sinodun View

• Essentially an ‘estate’ cul-de-sac development from 1950s now in private and public ownership

• First development to break with gradual development of village

• Single building material creates a monolithic impact

• Footpaths in poor repair

• Some on-street car parking concerns

Most positive features:

• Houses and flats are valued as a more affordable supply of accommodation in the village

• Easy access to Greet Hall and central hub of village - this helps avoid being too separate

• No street lighting

IN CONCLUSION - Any proposal for planning permission would need to ensure that development or redevelopment remains within the overall footprint of the existing development to ensure that further harm to the linear form of the village is avoided. Where possible the use of different materials and styles should be considered to help break up the visual impact of the area.

Figure 25 Sinodun View

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment Area C: Warborough Green

Outlined in yellow below Rating: 5 / 5

This area encompasses Warborough’s beautiful and much loved, much admired village Green which is the vibrant heart of the community.

The Green, a common pastureland before enclosure, was transferred to the parish officers as a place of exercise and recreation for the inhabitants in 1853 the request of the Reverend White (SODC 2011). The main area of the Green is a large flat central rectangle of grass, carefully maintained, with surrounding deep ditches filled with seasonal flowers and framed with houses of varied architectural style The Green North and size. There is a small valued green space, the Whitehead Plot, on the south of the Green North near the church, which was bequeathed to the village. The backdrop of The Green North (north) houses is an extensive wood; trees and some open glimpses form the setting behind The Green South. The allotments and the tennis Courts sit between the Green and long-range vistas of the Chilterns, which are highly valued.

There was a strong tradition of nonconformity in Warborough in the 17th

Figure 26 Warborough Green Area century. A Quaker Meeting house was built on the south side of The Green in 1670, but has been demolished. A burial ground is recorded in the grounds of a private residence and the name survives in nearby Quaker Lane.

Figure 27 Entrance to The Green South

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment

Housing Style

Mostly residential, there is a wide variety of building types seen, echoing those in the village and along Thame Road, ranging from cottages to modern houses, to large Georgian houses and late medieval farmhouses, with associated weather-boarded barns. Smaller, densely constructed cottages mostly form the entry to the Green South, with housing becoming more sparse as you progress away from the A329.

On the Green North and away from the A329, dwellings are enclosed mainly with attractive gardens and hedges or walls that contribute to the character of the area. The area around the spacious and tree-fringed Warborough Green forms the centre-piece of the village and is overlooked by some notable buildings (eg figure Figure 28 House and Barn, The Green South 28), many listed. Some houses around the green were originally modest but few small houses now exist in their original state. The Green South houses a particularly attractive row of terraced cottages (Figure 29), together with converted Methodist hall and this forms a valued street scene.

Figure 29 There is a small, twisting lane that joins The Green North with The Green South, which houses a mixture of dwellings. Figure 30 The Green South

Another very notable building and much-loved icon of the village located on the Green, is the only pub, The Six Bells (figure 31). It is a building of 15th century origin and one of the 3 oldest buildings in the village and the focus of a valued vista from the Green South.

Figure 31 The Six Bells

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment

Near the junction of the A329, Quaker Lane runs off the Green South. Modern structures sit beside traditional cottages in a spirit of tolerance the founding Quaker fathers would have approved (figure 32).

Uses & Activities

The Green has a welcoming ambiance and is used daily by residents and visitors alike, to walk, to play on the children’s playground, for outside exercise classes, to exercise the dogs. It is used by film companies to portray an archetypal village green and is seen in many episodes of Midsomer Murders (the incomes generated is important to support the Village). Each Figure 32 Quaker Lane month in the summer it hosts a car boot sale. Throughout the summer it is used for cricket, events such as village fairs, jubilees, the bi- annual festival, visiting funfairs and circuses and in the winter for rugby, football etc.

The cricket pavilion (shown in the water colour, Figure 33) is on the south west corner of the green. The club is very active and holds regular matches with visiting teams; there is coaching for the juniors which is heavily subscribed. New cricket nets have recently been installed in the allotment area. Within the cricket pavilion is a plaque (figure 33) commemorating the Rev Herbert White who during the 19thC enclosures succeeded in having the Green adopted as a recreational space and maintaining the view to the Chilterns.

To mark the Queen’s Jubilee, the village erected a new landmark (figure 34). It required careful consideration and much debate as to where it should be Figure 33 The Cricket Pavilion & Plaque placed so as not to conflict with the existing War Memorial and many in the village were involved both in the debate and in its eventual erection.

Figure 34 Jubilee Landmark

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment

At the eastern end of the green gateways lead through to the allotments (figure 35) and the tennis courts (figure 36), both well used. A swap shop is regularly held by the allotment holders and the village to exchange surpluses. There is a very active tennis club and regular lessons given to both children and adults.

Public Community Views

Significant views are described more fully in Community Views, below.

Small footpaths run between buildings in several places such as at Nellies, from Quaker Lane and from the churchyard through to the Green. Leading from the eastern end of the Green are two track ways, used daily by walkers. The one to the south leads through to Benson. This is also a very popular and frequently used Figure 36 The Allotments cycle route and bridle path. Figure 35 The Tennis Courts

Summary – Area C: Warborough Green

• A large area of green space with open views to the Chilterns on one side over the allotments and tennis courts • Framed by iconic cricket pavilion, pub, • The Green itself provides the setting for surrounding buildings • At the heart of most village events and outdoor activities including cricket, football, tennis and allotments • Used regularly as a film set to portray archetypal village green • A starting point for extensive walks to open fields • No street lighting • Parking concerns on the Green South where ‘car-scape’ is a problem

Most positive features:

• Variety of mainly local and traditional materials • varied traditionally designed houses with high pitched roofs • away from the Thame Road, generously spaced buildings separated by gardens • mature trees with a variety of hedges and traditional walls around front gardens

IN CONCLUSION - Any proposal for planning permission would need to avoid damaging views, hedges and spaces, the characteristic alley ways between buildings, use natural materials and a mix of dwelling types and address all of the bullet points above in any planning statement. Any infill development should be limited in number to avoid a significant change in the overall open character of the area. The allotments and tennis courts create an important openness that enhances both views into and out of the green and should be protected from development. (see Section 3 Key Community Views number 5)

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment Area D: New Shillingford

Shown on Figure 37 bordered in yellow. Rating: 2 / 5 This area is mainly comprised of private housing on the border between Warborough and Shillingford, built largely in the 1960’s and 1970’s in the ‘estate’ no through-road pattern typical of that period, a form of development which is in contrast to the gradual, linear, mixed development of the other areas. The new developments surround several listed buildings.

Figure 38 Houses in 'new’ Shillingford

Although these developments were against the wishes of the parish council at that time they provided a good mixture of bungalows and small and larger houses for potential purchasers at the time (and still do today).

Further such developments were prevented by both strong local opposition and the establishment of a conservation area in 1978. However today the village is very conscious of a need for smaller housing, both as starter homes and particularly housing suitable for retirement downsizing and is keen to balance the weight of the age profile of the village.

Housing Style The houses are mainly modern brick structures (figure 38 & 39), indicative of the 1970s development style with consistent brick facades and low- pitched Figure 37'New' Shillingford Area roofs offering a mixture of detached bungalows and houses, many with attractive hedging around their boundaries; few mature trees except in the Warborough Road area. Filming has taken place in this area, too.

Figure 39 House in 'new’ Shillingford

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment

Traffic & Transport

The modest local traffic within the cul-de-sacs is not problematic. The footpaths in this area are considerably better than the rest of the village, providing good ease of access for the residents.

Parking appears to be adequate with generous off-street parking provision. It has easy access to public bus routes. Once across the A329, access to the centre hub of Warborough is good, although road crossings are treacherous. The A329 has a high incidence of accidents on the sharp bends here.

Figure 40 Corner of Plough Close and New Road

Public Community Views Significant views across The Plough Field are described in Community Views, below.

Summary - Area D: New Shillingford • Comprises ‘estate’ developments from the 1960s and 1970s in private ownership mainly in the form of cul-de-sacs • Contrasts with gradual, linear mixed development of much of the village • Traffic within developments are low level but exits onto busy A329 are made more difficult by sharp bends; good off street parking provision • Housing materials are non-traditional and garden sizes vary very little • Few mature trees but low buildings and attractive hedges and gardens mitigate style of architecture • No street lighting except for A4074 roundabout

Most positive features: • Easy access to public bus routes and longer footpaths to hub of village • Provides good mixture of small and larger houses and bungalows • Attractive hedges, gardens and garden spacing mitigate style of architecture • Open views out to the Chilterns AONB

IN CONCLUSION - Any proposal for planning permission would need to ensure that development or redevelopment remains within the overall footprint of the existing development to ensure that further harm to the linear form of the village is avoided. Because of the low-profile design of the bungalows and houses, any conversion to the roof area would need to ensure that it is modest in scale and subservient to the overall design. Proposals for major redevelopment of the roof area should be resisted.

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment Area E: ‘Old’ Shillingford and Shillingford Conservation Area

Rating: 4 / 5 For the purposes of this assessment, this area,( outlined in green, figure 41) comprised of Wharf Road and a section of the A4074, and encompasses the Shillingford Conservation area (outlined in red, figure 41). This is the is the oldest part of the hamlet of Shillingford.

Prior to the river-bank erosion in the early 19th century, Wharf Road continued to curve to the South-East towards the site of the ferry across the Thames to Wallingford. Shillingford ferry was replaced in 1764 by a timber bridge on stone pillars and a new straight stretch of road was constructed to link it to the Henley Road.

