DOCSLIB.ORG

Recommended Walk No. 2 – Oxford Bound

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Recommended Walk No. 2 – Oxford Bound Botley & North Hinksey Community Recommended walks. Walk No.2 – Oxford bound: This walk starts at the end of North Hinksey Lane next to MacDonalds and ends at Carfax Tower in central Oxford. There are five alternative routes, each one heading progressively further south. The first four routes are all around 3 miles long and should take a little over an hour, whereas route (e) is considerably longer at around 5 miles and will probably take at least one and a half hours. A version of the walk suitable for cyclists is included in the last section of the route (a) description. All of these routes are south of Botley Road for a very good reason. Between Botley and Binsey Lane on the north side of Botley Road there are no footpaths and the area is unsuitable for walking. Even Binsey Lane itself is dangerous to walk up. Further east several walking routes are possible heading north from Botley Road / Hythe Bridge Street to take you to Jericho, Port Meadow and North Oxford. These include: At West Oxford Community Centre turn left into Botley Road Recreation Ground and walk to the far right corner, behind the allotments, where you can cross Bulstake Stream at Tumbling Bay and continue north to the bridges near Binsey and cross to Port Meadow. Opposite Osney Island take the footpath to the left on the Oxford side of the river and follow it to the bridges near Binsey. Continue on past Oxford Station to the canal (just past Upper Fisher Row), and follow the path alongside the canal to Walton Well Road and beyond. Route (a). Walk a short distance along Botley Road towards Oxford, past MacDonalds, Minns Business Park and Richer Sounds (formerly The George pub). Next to Seacourt Stream enter Seacourt Nature Reserve through the gate (No. 1) and follow the path to the far side where you enter an area of open grassland via a gate next to an electricity pylon (No. 2). Walk towards the electricity pylon in the far left hand corner (the second pylon on No.3). Exit the field at that corner and follow a short path between bushes, which takes you to a bridge (No.4). Turn right immediately before the bridge and take the footpath alongside Bulstake Stream. Cross the stream at the next bridge (No. 5) which will bring you out at the end of Ferry Hinksey Road. Walk down Ferry Hinksey Road towards Botley Road, but immediately before the school turn right down a footpath and follow this over a bridge onto Osney Island. Turn right then left and continue to the far south east corner of Osney Island where you will meet the Thames. Turn right and walk past the lock (No. 6), then continue along the Thames Path until you reach the railway bridge (No. 7). After walking under the railway bridge, either continue along the south bank of the river or turn right and cut through Grandpont Nature Park (No. 8). Both routes lead to a footbridge (No. 9) which allows you to cross over the river if you prefer to leave it here. Follow the footpath as it loops around to a smaller bridge (No. 10). Here you can cross the bridge to walk past the Ice Skating Rink to Oxpens or turn immediately right to follow the Mill Stream Walk. Either of these allows you to continue via road to Carfax which is only a short distance to the north east. Alternatively a second footbridge (No. 11) a little further along the river allows you to cut through to River Thames Street. A final alternative is to continue along the river until you reach Folly Bridge (No. 12) at the north end of Abingdon Road (No. 13) where you turn left and walk past Christchurch College up to Carfax. Cyclists can use most of this route but it would be more practical to choose alternatives on the following two sections: At the start cycle up North Hinksey Lane until you reach Willow Walk (No. 14) on the left immediately after the entrance to North Hinksey Primary School. Follow Willow Walk until you get to the bridge (No. 4) then follow the walking Route (a) to Ferry Hinksey Road. At Ferry Hinksey Road turn right down Osney Mead through the industrial estate and continue until you reach the Kings Centre. Turn left down the footpath between the Kings Centre and the next building (No. 15). At the end of the footpath turn right onto the Thames Path and you will be following the walking Route (a) again, heading towards the railway bridge. Route (b). Follow Route (a) until you enter the grassland at the gate (No. 2). Walk south east towards North Hinksey Village through the grassland (No.16) on the eastern side of Hinksey Stream. On reaching the far right hand corner of the field go through a gate onto Willow Walk and turn left (No. 14). Follow the path until you reach the bridge (No.4) then follow Route (a) all the way to Carfax. Route (c). Follow route (a) to Willow Walk, but then turn right and cross the bridge onto North Hinksey Lane where you turn left. Follow the road until it veers right (at the church). Continue in the same direction at this junction down North Hinksey Village (yes, that is the name of the road). Immediately before reaching The Fishes pub turn left down a marked footpath (No. 17). Follow this path until it turns left at which point you will be at the bridge (No. 5) as on Route (a) which you cross to reach Ferry Hinksey Road. Route (d). Use Route (c) until you get to The Fishes (No. 17). Here instead