Bridge Neighbourhood Plan
“The lssues”
i Countryside Protection and Green Spaces
The village of Bridge lies within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
(AONB) which is a nationally important landscape. It is vital to ensure that
development in this area is environmentally acceptable and sustainable. Through the
production of a Village Design Statement which describes the distinctive character of
the Village and the surrounding countryside, design principles can be identified based
on local character. A survey undertaken by the Parish Council indicated that 94.8% of
residents had a strong desire to maintain the green spaces between Bridge and
Canterbury and 96.9% wanted to maintain green space between Bridge and
surrounding villages. Areas such as Church Meadow should be protected as they
serve an important purpose to the community.
Existing allotments are an asset to the Village and should be maintained and
enhanced. The provision of a Community Orchard to encourage self-sufficiency and
provision of beehives should be in future plans.
ii Environment
The porosity of the existing foul sewer system is well demonstrated immediately the
water table rises. Pressure must be maintained on Southern Water to find and
resolve these issues and return foul water capacity to the main sewer as it was
originally designed.
The river Nailbourne, with its cyclic nature. is an important feature of the Village.
Flooding from the river is infrequent now that blockages down stream have been
removed and maintenance put in place.
The Neighbourhood Plan will endeavour to reduce carbon emissions and energy
demand. Any new built development in the Village should embrace this concern.
The Village should consider reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and encourage more
sustainable energy sources by promoting electrical charge points for electric cars and
wheelchairs and cycle paths to Canterbury (see Transport). Reducing light pollution
while maintaining security should also be considered. Having a pedestrian-friendly
Hirgh Street could reduce local pollution.
m Community Facilities
Tne protection and enhancement of the community facilities in Bridge is vital to the
futurre development of the village. Key assets such as the Mill Centre, the Village Hall
and the Parish Church play an important role in village life providing facilities for
peoplle of alt ages especially young people. The shops, pubs and businesses in the
Wlage are fundamental to the economy of Bridge and the Neighbourhood Plan
should set out policies to ensure these businesses survive. Bridge and Patrixbourne
CEP School is at the heart of the community and although the general consensus is
not to expand it, more importance should be placed on ‘locality to the school’ when
offering places. The recreation ground is also essential being the only sports and
recreation facility in the Village.