The Thames- side terrace Figure 42 The original Shillingford Bridge gravels have been a favoured area for settlement from pre-historic times. Neolithic settlers at Dorchester and other downstream gravel sites along the Thames took advantage of the lighter, more workable soils, an accessible water supply and slight elevation above the most flood prone areas. This pattern of settlement persisted and was extended through the Figure 41 'Old' Shillingford outlined in green Roman and Saxon period. This continuity of settlement was also due to the strategic importance of the River Thames as a territorial boundary and for transport and trade.

There are large historic buildings facing Henley Road (figure 43), and a small 1990 development behind, in Figure 43 Listed buildings along the Henley Hartley Close. Road The Kingfisher Inn sits at the entrance to Wharf Road (figure 44). Figure 44 The Kingfisher Guest House

Wharf Road houses a working farm on the corner of Henley Road (A4074,) and is lined primarily with listed buildings.

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment

Housing Style:

The majority of buildings are residential and listed (eg figure 45 & 46). The character is one of gradual, small- scale growth, mainly linear in nature where residential buildings gradually developed to form a historic, yet diverse streetscape.

Most buildings face the road, with some instances where buildings sit at right angles to it, set in spacious gardens. Materials used for buildings include brick, render & stone Figure 45 Houses on Wharf Road for walls and plain clay tiles as roofing. Boundary stone and brick walls also add to the character; hedging delineates river gardens on the western side towards the river. There are 19 listed buildings in Shillingford, including four substantial early-to-mid 18th century houses. These houses are set amongst smaller houses of 18th century and later, some on the east side of the road, having gardens on the west. There is a relatively modern small housing estate tucked behind high brick walls off of the A4074 and Hartley House which sits nicely in the street scene, although because they are not visible, the houses there cannot be said to contribute to the street scene or typical housing style.

Figure 46 A wisteria-clad cottage, Wharf Road

Traffic & Transport:

Henley Road (A4074)

This busy arterial road, connecting Henley and Reading to Oxford, is continuing to take the strain of the build-up of rural traffic. 2 bus stops on either side dominate the street scene. A recent pedestrian crossing has provided a safe crossing, but because of the bend of the road, it is not positioned in the most convenient place for walkers (including those following the Thames path). Speeding in a significant issue and OCC have occasionally positioned a profitable speed camera toward the west end of this stretch. The 4-way junction with Henley Road, Wharf Road and Warborough Road (signed as one-way, but often ignored) causes concern.

Wharf Road

The road itself is mainly narrow, with no pavements or road curbs. It forms part of the Thames Path and is frequented by walkers. The wide grassed verges, many with stones on them to prevent

Figure 47 A Parishioner

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment damage, are bordered by hedges and walls for most of the length. There are public parking concerns at the top and bottom of the road. As it is a dead end to the river, there is no through traffic. There is often difficulty in exiting Wharf Road during rush hours, especially for traffic attempting to cross or turn right.

Public Uses:

Wharf Road leads down to The Wharf (a small patch of grass, figure 48), The publicly accessible Wharf also provides views along the river and across to the river meadow (owned and managed by the Earth Trust) and Figure 48 The Wharf Shillingford Hill beyond. It is well used for river access for leisure activities.

Flooding:

This part of Shillingford is in the River Thames flood plain. The River Thames often bursts its banks and consumes the flood plains to the west of Wharf Road and encroaches on Wharf Road itself (figure 49).

Figure 49 Flooding at The Wharf

Summary – Area E: Old Shillingford & Shillingford Conservation Area

• an area defined partly by the busy A4074 where the heart of old Shillingford would have been round the coaching inn, now the Kingfisher pub. • A4074 and the ‘crossroads’ are a busy mix of traffic and pedestrians with bus services stopping close by. • in contrast Wharf Road has become a quiet no through-road running down to the publicly accessible river frontage of the Thames and lined with widely spaced historic substantial and smaller houses. • fine views across water meadows to the Clumps • frequented by Thames Path walkers as well as village residents • like The Green, Wharf Road is one of the ‘lungs’ of Warborough & Shillingford • Wharf Road liable to regular flooding from the river • No street lighting Most positive features: • varied traditionally designed houses with high pitched roofs • generously spaced buildings separated by gardens (primarily on Wharf Road) • mature trees with a variety of hedges and walls around front gardens • attractive hedges, walls and spacious gardens IN CONCLUSION - Any proposal for planning permission would need to avoid blocking open views to the river, fields and the Clumps (see Section 3 Key Community Views number 7), use natural materials and a mix of dwelling types and address all of the bullet points above (particularly the conservation area statement) in any planning statement. Any infill development should be limited in number to avoid a significant change in the overall open character of the area.

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment Area F: Shillingford Bridge Approach

Shown on the map bordered in yellow. Rating: 3 / 5

Housing Style

It would be difficult to define a housing style in this area; such is the diversity of architectural styles. Shillingford Court (figure 50), which dominates the scene from the river, is a large, late 19th century house with an elegant boat house built by the wealthy tailor to King Edward VIIth, Frederick Mortimer. Now divided into multiple dwellings it is famous locally for its visits from King Edward and Lilly Figure 51 Shillingford Court Langtree.

Leading to Shillingford Court is Court Drive (figure 51) – now a private road, maintained by the residents, running west from Wallingford Road.

This is an elegant chestnut tree lined road of large architect-designed houses built in the mid-20th Century. Houses are set back from the un-curbed road without fences, hedges or boundary walls. Figure 50 Shillingford Bridge Approach Area Not visible from public spaces, these houses cannot be said to contribute to the style of the area but the space between them maintains an elegant approach to the historic Shillingford Court which should not be lost.

Figure 52 Court Drive

Wallingford Road (figure 53) is the main road running from Shillingford Roundabout to Shillingford Bridge and is lined with houses (many listed) and fields. It houses a new gated development from the 1990s, based around the conversion of a dairy and placed unobtrusively behind stone and brick walls and buildings, with little impact on the Figure 53 Wallingford Road street scene.

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment

Figure 54 Shillingford Bridge

Traffic Shillingford Bridge (figure 54) was made single-lane several years ago, with traffic lights controlling flow. This has made the modest traffic burden, and the crossing of the Thames Path here, safer. There are discussions about reducing air pollution in Wallingford by making this a one-way route, which would impact local residents.

Summary – Area F: Shillingford Bridge Approach (including Shillingford Court & Court Drive)

• In essence, an area defined by its proximity to or approach to the River Thames and the presence of Shillingford Court • Several well-hidden modern enclaves from 1960s onwards of generally large houses • Part of Thames footpath finds its way through walled alleyways from Wharf Road • Viewed from the Wallingford Road an area with a few traditional houses closed in by walls lining the road • No street lighting. Most positive features:

• Traditional housing, walled and obscured along Wallingford Road • Open-planned housing – some traditional, some modern with a variety of architectural features- on generous plots with mature trees on side roads • Forms a pleasant exit from Shillingford culminating in the leaning boat house, golden stone arched bridge and mature trees standing in the flood plain as the river opens into wilder surroundings upstream of the bridge.

IN CONCLUSION - Any proposal for planning permission would need to avoid creating an impression of greater density of housing in the approach to the river unless small scale redevelopment modelled on the dairy conversion or set well back behind existing walls along the road, use traditional materials, maintain the open wooded flood plain along the river, avoid the open field spaces on either side of the Wallingford Road and address all of the bullet points above in any planning statement. The view from the Wallingford Road after it leaves the roundabout looking over Old Shillingford towards Wittenham Clumps should be protected (see Section 3 Key Community Views number 8)

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment

Key Community Views (KCV)

Quotes from villagers: “I want Warborough to retain rural character” “It’s rural village, not a suburb” “We are a small village in a countryside setting”

As a small Oxfordshire rural community, the surrounding landscape is integral to quality of life. In the WSNP Community survey, walks and bridle paths were of significant importance, indicating a passionate level of integration with the surrounding countryside for residents. Significant views, confirmed during the WSNP process (Scoping survey and 2016 Community Survey) are available from public spaces and therefore of value to members of the public and the community as a whole. Following pre- submission consultation, additional views were assessed, added where appropriate and discussed below in ‘Historic Views’. Figure 55 shows these views, which are grouped by assessment Area:

3.1 from Thame Road (Area A) The housing on Thame Road varies from dense, tree or house-lined in the centre through to dispersed building as you move to the fringes of Warborough. This gives rise to more open views which are very highly valued by residents and visitors (including filming companies and associated tourists). 1 This offers significant views of rising Figure 55 Key Community Views farmland where the rolling field and landscape character of the Clay Vale are visible from the A329 as you leave the village and Conservation Area 2 from the A329 as you enter the village and Conservation Area, with onward views to the Wittenham Clumps towards the south

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment

Figure 56 The Clumps from Hammer Lane

3, 4, 9 & 10 Along the edge of the Warborough Conservation Area there are public uninterrupted views of the Wittenham Clumps from Hammer Lane (3 and figure 56) and the end of Green Lane. The distinct landscape character of the Thames floodplain is displayed. 6 At the Shillingford end of the Thame Road, there are expansive views out to the Chilterns, described more fully below. 14,15 Important street scenes include the views to and from the Rod Eyot (15) and the views around St Laurence and the War Memorial (14) 13 There is an inward view in a hedge gap from the Conservation area/A329, often obscured by residents’ cars (figure 57). An onward glimpse towards the Chilterns, currently blocked by hedging and woodland, should be encouraged (eg figure 58).