of turning left down the footpath continue past the pub until you reach a gate into the next field on the left (No. 18). Climb over the stile and cross towards a stile on the opposite side of the field. Climb over this second stile, cross the bridge and climb over a third stile (N.B. this stile is in bad condition and can tip severely, so be careful). In the next field follow the well-trodden path as it veers slightly to the right. On the far side of the field there is another small bridge in bad condition that you need to cross (No. 19). In the following field continue walking in the same direction and keep to the left side. Shortly you will cross a major path with a concrete bridge over the Bulstake Stream to your left (No. 20). Continue straight onwards (No. 21) keeping Bulstake Stream close on your left. You will see the back of Osney Mead Industrial Estate just the other side of the stream (No. 22). Keep to the left side of the field until you see green railings appearing head of you and an exit in the left corner of the field (No. 23). This exit comes out at the railway bridge (No. 7). Cross under the railway bridge to the right and continue as in Route (a) above to Grandpont / Folly Bridge and Carfax. Route (e). Follow Route (d) until you reach the major path and concrete bridge over the Bulstake Stream (No.20). Here turn right and follow the major path (No. 24) southwards for about a mile. Roughly half way along you will cross Hinksey Stream. From this bridge (No. 25) you will get your first glimpse of South Hinksey to the far right. At the end of the major footpath is a gate and stile (No. 26) with a concrete path running at right angles to the major path. Climb over the stile and turn right along The Devil’s Backbone (No. 27), an impressive name for what is a tiny, less than impressive ridge, towards South Hinksey (No. 28). If you want to shorten the walk by avoiding South Hinksey simply turn left and ignore the next paragraph. Here you can wander around the village to see a number of old buildings including St Laurence Church (follow St Laurence Road to the left to reach the church). The village still retains a certain amount of charm and sense of remoteness despite its proximity to the A34 Oxford Ring Road. From here it is also possible for the more adventurous to take footpaths south towards Kennington and Bagley Wood, or to cross the A34 and walk up Chiswell Valley then return to Botley via Cumnor Hill. Return along The Devil’s Backbone to the gate and stile (No. 26), then continue east along the footpath (No. 29). This will take you past Hinksey Ponds (No. 30) which unfortunately only have access for anglers, and via bridges over the railway and Hinksey Lake (No.31). At the end of this bridge turn left and follow the lake side through Hinksey Park until you reach the smaller boating lake on your right. Immediately after the boating lake turn right before the tennis courts (No. 32) and walk to the exit. At the exit turn left and at the near end of Marlborough Road turn left again immediately before the first house. Walk past the gate (No. 33), and turn right. Cross this field keeping to the right near the back of the houses (No. 34) and exit at the far end. The path leads you past a Nursery School to the entrance of Grandpont Park playing fields. Here veer slightly left and head for a point roughly half way along the far side of the field where there is a bench, and just behind it the entrance to Grandpont Nature Park (No.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • From South Hinksey Parish Plan Progress Report, April 2006
    from www.southhinksey.co.uk South Hinksey Parish Plan Progress Report, April 2006 Action 1: Reduce A34 Probably the most requested action. This is constantly under road noise. discussion, with little success so far. Action 2: Improve safety The Parish Council now participate in the local transport group at slip-roads to with the police and neighbouring councils. The Chair of our A34 Parish Council has been very active in putting forward our concerns. Action 3: Reduce traffic New road markings on the Hill have not really solved the speed on Hinksey problem. Cats-eyes in the road have simply created a new Hill noise problem as large vehicles have to rumble over them. Action 4: Reduce the risk The Flood group has made progress with action taken by the of flooding railway authority to clear drain blockages and clearance of ditches and underground pipes in the village. In the last very heavy downpour there was no flooding in the village. Unfortunately the proposed bund around the village has been abandoned because the Environment Agency could not justify the high expenditure. Action 5: Improve and We have managed to get limited road repairs done in the repair roads, pavements village. Cutting back of overhanging hedges and removal of and footpaths litter particularly on Hinksey Hill has also been done. More pavement and road repairs are needed. Action 6: Improve parking Parking in the village has actually become more of a problem in the village since the pub car park has been fenced off. We are still working on this. Action 7: Upgrade bridge Network Rail have agreed to construct a "Wheelie ramp" on to New Hinksey to the Devil’s Backbone bridge improve cycle access Action 8: Create new We are working with Sustrans, the national cycle network, on cycling and walking establishing new cycle trails throughout the parish.
