Thame Neighbourhood Plan 2 Consultation

Since July 2013, the Thame Neighbourhood Plan – the community’s vision for the future of the town – has been used to help guide the District Council in making their decisions on the majority of planning applications in Thame and Moreton. But many local people cannot afford to rent or buy a home where they have their roots. The town needs infrastructure, like more community meeting space, improved health facilities, and better means of getting around.

It is now time to review our Neighbourhood Plan and consultation for this begins 2 August 2021. To be involved in this, or make your views known:

e-mail consultations@thametowncouncil.gov.uk
sign up to our newsletter to stay up to date with developments
Sign up in the Information Centre at the Town Hall
Save the date for one of our consultation drop-in events outlined below.

Thame’s original Neighbourhood Plan was a success! The award winning plan has been widely praised for getting much right, first time. Among its successes are:

new employment and job opportunities
well designed and well linked housing estates
delivery of new pathways and open spaces
money sourced from developers towards the Town’s infrastructure, e.g. new and improved sport and leisure facilities

Since the creation of the first Neighbourhood Plan there have been significant changes, including:

The District’s own Local Plan was adopted in December 2020 and allocates more housing and employment growth for Thame
Introduction of new planning rights, e.g. large house extensions
Climate and environmental emergencies being declared
The Town Council has adopted the community-led Green Living Plan, the first in the Country
House prices rising to levels that many struggle to afford

The Neighbourhood Plan is now out of date on some matters like specialist housing needs. Local residents are concerned about issues such as improved footpaths and cycleways; public EV charging points; protecting their homes from more intense rainfall. Local employers are struggling to find space to expand their businesses and are worried about what new Government regulations will mean for our highly successful High Street.

Consultation events:

Tuesday 17 August, 9am – 2pm at Thame Market
Thursday 19 August, 1pm – 9pm at Thame Town Hall

To avoid crowds, displays are available to view Friday 20 August, 10am – 2pm upstairs in Thame Town Hall.

Date posted: Thursday 15 July 2021