Figure 57 View 13 into Six Acres Figure 58 Potential view (red arrow) Six Acres

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment

3.2 From The Green (Area C) 5 From the Green and surrounding footpaths, the expansive views to the Chilterns, the Clumps, and back into the surrounding village (5), are highly valued and important to the setting of the Conservation Area. 12 The street scene along the part of the Green North nearest the Thame Road, and towards the 6 Bells makes a valuable contribution to the Conservation area. 11 Views to the open countryside and farmland from the end of the Green north provide a valuable open public view and contribute to the setting of the conservation area.

Figure 59 Plough Field towards the Chilterns

3.3 From New Shillingford Area (Area D)

The main important view in this area is towards the south and the Chiltern Hills in the distance across Plough Field (figure 59). This is an important landscape feature in creating a separation between Warborough and Shillingford villages. Although seasonally partially obscured by overgrown hedges, this is very valued by villagers as it is the clearest and most expansive view out of the village toward the Chiltern Hills (North Wessex Downs AONB)and a very popular walk for walkers and dog owners. It contributes significantly to the rural feel of the village which is so highly valued by the residents, and is key to the inwards view of the village from the adjacent arterial road, A 4074.

3.4 Into and from Old Shillingford (Area E) There are views from the main A4074 southwestwardly, providing an important landscape features and setting for the Shillingford Conservation area, with onwards views to the Wittenham Clumps (8). It contributes significantly to the rural character of the hamlet. There are westward views across the flood plains to Wittenham Clumps (7) from the Wharf.

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment

3.5 Warborough Views Historically

The 1998 Warborough Conservation Map (figure 60) was discussed following the pre-submission consultation. The SC analysed and assessed these 1998 views in the current context and looking specifically at the value to the community and, where appropriate, added them to Key Community Views (KCV) map.

Figure 60 1998 Warborough Conservation Map, SODC http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/services-and-advice/planning-and- building/conservation-and-design/conservation-areas/list-areas-and-)

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment

A. Hammer Lane at this point is a private road, however, it is an expansive open view and assessed important to the setting of the adjacent Conservation Area (KCV 10)

B. Hammer Lane at this point is a public road and this expansive open view, important to the setting of the adjacent Conservation Area, although partially covered by view 3, has been added (KCV 9)

C. This gap in the frontage along Thame Road contributes to the character of the adjacent Conservation Area (figure 61). The view was not Figure 61 Current sightline of historic view C identified because outward views have now been eroded by extensive tree growth.

D. Covered by KCV 3

E. This valuable street scene view within the Conservation Area, to and from the Road Eyot (see Green Space, below) has been added (KCV 7)

F. This street scene within the Conservation Area to St Laurence Hall & Church has been added, and expanded to include the view back to the war memorial (KCV 8)

G. This view at the end of the Green North (north and east) is open and extensive, and important to the setting of the Conservation Area and has been added (KCV 11)

H. Comprehensive views around the Green (KCV 5) have been expanded to cover all aspects and spans the edge of the Conservation Area

I. This street scene within the Conservation Area along the Green South has been added, and expanded to include the view towards the 6 Bells Pub (KCV 12)

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment

J. The southerly views between the listed buildings from The Green South are important to the setting of the Conservation Area and listed buildings and is covered by KCV 5. The value of the historic view angle J has eroded as explained when comparing the historic view (figure 62) and current day (figure 64): inward views from Quaker Lane are inhibited with shrubbery and onward views are blocked by overgrown hedges, a mature woodland and the rear extension of the school (circled on figure 64).

Figure 62 Historic Views The Green South circa 1980s

K. The growth of trees and hedges have eroded historic inward views from Thame Road. Onward views have eroded because of the overgrown hedge and adjacent mature woodland and impacted by the rear school Figure 64 Current setting of historic view J&K (googlemaps) extension (circled on figure 64). However, there is an inward view at the entrance to this site and this gap contributes to the adjacent Conservation Area. This view has been added (KCV 13) as it could offer glimpses of the rural environment and distant Chilterns, subject to sensitive design as discussed above.

L. Eroded over time by tree growth (figure 63)

M. Covered by KCV 4

Figure 63 Current sightline of historic view L

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment Green Spaces There are several green spaces identified during the village consultation in Warborough & Shillingford which are considered important to protect as Local Green Spaces, the Green being the most significant in size. Also identified were the Rod Eyot and surrounds – green spaces outside the Greet Hall (hashed green on the Figure 66), the allotments and The Wharf at Shillingford, all of which have been covered previously in the village areas described and mapped in Figure 65.

Figure 65 Green Spaces in Warborough Parish Figure 66 Rod Eyot (shown hashed green)

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment

The 1998 Warborough Conservation Map (Figure 7 and here http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/services-and- advice/planning-and-building/conservation-and-design/conservation-areas/list-areas-and-) was discussed following the pre-submission consultation. It accurately maps out the Green and other important Green Spaces in the historic core of Warborough (shown hashed in green in Figure 67). It has also been updated below to show the The Whitehead Plot on the Green North (shown with a in Figure 67), donated to and maintained by the Parish Council, which should be noted as of community value)

Figure 67 1998 Warborough Conservation Area Map

The large Plough Field (facilitating Community View 6 in Section 3 and outlined in red, in Figure 68) has also been identified as an important landscape feature. It defines the separation between Warborough and Shillingford villages, and prevents their complete coalescence. "Landscapes on the fringes of settlements are particularly vulnerable to change and special attention should be paid to ..... reduce the urbanising influences of development on adjacent countryside and to prevent the coalescence of W settlements" 2. This open field, part of the Thames Valley flood plain offers panoramic views out towards the North Wessex Downs AONB.

Figure 68 Plough Field, outlined in red

2 SODC Landscape Assessment

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Character Assessment

Spirit of Place

The one thing a visitor might take away, if they met the residents of Warborough & Shillingford is how much we all love our village. All of it. Ideally, as it is, without change. But change we must and in doing so wish to protect the ambiance, structure, and appearance as best we can. There are really very few negatives about the structure of the village, the main complaints are about traffic, parking and flooding. The most positive? We have a lot to choose from but the most obvious is the Village Green. In character, you can’t imagine a more enthusiastic village. It values its integration, social life, clubs, events, sports on the Green, boating on the river. It’s a great place to live and the villagers are determined to keep it so.

Figure 69 Historic View, Thame Road, Warborough

Warborough and Shillingford Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Neighbourhood Plan

The Future of Warborough and Shillingford Anything we haven’t mentioned? Please let us know what is important to you. Since April 2012 local communities have been able to produce

Neighbourhood Plans, putting in place legally binding planning policies for the future protection, development and growth of their neighbourhood. At an open meeting in June this year, our community decided to take this opportunity to develop a plan that meets the needs of local villagers…. that means you! To begin shape the future, let us know what you think about: Not Don’t Important Important Care 1. The Green as an open community

space 2. Development that meets the needs of our community 3. Development that is ‘in keeping’ with the nature of our two villages

4. Transport links & traffic management 5. School facilities

6. Protection of landscape & views

7. Renewable energy Please join us to discuss your thoughts at a Neighbourhood Plan Drop-In 8. Community businesses (eg pub, on Saturday December 12, 2015 12-2pm at The Greet Hall. shop, Post Office) Members of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group will be there to 9. A strategic review of community hear your views over a cup of tea and answer any questions you may managed assets eg buildings, open have. You can bring this form with you then (or we’ll have extras!), spaces, playgrounds, to meet email it to [email protected] or post it to the Greet Hall. village needs If you want to be involved or have any queries, please 10. Sustainable viability of village infrastructure eg connectivity, contact Laurie Kosobucki [email protected] sites, parking, aesthetics 859966 or Kate Croudace 858014 [email protected]

Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan 1st Survey Results Responses to 1st Survey Questions 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Green as an open community space 99% 0% Community businesses (eg pub, shop, PO) 98% 1% Development for community needs 95% 3% Development ‘in keeping’ 95% 3% Protection of landscape & views 95% 0% Transport links & traffic management 90% 7% Sustainable viability of infrastructure 89% 4% School facilities 86% 4% Strategic review of community assets 83% 9% Renewable energy 60% 29%

Important Not Important Don't Care

Comments: Themes Main topics; also mentioned Housing Development sites, size and type, style, for a cross section of the community Transport school parking, green parking, traffic; bus service Community Facilities Support for existing, café, 2 village halls?; youth/sports facilities Environment Protect/preserve, 'in keeping'; flooding, gravel, pollution Infrastructure footpaths, lighting; walks, broadband

H = Housing development (50 comments) T = Transport (38 comments) Main topics: Main topics:  Housing sites small or large School parking  Affordable/smaller/starter/downsize/retirement Parking on the Green housing Traffic calming/control  Development “in keeping” with the village setting Also mentioned:  Controlled mixed development for cross section of Bus service the community CF = Community Facilities (23 comments) ENV = Environment (19 comments) Main topics: Main topics:  Importance of existing community facilities ‐ Shop, Protection and preservation of the Six Bells, Church, Parish mag. and community e‐mail rural charm and surroundings  More facilities – Coffee/tea shop plus other items Development not to be  Review of the need for both the Greet Hall and St overwhelming and “in keeping” Laurence Hall Also mentioned: Also mentioned: Flooding – Flood plain and ditches  Youth and sport facilities Gravel extraction Pollution I = Infrastructure (15 comments) E = Energy (5 comments) Main topics: Few comments  Footpaths ‐ Provision, condition and use No strong views and mixed opinions  Lighting – To footpaths/roads Also mentioned:  Surrounding walks  Broadband WARBOROUGH AND SHILLINGFORD

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN COMMUNITY QUESTIONNAIRE REPORT

AMENDED FINAL DRAFT 1.9.16

South Stables, Worton Rectory Farm, Worton, Witney, OX29 4SU 01865 883488, [email protected] CONTENTS

Introduction and Rationale p. 2

Distribution and Response p. 2

Summary of Findings p. 3

Summary of local affordable housing need p. 7

Detailed results:

Section 1 - Your village household p. 9

Section 2 - Living and Working in Warborough and Shillingford p. 12

Section 3 - Does your whole household or any person/s in your household need a new home in Warborough? p. 33

Summary of comments p. 39

1 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

INTRODUCTION AND RATIONALE

Warborough and Shillingford is currently preparing a Neighbourhood Plan. As part of its evidence gathering process, the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group commissioned Community First Oxfordshire (CFO) to conduct a community questionnaire survey in April 2016. CFO is a charity that works with and supports communities across the county and has long-standing expertise in helping communities with consultation strategies.