    [Show full text]
  • Tiountfee of Oxford and Berks, Or Some Or One of Them
    4373 tiountfee of Oxford and Berks, or some or one of said parishes, townships, and extra-parochial or them, or in the parish of South. Hinksey, in other places, or any of them, which it may be neces- the liberty of the city of Oxford, and the county sary to stop up, alter,, or divert by reason of the of Berks, and terminating at or near the poiat construction of the said intended works. of junction of the London and Birmingham and Midland Railways, at or near Rugby, in the And it is farther intended, by such Act or Acts,, parish of Rugby, in the county of Warwick; to vary or extinguish all existing rights of' privi- which said intended railway or railways, and leges in any manner connected with the lands pro- other works connected therewith, will pass from, posed to be purchased or taken for the purposes in, through, or into, or be situate within the of the said undertaking, or which would in any Several parishes, townships, and extra-parochial manner impede or interfere with the construction, or other places following, or some of them (that is maintenance, or use thereof; and to confer other to say), South Hinksey and North Hinksey, in= the rights and privileges. liberty of the city of Oxford, and in the county of Berks, or one of them; Cumner and Botley, in the And it is also intended, by such Act or Acts, county of Berks; St. Aldate, and the liberty of the either to enable the Great Western Railway Com- Grand Pont, in the city of Oxford, and counties of pany to carry into effect the said intended under- Oxford and Berks, or some or one of them; Saint taking^ or otherwise to incorporate a company, for Ebbes, St.
    [Show full text]
  • Ttu Mac001 000057.Pdf (19.52Mb)
    (Vlatthew flrnold. From the pn/ture in tlic Oriel Coll. Coniinon liooni, O.vford. Jhc Oxford poems 0[ attfiew ("Jk SAoUi: S'ips\i' ani "Jli\j«'vs.'') Illustrated, t© which are added w ith the storv of Ruskin's Roa(d makers. with Glides t© the Country the p©em5 iljystrate. Portrait, Ordnance Map, and 76 Photographs. by HENRY W. TAUNT, F.R.G.S. Photographer to the Oxford Architectural anid Historical Society. and Author of the well-knoi^rn Guides to the Thames. &c., 8cc. OXFORD: Henry W, Taunl ^ Co ALI. RIGHTS REStHVED. xji^i. TAONT & CO. ART PRINTERS. OXFORD The best of thanks is ren(iered by the Author to his many kind friends, -who by their information and assistance, have materially contributed to the successful completion of this little ^rork. To Mr. James Parker, -who has translated Edwi's Charter and besides has added notes of the greatest value, to Mr. Herbert Hurst for his details and additions and placing his collections in our hands; to Messrs Macmillan for the very courteous manner in which they smoothed the way for the use of Arnold's poems; to the Provost of Oriel Coll, for Arnold's portrait; to Mr. Madan of the Bodleian, for suggestions and notes, to the owners and occupiers of the various lands over which •we traversed to obtain some of the scenes; to the Vicar of New Hinksey for details, and to all who have helped with kindly advice, our best and many thanks are given. It is a pleasure when a ^ivork of this kind is being compiled to find so many kind friends ready to help.
    [Show full text]
  • Pilgrimage to Binsey: Medieval and Modern
    Binsey: Oxford’s Holy Place edited by Lydia Carr, Russell Dewhurst and Martin Henig Archaeopress 2014, pages 81-88 PILGRIMAGE TO BINSEY: MEDIEVAL AND MODERN LYDIA CARR Binsey’s holy well, with its literary and spiritual overtones, represents a key attraction of the little church for the modern visitor. In this brief essay, the broad history of pilgrimage in England is considered before approaching Binsey’s own post-Reformation history. Others have dealt with the history of St Margaret’s Well authoritatively in this volume; little of value can be added here to these excellent historical and archaeological syntheses. PILGRIMAGE IN ENGLAND: SACRED SPRINGS The attitude of the present English church towards holy wells is a peculiar one. Where other nations attempted to ‘reform’ away all trace of superstitious water, or else ‘Lourdize’ springs into a holy business enterprise, England’s wells still remain under the radar for many sections of her national church. The suspicious whiff of Popery or rural ignorance that hung about such waters was dealt with in the past by dismissing it as superstition, or by transforming wells into semi-medical spas as at Bath and Harrogate. Traces, where they remained, of a more spiritual aspect to the ‘cure’ were discouraged. It is typical of the Anglican Church’s desire to avoid extremes whenever possible, and of its dry urbanity when faced with enthusiasm. This distaste does not necessarily represent a lack of faith, but a discomfort with its public expression.1 Matters were different prior to the Reformation. Pilgrimages were a popular activity in medieval England, whether they took the traveller to Jerusalem or to Canterbury.
