Introduction

The Bethersden Parish Plan was published in September 2003, following more than two years detailed surveys and analysis. Key aspects of the Parish Appraisal were reviewed in 2008 and it is considered that the basis of the Plan has not changed. A significant number of the projects shown in The Action Plan have been completed, while some will continue into the future.

Bethersden lies within Ashford Borough and the Plan recognises that Ashford is undergoing major development, their current plan running to 2021. The Bethersden Plan seeks to establish the importance of our rural parish within the borough, and the value to the borough of maintaining such a thriving rural community.

The Parish Plan comprises four sections:

1.Village Design Statement

The Village Design Statement provides a detailed record of the design characteristic of the village and its surroundings, with detailed pictures of the wide range of buildings and features which define the character , heritage, setting and views of the community. The Village Design Statement has been accepted by Ashford Borough Council as a "supplementary planning document", which will be used in the evaluation of planning applications. The VDS is accessible www.ashford.gov.uk - look under Planning and Building Control, Planning Now and in the Future and then Village Design Statements.

2. Village Appraisal

The Village Appraisal was based on detailed research into the current state of the village, in terms of facilities, services and good and less satisfactory features. It also asked for views on what needed to be done to improve the village and its surroundings. Subjects covered included Traffic & Transport, Crime Prevention, Local Economy, Health Care, Recycling, Recreation and Playground facilities, Mobility, and Youth (facilities for young people). In order to update the original surveys, a further survey throughout the parish was carried out in 2008. This confirmed that the 2003 Action Plan still reflects current needs.

3. Housing Needs

This section identifies and reflects the specific requirements of the community based on a detailed parish wide survey carried out in 2001/2002 and updated in a further survey in October 2008. The survey confirmed the need for "local needs housing", and this is a current project, being worked on in conjunction with local landowners, the Parish Council and the Borough Council, and also taking account of the Ashford plans for the development of the rural areas around Bethersden.

4. The Action Plan

The Action Plan summarises the results of the first three sections into a list of projects, and identifies those responsible and the timing for project completion. While many of the projects will continue into the future, about one third have been substantially completed (end 2008).

The Bethersden Parish Plan acts as an audit of what the community has and what it needs to do to guide the future shape and direction of the community

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