A sustainable 21st century community with all the best attributes of a traditional small market town.

On Friday 11 and Saturday 12 November 2022, the local community took part in the Vision for Harrington Community Planning Weekend (CPW) to help shape the Vision for Harrington. The summary Vision broadsheet and the full presentation can be viewed in the downloads section.

On Tuesday 22 November there was a second chance to view the Vision presentation at an online webinar. The video recording can be seen here.

The Vision

A distinct new settlement designed to respond to its landscape setting and prevent coalescence with nearby villages; an integrated movement network prioritising active travel within Harrington and enhanced public transport and cycle connectivity to surrounding towns and villages; a diversity of workspaces and homes for people of all incomes set within 20 minute neighbourhoods focussed on community hubs with local services; at least half the land set aside for green infrastructure with space for recreation, food growing and enhanced biodiversity and water management, and; a focus on building an enterprising and supportive community. These are just some of the ideas to emerge at the Vision for Harrington Community Planning Weekend held on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 November 2022 at the Belfry Hotel, Milton Common.

Planning Background

The challenges facing Oxfordshire are big – whether it’s tackling the climate emergency, improving connectivity for rural communities or creating the jobs and working environments of the future. At the same time, as people are living longer and there has been a second ‘baby boom’, many local families are unable to afford or even find a decent home – so new homes are desperately needed.

Harrington offers a chance to deliver the sustainable growth, including the workspaces and homes South Oxfordshire needs, without developing around historic communities, in the green belt or the Chilterns AONB.

Community Engagement

In late October and early November 2022 the local community was invited by JTP, on behalf of Summix, to help shape the Vision for Harrington, a proposed sustainable 21st century community. There were chances to visit roadshows, give views online and participate in workshops at the Vision for Harrington Community Planning Weekend.

Following the roadshows and workshops, the JTP-led team analysed and summarised the outcomes and drew up a Vision for Harrington. The Vision was reported back to the local community on Tuesday 15 November at Oxford Belfry Hotel. This broadsheet summarising the Vision was handed out to the audience after the presentation.

Next Steps

Following the Community Planning Weekend, the Vision for Harrington will inform submissions made by the Summix team to the Joint Local Plan process for South Oxfordshire District Council and the Vale of White Horse District Council. This Joint Local Plan will focus on the new homes, infrastructure, jobs and other important considerations needed in the future development of the area.

For more information visit harringtonnewsettlement.co.uk