    [Show full text]
  • OXFORD OFFICE W OODST Map Shows Access from Major Routes WESTERN B
    PEARTREE A34 FROM J9 M40 ROUNDABOUT AND BIRMINGHAM A40 NOR A4074 THERN B WOLVERCOTE B Oxford ANBUR ROUNDABOUT Y Science Park PASS A40 Y RD OXFORD OFFICE W OODST Map shows access from major routes WESTERN B OCK RD From London: Exit from the M40 at junction 8 and take the A40 A4074 towards Oxford. After 6 miles, at the Headington roundabout, take Y P ASS A34 A420 FROM the second exit onto the A4074 following sign for Reading. After D R M4 BRISTOL N half a mile take the exit on the left for the Oxford Science Park. AND O T S SWINDON R A40 FROM J8 M40 Go straight on at two small roundabouts to enter the Park. A OXFORD M AND LONDON CITY LONDON RD From the North or South: Exit from the A34 onto the A423 BOTLEY RD CENTRE BOTLEY roundabout. Take third exit at the next roundabout onto the SOUTHERN B ASS A4142 A4074 following sign for Reading. After half a mile take the exit P IFFLEY RD Y ABINGDON RD on the left for the Oxford Science Park. Go straight on at two small B NORTH C O roundabouts to enter the Park. HINKSEY Y SOUTH WLEY RD P ASS A34 HINKSEY On entering the Oxford Science Park: Take the third exit at the EASTERN Magdalen Centre on the left. Northbrook House is the next building on the left. There is ample guest parking and J A Kemp’s IFFLEY COWLEY A423 By train: There are direct services from London Paddington A34 station outside the morning and evening rush hour.
    [Show full text]
  • Provision of a Burial Service to South Hinksey Parish Council
    Direct Services Provision of a Burial Service to South Hinksey Parish Council Trevor Jackson 10 January 2017 1 Contents Page Executive Summary 3 Situational Understanding 3 Approach 3 Solutions 4 Pricing 4 Appendices 2 Situational understanding We understand that South Hinksey Parish Council wants to offer a high quality burial service for their burial ground in the village. We also understand that you are particularly aware of the need for manpower and equipment to be operated in a sensitive and considerate way with careful consideration being given to the transit to the graveside and the immediate vicinity of graves. Approach We have a dedicated team maintaining the four large cemeteries in Oxford as well as managing the burial process through a highly emotional time for families and friends. Our work is carried out by qualified, experienced and trustworthy staff, all of whom are trained to Institute of Cemetery & Crematorium Management (ICCM) standards. Our Cemeteries Team are based at Cutteslowe Park Depot in North Oxford, only a few miles from South Hinksey, and together they have decades of experience covering a wide range of burial services, including interments, exhumations and memorial inspection programmes, as well as the grounds maintenance of large cemeteries and closed churchyards across Oxford. Oxford City Council is a Corporate Member of the ICCM. We have adopted the Charter for the Bereaved from the Institute and have achieved Bronze Standard in the assessment programme; consequently we take great care in our customer service when dealing with families and friends of the deceased. Oxford City Council as a whole takes customer service very seriously and the Council holds the Customer Service Excellence Gold Standard.
