The Friends of Abingdon
Civic Society
Caring for our past, present and future
Local Planning
Abingdon is a beautiful town and we appreciate that our local councils work hard to make it a pleasant place for both residents and visitors. The historic town centre and river frontage are particular jewels, but The Friends of Abingdon think that the approaches to the town are very important to those who use them on a regular basis and also to visitors. Although we appreciate the need for more housing, we think that much high density building is storing up problems for the future as young couples start families. Retired people too don't necessarily want to live in cramped accommodation with no gardens and small rooms that are unsuitable for worthwhile social interaction with friends and families. In addition the gardens of Abingdon make a major contribution to the nature of a town which is surrounded by busy roads.
So we are concerned about proposals for family homes and buildings of distinction to be demolished and replaced by high density developments such as three storey blocks. We are pressing that these proposals should not be taken in isolation, but that more thought should be given to their impact on the environment of the area.
There is also a problem relating to alternative uses of Public Houses. The controversy about what is happening to The Ox in Oxford Road has been bubbling away this summer and you can read more about that here. The Nag's Head has been closed for some time. It occupies an extremely important site on the historic bridge which is one of the gateways to Abingdon. It has recently been put up for sale.
The Planning Authority
The planning authority for Abingdon is the Vale of White Horse District Council. Abingdon Town Council has the right to make recommendations on every planning application in Abingdon and its planning committee meets every three weeks and reports to the Vale on a regular basis. The public has a right to attend meetings and can speak under certain conditions. In the past, Ward Councillors for both the Town and the Vale have regularly attended planning meetings to support constituents.
You can find details of planning applications on the VWHDC Planning Applications web page.
Our comments on individual applications can be read here.
The Friends of Abingdon, as part of its role as a Civic Society, keeps a watching brief over planning issues in Abingdon. A small number of active members regularly monitor the activities of the Vale of White Horse District Council (VWHDC) which is the local planning authority, and those of the planning subcommittee of Abingdon Town Council which has powers of recommendation to the planning authority. The Friends submit comments on individual applications as appropriate in the interests of "promoting high standards of planning, conservation and regeneration for the benefit of our local community".
The Nag's Head, on a main gateway into Abingdon
Recent Issues
In the last year or so several important issues have come up relating tothe Town Centre, the development of gardens in north Abingdon (in particular in Oxford Road, Northcourt Road and Wootton Road) and the use of public houses.
We commented on the first consultation for redevelopment of the Abbey Shopping Centre and the Charter in February 2010. There is a second consultation until 23 September 2011 which has taken note of some of our points.
About Abingdon
Local Planning