The survey gave all households in the parish the opportunity to express an opinion on various community issues (including parking, traffic, infrastructure and housing development) and to register their own housing need, should they have one.

The survey had three sections. All households were asked to complete Section 1: Your village household and Section 2: Living and working in Warborough and Shillingford. Section 3 asked households living in Warborough which need a different home in the parish to state their requirements.

DISTRIBUTION AND RESPONSE

 CFO, liaising with Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Steering Committee (NPSC), prepared the survey content.

 The NPSC arranged distribution of surveys to 433 households in April 2015.

 256 questionnaires were collected by the NPSC in sealed envelopes and passed to CFO or returned directly to CFO by respondents via pre-paid Freepost envelopes: a response rate of 59%.

 CFO analysed the returned surveys and prepared this report.

 No information is known about the non-respondents, and no assumptions have been made about their opinions.

2 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

The report gives a detailed breakdown of answers to all survey questions. The following is a selection of findings.

SECTION 1- Your village household

86% of respondents (221 out of 256) are The largest proportion- 52%- of home-owners (with or without mortgage) respondents (133 out of 254) live in detached houses

SECTION 2- Living and working in Warborough and Shillingford

The biggest concern about parking in the Top three traffic concerns (in order of parish is for the school- 44% of respondents number of respondents): (106 out of 242) have concerns every day  Speeding by the school- 44% of respondents (102 out of 234) are extremely concerned  Speeding on A329 bends in Shillingford- 34% (78 out of 231)  Speeding by St. Laurence Hall- 30% (68 out 229)

Most popular solutions for speeding Top three solutions to address school concerns (total of first and second choices): parking:  North End- Your Speed in Lights (74  Off-street parking adjacent to the out of 231 respondents) school (average rank of 1.8 out of 7)  Greet Hall- Your Speed in Lights (59  Off-street parking ¼ mile from the out of 231 respondents) school (average rank of 3.4 out of 7)  St Laurence Hall- Your Speed in  Road markings on A329 (average Lights (56 out of 231 respondents) rank of 3.7 out of 7)  School (current parking)- 20mph limit (68 out of 231 respondents)  School (off-road parking)- Your Speed in Lights (61 out of 231 respondents)  The Green- Do Nothing (75 out of 231 respondents)  Bends in Shillingford- Your Speed in Lights (66 out of 231 respondents)  A4074- Your Speed in Lights (74 out of 231 respondents)

3 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

Top three community assets used every 85% of respondents (216 out of 254) day: support investigations into alternative  Walks- 30% of respondents (71 out premises for the Shop and Post Office of 240)  The Green- 25% of respondents (60 out of 239)  Bridleways- 20% of respondents (46 out of 227)

Top three things that a new Shop/Post 31% of respondents (77 out of 248) would Office should achieve: like to explore an alternative to the Greet  To maintain current services Hall facilities (average rank of 1.7 out of 5)  To be close to the current Shop/Post Office (average rank of 2.0 out of 5)  To maintain independent ownership (average rank of 2.6 out of 5)

Top three things that a new Greet Hall Respondents agree that the should achieve: Neighbourhood Plan should discuss  Enhanced parking (average rank of enhanced community facilities to: 2.3 out of 5)  St Laurence Hall- 78% of  Proximity to other facilities (average respondents (191 out of 240) rank of 2.8 out of 5)  St Laurence Church- 64% of  Adult exercise space (average rank respondents (144 out of 225) of 3.2 out of 5)

86% of respondents (213 out of 248) would The most popular solution for footpath support improvements to footpaths lighting was to do nothing- 53% of respondents (109 out of 207) agreed strongly

Top three facilities for requiring renovation Top three village improvements overall: (in order of number of respondents):  Traffic (average rank of 2.5 out of 7)  The Green Playground- 64% of  Viable premises for Shop/Post respondents (68 out of 106) Office (average rank of 2.5 out of 7)  The Hammer Lane Playground- 74%  Parking (average rank of 2.8 out of of respondents (53 out of 72) 7)  The Green- 67% of respondents (47 out of 70)

39% (93 out of 237 respondents) would like 36% (87 out of 245 respondents) would like to see housing provision on infill plots to see a maximum of 6-10 new houses

4 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

Top three types of accommodation that Top three criteria considered most respondents think are required: important for selecting a new site for  Small starter homes- 66% of housing: respondents (154 out of 234)  Inside the village envelope (54 out thought this a high priority of 237 respondents)  Homes for the elderly- 46% of  Number of dwellings- (54 out of 237 respondents (106 out of 232) respondents) thought this a high priority  Minimised impact on flooding- (50  Affordable housing - 42% of out of 237 respondents) respondents (93 out of 222) thought this a high priority

Top three criteria considered most important for design and layout of new housing:  Quality of design (77 out of 236 respondents)  Sufficient parking (71 out of 236 respondents)  Minimise impact on open views (65 out of 236 respondents)

SECTION 3- Does your whole household or any person/s in your household need a new home in Warborough or Shillingford?

45% of respondents (28 out of 62) are 13% of respondents (8 out of 62) wish to intending to move to another home in the move to another home in the parish in the parish in the next 5 years next 5 years but cannot

Top three reasons for needing a new home Top three reasons preventing households in Warborough/ Shillingford: from moving:  Wish to downsize in 2+ years- 28%  A lack of suitable housing- 74% of of responses (15 out of 54) responses (29 out of 39)  Want to start first home- 26% of  Unable to afford to buy new home- responses (14 out of 54) 38% of responses (15 out of 39)  To be near family- 24% of responses  A lack of affordable private rented (13 out of 54) properties- 15% of responses (6 out of 39)

34% of respondents (19 out of 56) are 18% of respondents (9 out of 50) are interested in building their own home in intending to extend their current home the parish

5 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

The first choice preference for housing Top 3 type of homes needed: tenure is self-ownership- 49% of responses  Detached house- 62% of responses (45 out of 92) (31 out of 50)  Detached bungalow- 34% of responses (17 out of 50)  Semi-detached bungalow- 24% of responses (12 out of 50)

10 respondents have mobility or other 5 respondents have a supported housing care/ support needs which affect the type need of home needed

6 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

SUMMARY OF LOCAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING NEED

Indicative Local Housing Need

Applying residency criteria (see below) and ownership criteria (homeowners are generally not eligible for affordable housing) to survey responses:

Size of house needed Number of households Number currently on Housing Register One-bed 3 0 Two-bed 4 0 Three-bed 3 0 Four-bed 0 1

TOTAL 10 1

IMPORTANT NOTE: THE BREAKDOWN IS INDICATIVE Not all households are on the Housing Register. A household’s needs would require full analysis of its circumstances through a Housing Register application. There are restrictions on the number of bedrooms that someone is considered eligible for, depending on the make-up of the household and whether the home is rented or purchased on a shared ownership basis.

What is affordable housing?

Social rented and shared ownership are examples of types of affordable housing.

How does the District Council allocate affordable housing?

The allocation of homes is made by South Oxfordshire District Council and subject to an assessment of a household’s needs. A household must be on the SODC Housing Register to be eligible for these homes

South Oxfordshire District Council and Vale of White Horse District Council- Housing Allocations Policy Available at: http://www.southoxon.gov.uk/services-and-advice/housing/join-housing-register-and- find-home

13.3 New Build Developments and “Strong” Local Connection

The councils will endeavour to use the flexibilities introduced by the Localism Act 2012 to enable local people to access developments in their parish whilst still giving due weight to the requirement to allocate housing in accordance with the reasonable preference categories.

To facilitate this, the council will adopt a target that aims to ensure that 20% of new build lettings, that are not rural exception sites or developed for a particular client group, are offered in the first instance to people with a strong local connection to that parish and who have a housing need as defined by the Allocations Policy (i.e. they are on the active Register).

7 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

Some schemes have distinct agreements setting out what the local connection requirements are for that scheme. These rules are often written into the Section 106 agreement. For schemes that do not have a separate agreement, the definition contained in section 13.3.1 will be used to determine local connection for these schemes.