    [Show full text]
  • Historic Oxford Castle Perimeter Walk
    Historic Oxford Castle 10 Plan (1878 Ordnance N Survey) and view of Perimeter Walk 9 11 12 the coal wharf from Bulwarks Lane, 7 under what is now Beat the bounds of Oxford Castle Nuffield College 8 1 7 2 4 3 6 5 Our new book Excavations at Oxford Castle 1999-2009 A number of the features described on our tour can be is available Oxford Castle & Prison recognised on Loggan’s 1675 map of Oxford. Note that gift shop and Oxbow: Loggan, like many early cartographers, drew his map https://www.oxbowbooks.com/ from the north, meaning it is upside-down compared to To find out more about Oxford modern maps. Archaeology and our current projects, visit our website or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Sketchfab: J.B. Malchair’s view of the motte in 1784 http://oxfordarchaeology.com @oatweet “There is much more to Oxford Castle than the mound and shops you see today. Take my tour to facebook.com/oxfordarchaeology ‘beats the bounds’ of this historic site sketchfab.com/oxford_archaeology and explore the outer limits of the castle, and see where excavations To see inside the medieval castle and later prison visit have given insights into the Oxford Castle & Prison: complex history of this site, that https://www.oxfordcastleandprison.co.uk/ has fascinated me for longer than I care to mention!” Julian Munby View towards the castle from the junction of New Road, 1911 2 Head of Buildings Archaeology Oxford Archaeology Castle Mill Stream Start at Oxford Castle & Prison. 1 8 The old Court House that looks like a N 1 Oxford Castle & Prison The castle mound (motte) and the ditch and Castle West Gate castle is near the site of the Shire Hall in the defences are the remains of the ‘motte and 2 New Road (west) king’s hall of the castle, where the justices bailey’ castle built in 1071 by Robert d’Oilly, 3 West Barbican met.
    [Show full text]
  • Enough Is Enough! Stop Oxford Flooding(4)+Caveat
    Enough is Enough! Stop Oxford Flooding Caveat and disclaimer: this article is written in good faith as our best understanding at the time of writing, March 2014. However very little is decided for sure, and things can and will change, the scheme may never even happen, so nothing said here should be taken as gospel or relied on for taking important decisions. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Oxford Flood Alliance has been campaigning since 2007 to reduce Oxford’s flood risk. We have had real success but have always known that more would need to be done. Here are the reasons why we strongly support the proposed “Western Conveyance” What follows is based on our best understanding at present. There are several years of planning ahead before work on the ground begins. Something needs to be done to reduce Oxford’s flooding Oxford has suffered increasingly frequent flooding in recent years, a problem which is only likely to increase in future. There are serious effects on individuals, families, businesses, the universities, railways and roads, and the sewerage system. Oxford and Oxfordshire’s economy is damaged, along with its reputation as a place to work and to do business. Action needs to be taken to rid Oxford of this threat once and for all. We support the proposed Western Conveyance (also known as the Oxford Relief River, ORR). This is a scheme devised by the Environment Agency and the subject of public consultation in 2009. If various bodies can together in partnership raise the necessary £123 million, it is likely to be given the go ahead next month.
    [Show full text]
  • Osney Island Residents' Association Newsletter
    Osney Island Residents’ Association Newsletter osneyisland.org.uk Spring 2019 COMING UP Osney Island Boat Club AGM West Oxford Allotments From Simon Stubbings: The 2019 Annual Meeting will be With longer days and milder weather, we are hoping for a held on Tues, April 30 @ 8 pm in the Punter. A large table great growing season on our two allotment sites. The shop has been reserved for us. The formal purpose of the has resumed its Sunday summer hours from 10 am to 12 meeting is to elect officers, approve accounts, and fix club pm and there are lots of allotment and garden essentials subscriptions for the coming year. The meeting is also an for sale. Look out for our summer Sunday coffee mornings opportunity for members and prospective members of the with homemade cakes held on the last Sunday of the month Club to get together and enjoy a drink. Unfortunately, our from 10.30 am and open to everyone living nearby. boat shed can only accommodate a limited number of c raft. Plus: March is the prime time for sowing seeds: don’t forget However, four of these belong to the Club and are available to sow a few extra to donate for sale in the shop. for use by members, so non-boat owners are catered for as well. All are welcome Help! We always need more members to help keep the sites in good shape, volunteer in the shop and to make cakes for OIRA AGM, our coffee mornings. Do look at our website to find out The OIRA AGM will be held on Monday 29 April @ 7.30 pm more (http://www.westoxfordallotments.org/) and put your in the Mary Town Room at WOCA, WITH WINE, SOFT name forward at the next AGM at WOCA on Thursday DRINKS AND NIBBLES! It’s a chance to meet your April 25 @ 7 pm with interactive ‘have your say’ before neighbours, have a say in what you’d like the committee the business starts at 7.30 pm.
