Fast moving developments…
Richard Harrington writes…
There have been a number of fast moving developments in recent weeks, all of which have an impact on the future growth and direction of Aylesbury Vale.
The coalition government’s decision to scrap regional strategies and related housing targets has resulted in Aylesbury Vale’s district councillors debating the issues that arise from that decision at their council meeting in September. Following that councillors will reach a view on the level of growth they wish to see in the Vale.
In the meantime, the planning inspector considering the area’s Core Strategy has issued an interim report which indicates he favours growth in some areas but has concerns over others. He has asked the council for its views on this as well as the government’s regional strategy announcements.
Consequently the final report on the Core Strategy will be delayed beyond the original September target date.
None of this means, of course, that growth will cease in Aylesbury Vale. We need growth if we are going to improve our infrastructure, create new jobs and support the fantastic facilities, such as the new theatre and shopping developments.
At AVA we will continue to play our part in delivering that growth and the economic benefits it brings. We will also do all we can to ensure it is delivered in a sustainable and integrated way, so that the whole of the Vale benefits.
August newsletter
Berryfields start – The first phase of Berryfields, one of Aylesbury Vale’s key development sites, is underway. Work began on 5 July at the site near Aylesbury Parkway railway station and over the next few years over 3,000 homes will be completed in addition to schools, community facilities and employment units.
The development wouldn’t be underway now if AVA had not stepped in at a time when the recession was taking a grip to unlock problems through the use of growth funds. You can find out more by checking out our website, www.aylesburyvaleadvantage.co.uk
Berryfields award – AVA’s Managing Director Richard Harrington made a presentation in July on the role the organisation played in making Berryfields a reality. AVA has been shortlisted for its work in this year’s Homes and Communities Awards, and Richard’s presentation will be to judges from the Homes and Communities Agency and the magazine Regeneration and Renewal.
Housing completions – Figures just released show that 795 new homes were completed in Aylesbury Vale in the year to the end of March, of which 513 were affordable units. A further 736 new homes were under construction as of 31 March.
The recession affected Aylesbury Vale’s housing delivery target, but not as severely as other parts of the country, and AVA has played an important role in keeping initiatives rolling. Further phases of development are continuing at Stoke Mandeville Hospital and the former Princess Mary hospital site in Wendover.
Aylesbury town centre – AVA hosted a workshop for county, district and town councillors on Aylesbury’s Town Centre Plan at the end of June. The event enabled councillors to consider informally how they would like to see the town centre progress, and they watched presentations outlining how far we have already travelled in transforming Aylesbury’s town centre in recent years. AVA will be hosting another presentation at the end of the summer once councillors have added their input.
Meanwhile, the clock is ticking towards the opening of AVDC’s Waterside Theatre in October.
AVA has played a part in the regeneration of this central part of the town by providing up to £2.5m worth of investment – subject to certain conditions – that will help provide a pleasing environment and innovative design in the area immediately around the theatre. The funds will also help towards the demolition of the Civic Centre – another part of the Waterside regeneration – which also began this month.
Boosting broadband – The new homes in Berryfields will all have access to super-fast broadband. However, that’s not the case for many homes in Buckinghamshire, particularly in villages and other rural areas. That’s why AVA’s Board has agreed to support Buckinghamshire Economic and Learning Partnership’s programme to vastly increase broadband speeds throughout the county, and help businesses and individuals become more economic and competitive. They’ve agreed to grant £80,000 of growth funds towards the project.