13.3.1 Definition of Strong Local Connection for Purposes of Determining Priority for New Build Schemes

For these purposes, a strong local connection is:

- where the applicant(s) have lived in the parish for five years out of the last 8 and are currently resident there. - where the applicant(s) had previously lived in the parish for at least 5 years and their parents or children still live there and have done for at least 10 years.

8 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

Detailed Results Section One- your village household

RESULTS 1. Is your present home…? 256 respondents

Owner-occupied (no mortgage) 147 Owner-occupied (mortgage) 74 Housing Association rented 16 Private rented 12 Tied to job 3 Shared ownership 2 Living rent free 2

0 50 100 150

2. What type of property is your home? 254 respondents

Detached house 133 Semi-detached house 61 Detached bungalow 34 Flat 10 Terraced house 8 Semi-detached bungalow 7 Mobile home 1

0 50 100 150

3. How many bedrooms are in your current home? 233 respondents

100 89 75 80 60 36 40 24 8 20 1 0 Bedsit One Two Three Four Five +

9 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

4. How many people of each age and gender live in your household? 252 respondents – 618 individuals

9797 100 61 47 49 34 3936 41 34 50 26 31 18 8 0 0-15 16-24 25-44 45-64 65-74 75-84 85+

Male Female

5. How many people in your household are…? 252 respondents - 553 individuals

Retired 169 In full-time employment 153 In part-time employment 50 Student living at home full-time 49 Student living at home for part of the… 36 Self-employed (outside the home) 27 Self-employed (based at home) 27 Homemaker 24 Permanently sick/disabled 8 Unemployed 8 On training scheme 2 0 50 100 150 200

6. How many years have you lived in your current Warborough home? 253 respondents

31+ 45

21 to 30 54

11 to 20 54

3 to 10 70

Less than 3 30

0 20 40 60 80

10 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

7. How many years have you lived in Warborough parish? 250 respondents

31+ 68

21 to 30 52

11 to 20 50

3 to 10 60

Less than 3 20

0 20 40 60 80

8. Provide details of any members of your household who have left the parish in the last 5 years. 42 respondents

How many individuals in total have left those 42 households? 53 individuals

Why did they leave? 63 total reasons

Employment 26

Other 10

Further education 11

Lack of suitable housing 8

Lack of affordable housing 8

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Other -10 Bought a house elsewhere 3 Moved abroad 2 Divorce 2 Marriage 1 Moved out 1 Joined army 1

9. If any people have joined your household in the last 5 years, how many were those returning from having lived away for more than 1 year? 10 respondents

13 total individuals have returned to these 10 households

11 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

Detailed Results Section Two- Living and working in Warborough and Shillingford

RESULTS

Parking and traffic

10. How often do you have concerns about parking in the parish? 252 respondents

Every day 1-2 times a week 1-2 times a month Infrequently Never

120 106

100 94 87 89 82 80 80 69 67 66 63 57 60 50 43 40 26 20 2121 2121 2022 17 17 17 20 16 14 16 16 8 9

0 School - 242 St Laurence - Green - 202 Shop - 207 Six Bells - 198 Greet Hall - 204 respondents 202 respondents respondents respondents respondents respondents

Other - 7 The Wharf 3 The Church 2 Thame Road 1 Entrance to Warborough Road 1

12 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

11. What are your traffic concerns? 254 respondents (individual response numbers in brackets below)

1 - not concerned 2 3 4 5 - extremely concerned

43 22 Weight limit on A329 (227) 39 30 93

76 37 Lack of pedestrian crossings (208) 34 13 48

34 28 Speeding on A4074 (223) 51 31 79

39 22 Speeding on A329 bends (231) 59 33 78

62 38 Speeding by green (218) 43 31 44

30 21 Speeding by school (234) 34 47 102

36 27 Speeding by St Laurence (229) 52 46 68

40 26 Speeding at north end (223) 44 41 72

0 20 40 60 80 100 120

13 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

Other - 56 Crossing needed by Kingfisher (busy road) 16 Crossing needed by village shop (busy 8 road) Crossing needed at by school (busy road) 7 Entrance to Warborough Road 1 A329 bends, Shillingford 4 Speeding on Wallingford Road 3 Speeding on Thame Road 3 Speeding from roundabout to Shillingford 2 Bridge HGV traffic 2 Speeding outside shop 1 Overtaking on Wallingford Road 1 Crossing needed near north end of 1 Warborough (busy road) Corner of Thame Road and New Road 1 Cars illegally exiting Warborough Road 1 onto A4074 Warborough Road cut-through 1 Between shop and village hall 1 Speeding near Greet Hall 1 Speeding on Wharf Road 1 A4074 junction with Warborough Lane 1 and Wharf Road

14 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

12. For speeding concerns, indicate your 2 preferred solutions per area. 231 respondents

Green = highest score, yellow = second highest score

Do Chicane Flashing Your 20 Speed Speed Other nothing speed speed mph camera humps limit in lights North end Top 18 43 23 40 22 22 12 7 choice Second 4 7 27 34 5 10 8 choice Total 22 50 50 74 27 32 20 7 Greet Hall Top 48 4 24 32 28 11 14 5 choice Second 5 1 28 27 7 8 4 choice Total 53 5 52 59 35 19 18 5 St Top 42 2 19 30 36 17 21 4 Laurence choice Hall Second 7 3 20 26 7 7 7 choice Total 49 5 39 56 43 24 28 4 School (if Top 20 3 19 28 57 26 29 6 current choice parking) Second 3 6 17 32 11 13 10 choice Total 23 9 36 60 68 39 39 6 School (if Top 16 8 19 33 49 26 23 4 off road choice parking) Second 1 3 27 28 11 9 13 choice Total 17 11 46 61 60 35 36 4 Green Top 70 2 2 7 49 2 37 1 choice Second 5 3 6 6 16 1 19 choice Total 75 5 8 13 65 3 56 1 Bends in Top 41 5 18 39 37 15 21 5 Shillingford choice Second 5 3 22 27 5 8 3 choice Total 46 8 40 66 42 23 24 5 A4074 Top 33 7 21 46 12 48 12 5 choice Second 2 4 25 28 6 10 3 choice Total 35 11 46 74 18 58 15 5

15 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

Other - 31 White gates at village entrances 5 Drop-off area by school 4 Chicanes at all entrances and exits to 2 Speed indicators painted on roads 2 village Flashing speed indicator/ speed camera 2 A4074 camera in built-up section 1 between roundabout and Shillingford Bridge Bolder white lines 1 Dead Slow- Children Playing sign 1 Pedestrian crossing at Kingfisher 1 10mph at Green 1 No exit from Warborough Road 1 Shillingford by-pass 1 Speed camera sufficient 1 Speed camera at centre of village 1 Police action at Greet Hall and St 1 Double yellow lines 1 Laurence Move school 1 No speed humps 1 Zebra crossing between shop and school 1 Roundabout at north end of Warborough 1 Speed camera/ your speed in lights on 1 Wallingford Road

16 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

13. How would you rate these suggestions to address school parking. 247 respondents

1 = most favoured preference, 7 = least favoured preference [SOME RESPONDENTS GAVE MULTIPLE 1ST, 2ND, 3RD ETC. PREFERENCES]

No. of No. of No. of Average rank respondents respondents respondents on a scale of 1- ranking as most ranking as ranking as third 7 (based on all favoured second favoured preferences) preference favoured preference preference Off-street 155 26 10 1.8 parking at school Off-street 14 62 30 3.4 parking ¼ mile from school Off-street 11 7 42 4.5 parking ½ mile from school Road markings 32 34 32 3.7 on A329 Traffic lights 6 8 9 5.6 on A329 Pull-in in front 41 27 19 3.9 of school Do nothing 12 8 6 5.8

Other - 11 Walk to school 5 Educate parents about not driving to 3 school More public transport stopping at school 1 School to provideparking/ turning circle 1 Pursue Six Acre Field for parking 1

17 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

14. Would you support sensitive improvements for parking for The Green and surrounds? 240 respondents

200

Yes No

15. Do you support investigation into improved car parking for other areas of concern highlighted in question 10? 211 respondents

105 106

Yes No

Other - 2 Wharf Road 2

18 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

Community Assets

16. Which community assets do you use? 251 respondents (individual response numbers in brackets below)

Every day 1-2 times a week 1-2 times a month 2-3 times a year Never

71 74 Walks (240) 49 34 12 46 63 Bridleways (227) 43 30 45 2 27 The Wharf (228) 53 66 80 0 0 The Kingfisher (224) 3 5 216 2 35 Greet Hall (233) 29 107 60 1 3 Pavilion (226) 11 41 170 7 6 The Pre-School (227) 2 4 208 20 7 The School (229) 4 15 183 60 71 The Green (239) 68 31 9 0 55 St Laurence Hall (243) 45 81 62 3 23 St Laurence Church (227) 29 101 71 5 83 Post Office (252) 120 32 12 40 114 The Shop (254) 77 19 4 3 38 Six Bells (240) 81 102 16

0 50 100 150 200 250

19 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

Other - 14 Tennis courts 4 Allotments 3 Playgrounds 2 Used to use more when children younger 2 Green Lane field 1 Dog walking 1 Green needs hard parking 1

17. Do you support investigations into alternative premises for the Shop and Post Office to help secure a viable long term commercial future? 254 respondents

216

Yes No

20 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

18. If you answered yes to Q17, please rank the top 5 things that a new facility should achieve. 217 respondents 1 = most important, 5 = less important [SOME RESPONDENTS GAVE MULTIPLE 1ST, 2ND, 3RD ETC. PRIORITIES]