    [Show full text]
  • 2018 Air Quality Annual Status Report (ASR)
    Vale of White Horse District Council 2018 Air Quality Annual Status Report (ASR) In fulfilment of Part IV of the Environment Act 1995 Local Air Quality Management June 2018 LAQM Annual Status Report 2018 Vale of White Horse District Council Local Authority Tim Williams Officer Department Environmental Protection Address Eastern Avenue, Milton Park OX14 4SB Telephone 01235 422130 E-mail [email protected] Report Reference VOWH ASR 2018 number Date June 2018 LAQM Annual Status Report 2018 Vale of White Horse District Council Executive Summary: Air Quality in Our Area Air Quality in Vale of White Horse District Council Air pollution is associated with a number of adverse health impacts. It is recognised as a contributing factor in the onset of heart disease and cancer. Additionally, air pollution particularly affects the most vulnerable in society: children and older people, and those with heart and lung conditions. There is also often a strong correlation with equalities issues, because areas with poor air quality are also often the less affluent areas. The annual health cost to society of the impacts of particulate matter alone in the UK is estimated to be around £16 billion. Air quality in the Vale of White Horse area is generally very good. There are however air pollution hotspots where nitrogen dioxide (NO2) associated with traffic emissions is higher and where it has been necessary to declare an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA). These areas are typically where houses are close to busy roads and pollution can be worsened by problems with congestion. There are three AQMAs in the district all declared because NO2 levels (primarily from traffic) were predicted to exceed national objectives: • In Abingdon, problems relate to congestion in the town centre and poor dispersion of pollutants where roads are narrow with tall buildings on either side (a “canyon” effect).
    [Show full text]
  • Compendium of World War Two Memories
    World War Two memories Short accounts of the wartime experiences of individual Radley residents and memories of life on the home front in the village Compiled by Christine Wootton Published on the Club website in 2020 to mark the 75th Anniversary of the end of World War Two Party to celebrate VJ Day in August 1946 Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) was on 8 August 1945. It's likely the party shown in the photograph above was held in Lower Radley in a field next to the railway line opposite the old village hall. Club member Rita Ford remembers a party held there with the little ones in fancy dress, including Winston Churchill and wife, a soldier and a Spitfire. The photograph fits this description. It's possible the party was one of a series held after 1945 until well into the 1950s to celebrate VE Day and similar events, and so the date of 1946 handwritten on the photograph may indeed be correct. www.radleyhistoryclub.org.uk ABOUT THE PROJECT These accounts prepared by Club member and past chairman, Christine Wootton, have two main sources: • recordings from Radley History Club’s extensive oral history collection • material acquired by Christine during research on other topics. Below Christine explains how the project came about. Some years ago Radley resident, Bill Small, gave a talk at the Radley Retirement Group about his time as a prisoner of war. He was captured in May 1940 at Dunkirk and the 80th anniversary reminded me that I had a transcript of his talk. I felt that it would be good to share his experiences with the wider community and this set me off thinking that it would be useful to record, in an easily accessible form, the wartime experiences of more Radley people.
    [Show full text]
  • Screening Statement on the Determination of the Need for a Strategic Environmental Assessment
    Screening Statement on the determination of the need for a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) in accordance with the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 and European Directive 2001/42/EC for the North Hinksey Neighbourhood Development Plan 07/06/2018 SUMMARY In this screening opinion, Vale of White Horse District Council (the ‘Council’) determines that North Hinksey Neighbourhood Development Plan (North Hinksey NDP) does not require a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) or Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) appropriate assessment. INTRODUCTION 1. North Hinksey Parish Council has requested that Vale of White Horse (VoWH) District Council ‘screen’ the North Hinksey Neighbourhood Plan, to determine whether there is a requirement for Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and HRA appropriate assessment. This report presents the Council’s Screening Opinion. BACKGROUND 2. One of the basic conditions that a Neighbourhood Plan (NP) must be tested against is whether the making of the NP is compatible with European Union obligations, including requirements under the SEA Directive. The aim of the SEA Directive is: “to contribute to the integration of environmental considerations into the preparation and adoption of plans and programmes with a view to promoting sustainable development, by ensuring that an environmental assessment is carried out of certain plans and programmes which are likely to have significant effects on the environment.” 3. In order to decide whether a proposed NP is likely to have significant environmental effects, and hence requires SEA, it should be ‘screened’ at an early stage, i.e. once the plan remit and objectives have been formulated. 4. Screening is ‘Stage A’ in Government’s six stage approach to SEA for NPs.
    [Show full text]