Our vision for the Thriplow & Heathfield parish
Thriplow will grow sustainably to meet the regional planning policy goals whilst remaining a 'living' village, providing a high quality of life and social cohesion for residents of all ages across the whole parish, respecting its rural roots and enhancing the natural environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
  • Establish new woodland and protected wildlife areas
  • Protect green spaces
  • Focus housing development on low density and/or development that links the two parts of the village
  • Protect historic watercourses and restore any damaged watercourses wherever possible
  • Protect natural chalk wetland habitats
​SUSTAINABLE GROWTH
  • Residential development to fit within infrastructure limitations or be accompanied by sufficient additional infrastructure to accomodate growth
  • Less reliance on cars and appropriate car parking to maintain the village aesthetic & avoid congestion
  • Fully utilise 'infill' potential along residential streets
  • All developments to use sustainable building materials and energyt efficiency standards
  • Average housing expansion capped at 3% per annum to a maximum of 30% over 10 years
LIVING VILLAGE
  • Maintaining self-financing and fully utilised school, shop, pub, church, village hall & sports amenities
  • Attract self-employed and small/micro enterprises creating local full and part-time employment
  • Ensure fast-fibre broadband for all
  • Expand visitor parking
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RESPECTING RURAL ROOTS
  • Provision of additional allotments
  • Ensure the surrounding farms remain part of village life and that any development is 'agriculture friendly'
  • Ensure protected green areas within the village continue to be used for livestock farming
  • Limit road markings and road 'furniture' to avoid any urban feel
SOCIAL COHESION
  • Ensure a supply of mixed affordable housing (with some social element) suitable for all ages and family units alongside higher value housing to maintain a balanced community
  • Ensure accessibility for those with restricted mobility
  • Children's play areas accessible to all
  • Sports facilities - protecting our thiving cricket club while adding football and tennis facilities
INTEGRATING THE PARISH
  • Use amenity development to better link Heathfield & Thriplow
  • Make mutual access easier
  • Create reasons for mixing in both directions (use of and access to amenities)
  • Develop better cycleways, footpaths and other links between Heathfield and Thriplow, and also between the parish and transport hubs.
HIGH QUALITY OF LIFE
  • Aesthetically attractive village environment
  • A safe village with low levels of crime
  • Thriving school, shop, pub, church, village hall, children's play areas & sports amenities, with active clubs and societies for all ages
  • A desirable environment to raise a family and an enjoyable place to retire and grow old
  • Controlled vehicular access with speed restrictions to enhance safety
  • Maintain & expand network of public footpaths, to make circular walks as well as access to neighbouring villages.
  • Create protected green spaces in Heathfield