No. of No. of No. of Average rank respondents respondents respondents on a scale of 1- ranking as most ranking as ranking as third 5 (based on all important second most most important priorities) priority important priority priority Close to current 93 40 23 2.0 Shop/PO Enhanced 33 28 32 3.0 parking Facilities for 18 22 38 3.4 coffee shop A nice space to 18 14 17 3.4 sit Maintain 127 33 20 1.7 current services Maintain 55 27 29 2.6 independent ownership Avoid 51 24 20 2.7 impacting the Green Additional 9 3 18 3.9 space for hire

Other - 4 Ensure it has a viable medium-term 1 More competitive prices 1 future Wider range of stock 1 A chain (e.g. Coop) would be better 1

19. Would you like to explore an alternative to the Greet Hall facilities? 248 respondents

171

Yes No

21 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

20. If you answered yes to Q19, please rank the top 7 things that a new facility should achieve. 92 respondents 1 = most important, 7 = less important [SOME RESPONDENTS GAVE MULTIPLE 1ST, 2ND, 3RD ETC. PRIORITIES]

No. of No. of No. of Average rank on respondents respondents respondents a scale of 1-7 ranking as most ranking as ranking as third (based on all important second most most important priorities) priority important priority priority Proximity to 20 13 10 2.8 other facilities Enhanced 34 22 8 2.3 parking

Facilities for 5 8 13 4.3 coffee shop A nice space to 3 11 7 4.3 sit Adult exercise 16 15 17 3.2 space Adult exercise 8 9 13 3.6 equipment Enhanced youth 8 11 15 3.2 facilities Shared with local 14 14 10 3.2 school Internet 9 6 8 3.4 connectivity Avoid hire-price 8 11 6 3.8 increases Improved 5 3 5 4.1 facilities Office space for 1 3 4 5.2 hire

Other - 18 Indoor sports facilities (e.g. badminton, 7 Youth Club 4 table tennis) Stage 3 Good cooking facilities 2 Good projector and screen 1 Different-sized rooms to hire 1

22 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

21. Do you agree that the Neigbourhood Plan should, together with the Parochial Council, discuss enhanced community facilities (with sensitive changes to the existing fabric) within:

St Laurence Hall? 240 respondents

191

Yes No

St Laurence Church? 225 respondents

144

Yes No

23 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

22. Would you support the registration of the Six Bells as an Asset of Community Value? 251 respondents

240

Yes No

Community Facilities

23. Would you support improvements to meet the concerns of footpath difficulties? 248 respondents

213

Yes No

24 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

24. Please prioritise the following ideas on footpath lighting. 249 respondents (individual response numbers in brackets below)

1 - agree strongly 2 3 4 5 - disagree strongly

59 19 Warborough Rd (212) 30 20 84

62 24 The Ditch (209) 31 15 77

51 23 School (203) 34 19 76

41 17 Greet Hall (204) 39 24 83

36 18 St Laurence Church (204) 51 17 82

31 20 The Green (197) 32 17 97

109 5 Do nothing (207) 21 11 61

0 20 40 60 80 100 120

Other - 22 Use a torch 10 Avoid light pollution 5 Don’t want lighting 3 Strong light on St Laurence Hall 1 Solar-powered light at Kingfisher bus- 1 Lighting at Sinodun Road/ Thame Road 1 stops No football lighting 1

25 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

25. How often do you use leisure facilities in the village? 250 respondents (individual response numbers in brackets below)

Every day 1-2 times a week 1-2 tyimes a month Infrequently Never

60 63 The Green (249) 60 36 30

0 2 The Green, rugby (240) 8 22 208

1 19 Tennis courts (241) 13 42 166

7 20 Allotments (243) 5 21 190

2 4 Cricket pitch (242) 13 32 191

0 3 Pavilion (241) 10 57 171

1 7 Hammer Lane playground (241) 15 37 181

7 18 The Green playground (244) 45 57 117

0 50 100 150 200 250

Other - 14 Footpaths/bridleways 4 Exercise classes 2 Need better playgrounds 2 Used to use more when children younger 2 Physically unable to use these 1 Need hard parking on the Green 1 Wharf 1 Use Green for other sports 1

26 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

26. What leisure facility improvements would you like to see? 173 respondents (individual response numbers in brackets below)

23 The Green (70) 47 9 The Green, rugby (24) 15 17 Tennis courts (62) 45 14 Allotments (31) 17 15 Cricket pitch (34) 19 17 Pavilion (66) 49 19 Hammer Lane playground (72) 53 38 The Green playground (106) 68

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Enhanced Renovated

Suggested improvements – 78 total The Green Fix parking 5 Better benches 3 Football posts 2 Archery 1 Facilities for older children 1 Cut grass 1 Tennis Courts Improvements in hand 3 Re-surface 1 Improve maintenance 1 Improve parking 1 Allotments More water taps 1 Maintain as is 1 Keep dogs on lead 1 Cricket Nets 4 Maintain as is 1 Pavilion Renovate / update 6 Upgrade toilets 4 Coffee shops 2 Security camera 1 Extend use 1 Parking 1 Hammer Renovate/ update 4 Close 4

27 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

Grass cutting 1 Green (playground) More equipment 12 Renovate/ update 7 Better maintenance 3 Enclose (dog mess) 3 Extend 1 More benches 1

27. If we had to prioritise, how would you rank village improvements discussed in the previous questions? 241 respondents

[SOME RESPONDENTS GAVE MULTIPLE 1ST, 2ND, 3RD ETC. IMPROVEMENTS]

No. of No. of No. of Average rank respondents respondents respondents on a scale of 1- ranking as most ranking as ranking as third 7 (based on all important second most most important improvements) improvement important improvement improvement Parking 72 47 36 2.8

Traffic 87 59 26 2.5

Viable 54 50 53 2.5 premises for Shop/PO Greet Hall 11 9 12 5.2 alternative Footpath 23 19 45 4.0 accessibility Footpath 23 16 18 5.0 lighting Improved 12 19 9 4.9 leisure facilities

28 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

Your opinions on Housing Provision

28. Where would you like to see housing provision in the parish? 237 respondents

Infill plots 93

Mix of infill and other 87

Other sites 35

Don't care 22

0 20 40 60 80 100

29. What is the maximum level of housing provision that you would support (if it brought sufficient community improvements)? 245 respondents

6 to 10 87

10 to 20 80

20 to 30 47

30 to 40 18

50+ 9

40 to 50 4

0 20 40 60 80 100

29 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

30. What type of accommodation do you think Warborough and Shillingford need? 259 respondents

174 180 154 160 140 106 120 97 89 93 89 89 100 74 79 80 63 67 62 54 58 45 60 37 44 40 26 23 13 20 0 Starter Homes for Family Larger Affordable Lifetime Supported homes - 234 elderly - 232 homes - 218 family housing - homes - 207 housing - respondents respondents respondents homes - 210 222 respondents 213 respondents respondents respondents

High Medium Low

Other - 12 Mix of housing 2 Homes for downsizing 2 Infrasctructure can’t cope with more 2 Infill 1 Develop surrounding land 1 General comments 4

30 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

31. Choose and rank your top 7 criteria for selecting a site for new housing. 237 respondents 1 = most important, 7 = least important [SOME RESPONDENTS GAVE MULTIPLE 1ST, 2ND, 3RD ETC. CRITERIA]

No. of No. of No. of Average rank respondents respondents respondents on a scale of 1-7 ranking as most ranking as ranking as third (based on all important second most most important criteria) criteria important criteria criteria Inside village 54 27 15 2.9 envelope Proximity to 33 24 14 3.6 facilities Ability for village 39 20 25 3.7 improvements Good pedestrian 26 27 17 3.7 access Proximity to bus 28 15 17 3.6 routed Number of 54 23 23 3.3 dwellings Brownfield 35 21 20 3.3

Greenfield 8 4 8 4.8

Not in greenbelt 51 14 15 3.3

Good 13 5 9 4.4 mobile/broadband Minimised impact 27 22 20 3.7 on drainage Traffic 42 20 34 3.5 management/access Low landscape 46 32 30 3.2 impact Minimised impact 50 30 20 3.2 on flooding

Other - 23 Not on greenfield/good agricultural land 5 Better bus service 3 Don’t know 3 Don’t compromise views 2 Village envelope 1 Development needs better mobile signal 1 Another old time council estate 1 Parking facilities 1 Not opposite New Road 1 Not highly visible 1 Respect archaeological features 1 Infill 2 General comments 1

31 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

32. Regardless of the location, choose and rank your top 7 design and layout criteria. 236 respondents 1 = most important, 7 = least important [SOME RESPONDENTS GAVE MULTIPLE 1ST, 2ND, 3RD ETC. CRITERIA]

No. of No. of No. of Average rank on respondents respondents respondents a scale of 1-7 ranking as most ranking as ranking as third (based on all important second most most important criteria) criteria important criteria criteria Sufficient parking 71 26 24 3.0

Quality of design 77 38 19 2.8

Local materials and 35 26 15 3.4 design High density 9 2 2 4.6

Low density 33 21 21 3.5

Minimise impact on 65 38 30 2.7 open views Minimise impact on 45 30 29 3.4 environment Minimise impact on 42 24 29 3.7 traffic Small plots 29 19 17 3.4

Large plots 6 2 7 5.0

Communal spaces 13 5 13 4.4

Energy efficient 33 18 16 3.9 design Space for home 5 1 10 4.9 office Single storey 14 3 10 4.0

Two storey 13 8 12 4.0

Other - 14 Mix of dwellings 2 General comments 2 Effect on floodplain 1 Affordable for public servants 1 Avoid sprawl 1 Terraced on small plots 1 Attractive designs 1 Parking facilities 1 Gardens/playspace 1 Lifetime considerations 1 Ensure good footpaths 1 Don’t devalue houses 1 32 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

Detailed Results Section Three- Does your whole household or any one in your household need a different home in Warborough or Shillingford?

