iv Economy
Local employment is very limited with most wage earners leaving the Village for
employment. Improving local services should provide further employment
opportunities. Agriculture is the only local primary employment
There is probably a growing trend towards working from home in Bridge. The
Neighbourhood Plan should seek to produce a directory of services and special skills
available within the village, which might benefit the local economy further.
v Housing
House prices in Bridge are relatively high in a district which itself has above national
average house values. The demographics are skewed towards the older population
and families have traditionally reported members leaving the area to find suitably
priced accommodation.
The recent affordable homes project of 8 units with ‘local connections’ criteria was
massively over-subscribed, suggesting that further housing supply should address
this need. The major village sun/ey, which initiated this Neighbourhood Plan,
indicated that 50.5% wanted no development in Bridge at all. Where development
was contemplated, the major demand was for ‘affordable housing’.
The Canterbury Local District Plan draft was issued on May 3"‘ 2013 and, in principle,
respects the status quo for the rural area with development limited to minor infill. It
does, however, recognise a village hierarchy in which Bridge features prominently as
a centre with well-established services. The plan does not rule out limited organic
growth in such settlements.
A Village Design Statement will be an important tool to ensure that the character of
Bridge will be maintained and enhanced in future.
vi Transport
Bridge has a relatively good bus service. The Neighbourhood Plan should seek to
retain, and potentially, expand the service by encouraging the use of public transport.
Bridge should liaise with the City Council and Kent County Council to develop safe
cycle links with Canterbury as a priority.
Parking is an increasing problem in the Village. Lack of parking spaces could deter
people from visiting the local village shops and amenities. There is an increasing
demand for on-street parking. The Neighbourhood Plan needs to identify a parking
strategy for the Village.
vii Security and Well-Being
Bridge does not have a high incidence of crime. However, it does suffer from
persistent vandalism, which is a drain on the Parish Council’s resources. There is no
routine Police presence in the village and only infrequent contact with a shared
PCSO (Police Community Support Officer).
Bridge currently has a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme, Speed Watch Scheme and an
Emergency Plan Committee, all run by volunteers. The Bridge Emergency Plan is
partially complete.