BOXFORD - WHY A NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

The lack of a formal and agreed Boxford plan has limited our ability as villagers to influence recent planning decisions on major housing developments, despite strong and informed arguments made to Babergh planners by committed groups and individuals. As a result of their most recent decision, 64 dwellings are to be built at the top of Sand Hill. We need an agreed Neighbourhood Plan within the next two years if we are to influence further housing development approvals and to shape what our village and its surroundings look and feel like in future years.



A group of us have been working to produce an early draft of such a Plan and we want to share our thoughts with you and get your ideas at this early stage in its development. It is vital that as many villagers as possible contribute so that we get the best possible Plan and one that you approve of.

The work has already begun, led by a small volunteer steering group. Research, evidence gathering and drafting is already underway with the help of a wider group of individuals and you are welcome to join us. We will be consulting a wide range of people as we proceed and your ideas will make the Plan better. At the end we must gain the approval of a majority of the village if the Plan is to be accepted by Babergh. For such a plan must belong to all of us, young and old alike and crucially, while respecting the unique past and present of the village, chart a hopeful future as a much loved home for all ages.


One of Boxford's strengths is that it never stood still, despite periods of history when its outward and physical characteristics changed little. Growth and change are largely why it didn't become one of those rural villages that have become largely dormitories. Sadly there are many in East Anglia without a school, shop or a Post Office, a pub or sports facilities but with a disused church and a graveyard and neatly maintained houses from which residents emerge in the morning in their cars to make the journey to other towns or the metropolis. Commuters do set off early in Boxford of course but they are followed by schoolchildren assembling, their parents chatting at the school gates, shops opening and constant busy traffic of vehicles and people throughout the day and into the evening.

The ancient fabric of Boxford which estate agents call "desirable" must be maintained, but its real desirability is its continued vibrancy. This is expressed through its social life, school, shops, cafe, pub, clubs and societies, sport, church, and the diversity of its local housing communities and inhabitants.

Controlled growth, allied to sensitive preservation influenced by the views of residents in a Neighbourhood Plan, can ensure a village that retains its precious characteristics while contributing to a future for all. All the more reason now to strengthen the village's hand in future development and to ensure:

• A Boxford specific context helps to inform Babergh's planning decisions.
• Our own housing needs are addressed by giving Boxford a say in where and what any new housing should look like, who it should be for.
• Sufficient village amenities and services remain and flourish and that such community funds as may be made available for those amenities are used to Boxford's benefit.
• Boxford protects what it values today and wants its children and grandchildren to have the chance to enjoy.
• Boxford presents itself as forward looking and willing to take its share of appropriate future housing consistent with its classification as a "core village". This should avoid undue expansion and enable all to join and move up and down the housing ladder.

Boxford needs a Neighbourhood Plan to both preserve its heritage and support its evolution for future generations. The alternative is that we do nothing and allow developers, those that determine planning applications on our behalf and a future nationally directed planning system to decide our future.

The Boxford Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, already hard at work on major elements of the plan, is David Burden (Co-Chairman), Hugh Phillips (Co-Chairman), Andrew Good and Roger Loose. They are being advised by Andrea Long, a professional consultant. Good progress is being made despite lockdown and it was planned to have a "walk in" meeting in the village hall in late October. Such a meeting has been prevented by recent announcements on group gatherings but it is hoped to keep the village regularly updated and invite views at every opportunity.

The Box River News will regularly include information and invite comment. Your participation is essential by email or social media and this notice will also be on the Boxford Noticeboard on Facebook.