RESULTS

33. Are you intending to move to another home in Warborough in the next 5 years? 62 respondents

8 28 19

Yes - in parish Yes - leave parish No Can't

34. Why does your household, or anyone in it, need a new home in Warborough? 54 respondents - 94 total choices

Wish to downsize 2yrs 15 Want to start first home 14 To be near family 13 Want to build own home 12 Wish to downsize now 8 Retiring 8 Need bigger home 6 Other 5 To give/receive family support 4 Unable to afford current rent 3 Special needs 2 Tenure insecure 2 Unable to afford current mortgage 2

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16

Other - 5 Want smaller house, not available 2 Want to purchase in cheaper county 1 House tied to employment, will retire 1 Should release more land 1

33 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

35. If you wish to move but cannot, what are the reasons preventing you? 39 respondents -67 total reasons

Lack of suitable housing to meet my needs 29

Unable to afford to buy a new home 15

Lack of affordable private rented properties 6

Other 5

Lack of social rented housing 5

Lack of shared ownership housing 4

Family reasons 2

Location of employment 1

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Other - 5 Oxford is unaffordable 1 Planning restrictions 1 Insufficient 2/3 beds with office space 1 Need disabled housing 1 Can’t move until retire 1

36. Are you interested in building your own home in the parish? 56 respondents

Yes No

34 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

37. If yes, have you registered your interest with South Oxfordshire District Council? 21 respondents

Yes No

38. Do you intend, or are you considering, extending your current home? 50 respondents

Yes No

39. How many people of each age group would live in the new home? Include carers if support needed to live independently 44 respondents – 95 total individuals

15 16 14 14 12 10 10 8 8 7 8 5 5 5 5 5 6 4 4 4 2 0 0 0-15 16-24 25-44 45-64 65-74 75-84 85+

Male Female

35 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

40. How many bedrooms would your new home need? 46 respondents

Five+ 3 Four 11 Three 17 Two 15 One 0 Bedsit 0

0 5 10 15 20

41. Who owns the home you live in now? 58 respondents

Owner-occupied (no mortgage) 26 Owner-occupied (mortgage) 15 Private Rented 7 Family 4 Housing Association Rented 3 Tied to job 2 Other 1

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Other - 1 Own home but rent the ground 1

42. What type of housing tenure would you prefer? 51 respondents

45 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 7 10 5 5 5 5 4 3 2 3 2 2 5 1 1 1 1 0 Private rent Housing Self-ownership Shared Association rent ownership

1st choice 2nd choice 3rd choice 4th choice

36 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

43. What type of home do you need? 50 respondents – 89 total choices

Detached house 31 Detached bungalow 17 Semi-detached bungalow 12 Flat 9 Semi-detached house 9 Terraced house 7 Terraced bungalow 4

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

44. Does anything affect the type of home you need? 49 respondents - 51 total choices

No 39

Yes - limited mobility 7

Yes - wheelchair 4

Yes - other care/support needs 1

0 10 20 30 40

45. How many years have you lived in Warborough? 54 respondents

31+ 10

21 to 30 15

11 to 20 11

3 to 10 15

0 to 3 3

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16

37 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

46. Does anyone in your household have a supported housing need? 5 respondents – 6 total choices

Supported living for an adult with learning difficulties 3

Independent accommodation with care support 2

Independent housing with live-in carer 1

0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3

47. Are you on the South Oxfordshire District Council Housing Register? 49 respondents

Yes No

38 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

Summary of comments

 256 surveys returned  56 comments made  88 broad themes noted in comments

Breakdown of comments by theme and number of references

Village character Retain rural character and spirit of the villages 13

Housing Explore infill sites for new housing 5 Smaller homes needed 4 Homes needed for young people/ young families 4 Build new homes on Six Acres field 4 No large developments 4 New homes should meet local needs 3 Affordable housing needed 3 Houses needed for downsizing 1 No housing on Green 1 No new housing needed 1 Supported housing needed 1 Look at poorer quality agricultural land for housing 1 New housing should be in keeping with village 1 Only build small numbers of new homes 1

Infrastructure Traffic and roads Concern about existing issues 16 Parking Concern about existing issues 12 Community facilities  Need to improve current facilities 7  New hall needed 1  Maintain facilities as they are 1  Improve play facilities 1  Develop new cycle paths 1 Green spaces + infrastructure  Maintain AONB and green spaces 1  Concern about litter and fly tipping 1

39 Community First Oxfordshire Warborough and Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan Community Questionnaire Report (September 2016)

NP Appendix E Pedestrian Links

General Footway Review

The layout of the village (shown right) means that it is not conducive to walking and in some cases, it is dangerous to walk to amenities (such as the school, shop, church, pub) from some areas of the village. The main problem is the need to cross the road many times to remain on a pavement, and the main area of danger is where this crossing is on a partially-sited road curve or corner.

It is particularly dangerous if pushchairs or mobility aids are involved.

This increases the number of people in the village that choose to drive to amenities rather than walk, which exacerbates traffic and parking issues.

Two dangerous pedestrian crossings (1 & 2, right) are described below. The proposals to resolve these are discussed within Community Issues Project 5, Traffic Calming.

Indicates A or B road crossing

Road Crossing 1:

Traffic Road crossing point on the The A329 (opposite 70 Thame Road, above photo) is on a dangerous corner. This is used to access countryside walks.

Road Crossing 2: The road crossing point as New Road becomes Thame Road

This crossing point (photograph below) has 3 issues.

• Issue 1: This is a very sharp corner with fast moving cars so visibility is a problem, traffic slowing to 20 miles per hour is recommended. • Issue 2: Cutting back vegetation at the edge of Thame Road would provide greater visibility of oncoming traffic. • Issue 3: For wheelchair and pushchair access the dropped curve is very narrow and is at a dangerous angle. This should be widened since it is at dangerous angle for wheelchair access.

Neighbourhood Plan Site Assessment - Footways

The footways serving the sites included in the Technical Site Assessment were surveyed. Key findings are shown in the annotated map, over, and are supplied for supplementary evidence. Site Assessment Footway Review

Cuckoo Upper Farm Cuckoo Pen Sites

Cuckoo

Upper Farm Entrance

Entrance to Cuckoopen paddock

Entrance to Hammer Lane Footway

6 Acre no raised footway

Plough Field to be added when further information is provided

6 Acres

Neighbourhood Plan Site Assessment: Footway mitigation route A suggestion to use this route as an alternative to Thames Road footways was raised by a Land Owner of a northern-end site. Findings are highlighted below:

The section of this running from Thame Road to Hammer Lane is private track and should not be marked as Thame Road.

Hammer Lane itself is road with full public access but is unadopted from Violets Farm northwards.

Potholes and uneven surfaces on this track with no

dedicated footway

Alternative cut through narrow track with rough surface unsuitable for pushchairs

Warborough & Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan School Parking Survey

Neighbourhood Plan Appendix F: School Parking Survey Results

School Parking Survey

Contents

1.1. Introduction ...... 2 1.1.1. Distribution ...... 2 1.1.2. Summary of results ...... 2 1.1.3. Detailed responses ...... 3 1.1.4. Comments ...... 5

Warborough & Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan School Parking Survey

Introduction

One of the local concerns that have arisen during the scoping phase of the Neighbourhood Plan is that of parking outside the school site. Whilst the community survey is exploring local villagers’ views on how best this might be solved, this survey was targeted at parents at the school – many of whom do not live in the Parish – to better understand what factors influence how many cars are parked outside school and for how long, and to explore parents’ views on ways the situation might be improved, in particular in relation to the idea of some sort of off-road parking provision. Particular focus was given to the situation at morning drop-off as the problem is exacerbated then by heavier rush-hour traffic on the A329.

Distribution

• This survey was printed and distributed by St Laurence CE Primary School in March 2016. One copy was given to each family in school – a total of 66. • 36 surveys were returned – a response rate of 55%.

1.1.1. Summary of results • Car parking outside the school is predominantly from families who have travelled from out of Parish. Parishioners only drive to school if they need to immediately drive onto/have come from elsewhere or live at the extremes of the Parish. • Fewer than 20% of children are dropped off in the morning; the remainder are accompanied into school. • Those parents that are able to car share do. • An overwhelming majority of parents would prefer to park off-road if it: o Was adjacent to the school; o Had safe pedestrian access to the school site; o Did not add unduly to their travel times (through congestion at access points etc).

Other common suggestions for improvement • Better use of the land at the front of the school. • Encourage more drop-offs by considering: o Improvement to pedestrian access (to reduce risk of coming into contact with cars); o Path alongside main road on south side of school gates; o Adult supervision at the front of school. • Change timings of refuse collections on Tuesday mornings. • Better pedestrian crossings in village. Allow early Pre-School drop-offs.

Warborough & Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan School Parking Survey

1.1.2. Detailed responses

Where do respondents live?

Responses were split approximately 2:1 between those living outside and within the Parish. This is consistent with the overall ratio of families at the school.

36 responses

How many Parishioners drive to school at peak times and why?

