Neighbourhood Plan News
Thanks to all those who completed questionnaires after the exhibition in August. The NDP team have been working hard to review your comments at this informal consultation with parish residents and businesses. The good news is that the responses received were strongly in support of the progress made so far and the direction in which the plan is taking. The exhibition remains available on this website.
Overall, 76% of the respondents agreed that we needed the policies identified and 74% agreed or strongly agreed with the objectives as drafted. The team’s emphasis on addressing the very real threat of large developments within our Parish will move forward, based on this show of support.
In terms of response, Sonning Eye came out on top, submitting 49% of the parish residents’ questionnaires, followed by Playhatch on 30% then Dunsden with 20%. The NDP team will provide further informal consultation opportunities before the plan is drafted to allow for your input, all of which will be considered by the Steering Group, and our planning consultants.
We’ll be keeping you updated on progress so you know when we need your comments again. The feedback report from this informal consultation will be made available together with other evidence gathered to support the NDP when the Regulation 14 process – the formal consultation – is started. We aim to start this process in early Spring 2022.
Look out for the next NDP newsletter with further news.
Parish News
A controversial plan for flood defences in Caversham and Reading has been cancelled by the Environment Agency.
South Oxfordshire District Council has announced that it will not pursue further appeals against the construction of a care home in the AONB at Sonning Common. A group of local parishes continue to press for the enlargement of the AONB area locally.
What’s new at the village hall?
Quiz Night, January 15th
The Dunsden Owen Association perpetuates the memory of the war poet Wilfred Owen who lived in the village as a teenager. The committee have raised the funds to enable the creation of a dramatic new stained glass window for All Saints Church as part of a national competition run by a City livery company. But they also hope to re-launch a free interactive phone trail and to make it easier for people to find the Owen graves in the churchyard. Proceeds will be shared with the hall.
So (subject to restrictions) a quiz night is being held on Saturday 15 January to raise funds. These quizzes, which are run by Beth and John Timms, have long being highly popular. For £12.50 you get the quiz as well as some delicious fish and chips, with various food alternatives and a full bar available.
Get your tickets here. Full refund in the event of cancellation.
Ninebarrow by Greg Funnell
Ninebarrow are back: 4 March, 2022
The hall committee have booked the hugely popular duo Ninebarrow for a performance on Friday 4th of March. They make superb and award-winning music, and have a big following.
Tickets are available here, with a full refund available in the event of cancellation.