PEOPLE in Abingdon have been asked for their opinion on how to improve travel, employment and opportunities for families and young people in the town.

Three new topics have been added to a consultation as part of Abingdon’s neighbourhood plan. These are:

  • Travel, access and movement
  • Business and employment
  • Families and young people

The plan is being prepared by the town council and a steering group of volunteers and when finalised will set out a vision for Abingdon over the next ten to fifteen years.

The Vale of White Horse District Council, the planning authority, will also have to take it into account as it considers planning applications and associated matters across the town.

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The plans up for consultation include a map setting out the cycling and walking changes that the neighbourhood plan wants to promote.

The plan is also advocating a “20-minute neighbourhood” approach to planning and design, which would mitigate the need to travel on a daily basis and revolves around the idea that all daily needs can be met within a 20 minute walk.

The town council has appointed a planning consultant, Feria Urbanism, to support the work of the steering group in developing the design. 

Councillor Grace Clifton, who leads the neighbourhood plan steering group, said: “It gives people an opportunity to shape the way Abingdon should look like and develop in the near future, instead of just leaving it up to councillors and developers to lead the way and it is really important that people take part and share their views.

“We have three new topics up for consultations and the other three that were already up – green spaces, character areas and town centre - are still open for people to comment on.

“We have a group of committed volunteers who worked really hard to put these plans together in a short period of time and I am really grateful for their time.”

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In particular, the plan encourages “the introduction of additional employment opportunities” including:

  • Grocery shops and pharmacies
  • Shared working spaces
  • Workshop spaces
  • Small manufacturing facilities
  • Healthcare facilities
  • Bookable community rooms

It also encourages the development of new adventure parks, sports venues and playgrounds, which it says will “contribute to making Abingdon a more child-friendly place.”

People will also be able to comment on other travel topics, including:

  • More pedestrian crossings
  • Wider pavements
  • The introduction of segregated cycle routes

This consultation will be running until 12am on Friday September 9. To take part, visit https://www.abingdon-neighbourhood-plan.org/

 

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This story was written by Anna Colivicchi, she joined the team this year and covers health stories for the Oxfordshire papers. 

Get in touch with her by emailing: Anna.colivicchi@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @AnnaColivicchi