13 responses

6 responses

Warborough & Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan School Parking Survey

What happens around 08:40?

Drivers were asked whether they dropped children off – perhaps pausing briefly to check on safe entry to school grounds – or walked into school with them.

26 responses

19 responses

21 responses

Is car sharing an option?

Warborough & Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan School Parking Survey

Parents who live outside the Parish were asked for their views on car sharing.

23 responses

Off-road parking

Would one of the possible solutions – an off-road car park –be successful?

32 responses

1.1.3. Comments There were several opportunities for respondents to give their own opinions; these have been collected together in themes:

Warborough & Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan School Parking Survey

Use of off-road car park I only drive to school a couple of times a week and one of those is usually on my way to an appointment and pick up from after school club Tuesdays. I think a car park would be a good option as there is lot of congestion going in and out of Warborough in the mornings. Realistically, parking in a village car park only makes sense for me (in preference to parking on the road by the school) if access in and out of the car park were just as quick and there was always reliable space to park there. Unless there is an adjacent parking option people will continue to use the road. Only way to stop people using the road is to get double yellow lines - we totally support walking to school which we nearly always do, but others are on their way to work and we want a closer option. It's going to be difficult to alter people's attitudes.

(Would continue to park on-road) if running late or if kids have 'projects' to take to school.

I do often park at The Green and walk down - because if you get there after 2:55 there is nowhere to park!

3pm is worse as there is no staggering of arrival times - everyone has to be there at 3pm!

(Car park alternative) for me this would work if other parents were also parking there, but I don't think I would use it at pick up because I always seem to be late!

Because I generally don't walk my son in now, I would prefer a nearby car park. I would feel it necessary to walk him in if it was by the Greet Hall, due to crossing the road etc - I am not adverse to doing this.

Yes - I would be happy to walk the distances mentioned if the parking did not involve crossing roads! Ie easy safe passage with 3 children

I only drop off and drive away so don't want to park.

Depends on what time we have in the morning and which parent is dropping off

Would probably still park roadside in the mornings. I head to work and am under time pressure.

(Depends on) weather!

I work at the Pre-School and afterschool club 4 nights a week. Try to always park in school grounds - but parking is limited. (Car park would need to be adjacent) - this is often I leave in the dark in the winter! (Alternative parking) provided safe ie not along a road, pedestrian only route to the school. Would prefer off-road, SAFE, parking. (Depends) if it's raining! Make parking off-road mandatory. Get the council to paint double yellow lines outside school then we (parents) will behave! Parents mean well but are busy in the mornings so will take easy option (parking outside school). Ban it on the day the bin men come because that seems the day the traffic is most congested. The refuse collectors need to do their work but it blocks a lane and drivers start getting stressed on way to work. Safety If there was a person/teacher at the school gate keeping an eye on things I'd be happier to drop at the gate without parking (but that still means stopping and holding up traffic to let the children leave the car safely with bags etc)

Warborough & Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan School Parking Survey

(Don't feel safe walking) during winter when dark at 5.30pm to pick up from SLOSH Whilst my children are young and cannot independently walk into school on their own, the factors that are relevant to me for parking are of course safety but also speed in the mornings. Off- road parking has to be better than the current on-road! I have returned to my car twice and someone has hit in to front of my car while dropping kids! Obviously, something needs to be done regarding safe parking. On many occasions, cars have sped past at such a speed - while I am getting baby in/out of car. Very dangerous for the children! It doesn't feel safe enough to drop my child off and let him walk into school unsupervised; better paths on Shillingford side of the main road for those getting out of cars; sometimes I wait for the traffic to die down before attempting to head off myself. The hedge should be cut back at the corner between Warborough and Shillingford as it is tricky to see when walking from Warborough to Shillingford - perhaps more year 6's could walk on their own if that crossing was easier. I worry there will be an incident soon: impatient drivers; poor parking by parents - regular use of zigzags as a personal private parking spot for certain parents, which blocks pull-in opportunities for passing traffic; limited visibility for drivers - they can't see if the route is clear and whether to proceed; often cars park right down as far as the bend - then you realise that one person parking far back, every one else follows suit, whereas in fact there are closer parking spaces free. We walk to and from school most days and live just opposite the Kingfisher Inn. Crossing the Thame Road at the corner where Warborough Road ends is quite difficult with several young children. It would be great if anything could be done to improve the safety of crossing here.

Something must be done as it is an accident waiting to happen! Also I do feel for the residences in village it must be a pain every morning, mostly caused by many inconsiderate drivers who do not realise the cause.

The roadside parking is very dangerous. I live in fear something bad will happen.

Thank you to the residents who slow down. Some do not and get very frustrated waiting their turn to move along the road.

Very disappointed how Warborough has no pedestrian crossings or safety barriers to protect its young children going to School. It's 2016 and we are still having conversations about what to do!

Suggestions for improvement Could the school grounds be reconfigured to make a more sensible arrangement for dropping off - like a dropping circle with supervision - there seems to be a lot of unused/underused space ie the strip to the left of the carpark - and most of the area to the right! (Alternatively) a meet and greet, where kids get out of car and met by someone and walked into school; or one side of the main road kept for drop offs without parents leaving the car (a proper layby?); separate pathway into school so kids not dodging staff cars entering the school and those using the cars entrance to do their u-turns!! It would be preferable to park off road or somewhere safer to get the children out of the cars. As they get older I hope we might be able to cycle across the fields and also as they get older I will just drop them off rather than walk them round. If there could be an in and out entrance for the school with a loop you could drive round to drop off this could work too. I believe the front of the school should be used for parking as it is never used by the pupils. I think a car park with spaces plus a circular drive-in where parents could just drop-off and drive out would be

Warborough & Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan School Parking Survey

the ideal situation. This would require another bridge and new entrance made; this may be costly, but in my opinion the most effective. I work so I drop and go. I do not have time to mill around afterwards talking. Tuesdays are bin days? Perhaps lorries could come down after 9.30 to reduce congestion for locals? A school bus picking up from surrounding villages and through Warborough. Would need careful adult supervision at loading and unloading. However this would reduce the social side of meeting other parents. The school after all is a community More after school clubs would stagger the volume of cars. Also speed bumps to reduce car speed to <30mph Put gates across pavement beside house drives to slow children down/stop them running straight across. Two gates staggered to force pedestrians to weave around. Wide enough spaced for buggy. No suitable road crossings in village for pedestrians; no safety barriers to protect children from stepping onto road; pathways are of poor condition; speeding vehicles in village is common reduce speed limit outside of school to 20mph or lower! Speed humps, traffic calming is required in village. Proposed deal to allow new housing site next to school with provision of drop-off area for school; village car park in same location; utilise wasted space of 'ditch' outside of school. Partially fill in to created off road parking spaces; add additional pathway to right of school to stop children having to exit onto road or muddy verge.

If the site next to the school is not available perhaps part of the ditch area outside of the school could be made into a pull in area.

A number of families (6 presently) live in Roke/Roke Marsh/Berrick. There is a very good direct path from these villages (approx 2 miles to school) which can be used to walk/bike but ONLY if dry - surface is VERY muddy at OUR parish end. Some work has been done to improve this but not enough.

People need to be more patient. Yes - it causes delays but is it really a problem? Safety is an issue and additional signage to slow drivers down would be appreciated. Parents could park better with less space between cars. Better parking on school grounds for staff and visitors so they do not park on road. Change the timing of dustbin collection so not during drop off.

Could we not increase the size of the car park at the front of school and use land at the front of the school. Or have a drop circle loop with a teacher at the drop point when you drive up to the gates so you know your child is safely into school. Set up traffic lights at the wooden bridge and one by the bridge with the tarmac on; set up car park spaces between the school and the wooden bridge "eating" the muddy side of the road; drop off system at school gate, one way system. Having a walking bus system from the car park for the children might be an idea both at pick up and drop off. From the Green to school would not require the children to cross any roads and through Quaker Lane they would not need to go near a main road. Car use We live 0.8 miles from the school which would also involve crossing the main A4074 Oxford/Reading road and deviating to the pedestrian crossing and there would be insufficient time to walk to school and back and drop another child at nursery by car before work. I do live within walking distance but need to be at work by 8:45am so driving is necessary. I could car-share but this can feel quite restricting The day is staying lighter longer, those occasions of picking up after school clubs would be less. (Unable to car share) - going to work straight after drop off

Warborough & Shillingford Neighbourhood Plan School Parking Survey

(Car share) - I have 2 children and cannot safely fit any more than 3 in my car with full car seats

Length of time parked Additionally I would not feel comfortable leaving my child until I had seen their safe entrance into classroom from playground; this is not to say additional time parked would be added 'dawdling' Sorry, but I like to take the dog for a quick walk from car to school and back, also I like to see other parents. But not everyday, I get out the car about 2 out of 5 mornings and every pick up. Once dropping my son into Owls for 8:40, I then need to wait with my daughter until 9am for PreSchool to start and by the time she is in it often means I am not back at the car until 9.05/9.10am. If pre-school started at 8.45am this would reduce the time I was parked for.

(Would like to) drop off at school gate

The gap between school and preschool start times means that we have to be parked outside school for 30mins as we have children in both settings Car is parked no longer than required.

Medical needs mean need to visit school daily.

I arrive outside school at approx 8:30 and then I drop off at school at 8:40 and then wait 20 minutes for preschool drop off on 3 days leaving from 9.05amish. Normally, when no preschool drop off it would only be parked outside for 10-15 mins max