Our Services
Neighbourhood Development Plan
Thatcham is embarking on an exciting journey by developing a Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP), giving local residents, businesses with significant premises in Thatcham and other stakeholders with interest in the town the opportunity to influence its future development.
What is a Neighbourhood Development Plan?
A Neighbourhood Development Plan is a community-led framework that guides the future development, regeneration, and conservation of a local area. Created by residents and businesses in consultation with local authorities, it addresses a range of issues such as housing, infrastructure, environmental preservation, and community facilities. Once adopted, the plan becomes part of the official planning policy used by local councils to assess future planning applications. This means it carries real weight in shaping Thatcham’s future.
The Thatcham NDP will focus on the diverse areas of our parish, including the urban centre, rural communities like Crookham, and key commercial areas like Colthrop Industrial Estate. The aim is to strike a balance between preserving what makes Thatcham special and addressing the future needs of residents and businesses alike. By developing the NDP, we can ensure that future growth is sustainable, thoughtful, and community-focused.
What Could the Outcomes Be?
The Neighbourhood Plan offers exciting possibilities. Once completed, it could include:
- Housing Policies: Ensuring that any new developments meet the needs of local people, and that they are designed in harmony with the character of our town.
- Economic Growth: Supporting local businesses shaping the development of Colthrop Industrial EstatE
- Green Spaces and Environment: Protecting our natural areas while also addressing concerns like flooding and sustainability.
- Community Facilities: Provisions for recreational spaces, ensuring our town grows in a way that supports all its residents.
- Transport and Infrastructure: Improving transport links and ensuring our roads could handle any potential future development, while promoting eco-friendly options like walking and cycling.
How Can You Get Involved?
This is your plan, and we want everyone in Thatcham to have a say in its development. The Steering Group will lead the project. However, we need your input! Here’s how you can participate:
- Attend a Working Group: Several groups focus on key areas like housing, transport, and the environment. No expertise is necessary—just a passion for the future of Thatcham.
- Public Consultations: As the plan progresses, there will be formal consultations where you can review proposals and give feedback.
- Spread the Word: Encourage your friends, family, and neighbours to get involved. The more voices we have, the better the final plan will reflect the needs of our whole community.
As a community, we can create a Neighbourhood Development Plan that will ensure Thatcham remains a great place for future generations to live, work, and grow.
To register your interest in participating in a working group, please email enquiries@thatchamtowncouncil.gov.uk