Families &
Young People
Abingdon is a diverse place with a range of different ages. The neighbourhood plan will be promoting projects and will contain policies designed to meet the needs of people of all ages and abilities. The research stages of this project has revealed that children and young people would like a wider variety of things to do in Abingdon, all set within a greener, safer, and more diverse environment. The messages received are for an improved environment that will help encourage young people and families to be more active.
It is hoped that Abingdon will become a more welcoming place for children and young families through:
The development of child-friendly places and venues though investment in existing facilities and the creation of new ones
Improvements to walking and cycling routes including for walking and cycling to school
Supporting a greener and cleaner environment
Development of child-friendly places and venues
Development of child friendly places and venues will be supported by the neighbourhood plan.
This will include, but not be limited to, new adventure parks or playgrounds, places for teenagers to sit and chat, and venues for sports and activities such as swimming and a trampoline park. Planning applications for such activities will be looked upon favourably where they have consulted with local children and/or families as relevant and where they contribute to making Abingdon a more child-friendly place.
Improving walking and cycling routes including for walking and cycling to school
Creating more a convenient walking and cycling environment, as well as discouraging car use was considered very important to the children that were engaged in the research phase of the project. Therefore, the neighbourhood plan will promote development where it supports the following:
more pedestrian crossings
wider pavements
the introduction of segregated cycle routes
Supporting creation of a greener and cleaner environment
It has been shown through the research phase, that protection of our natural environment is a key issue on the minds of young people. Therefore, interventions will be supported that support a greener and more environmentally conscious Abingdon through the introduction of:
Water fountains
Recycling bins
Increased cover of trees
Pocket parks
Electric vehicle charging points
Please look at the images below and answer the questions at the bottom of the page.
Play on the way
What is known as “play on the way” interventions will also be supported as a way to encourage children and families to walk to school or into town instead of taking the car. These playful objects and designs are integrated into the streetscape create interest and diversity. These will be supported through plan policies on key routes into town and other key locations. Where an appropriate, the supported interventions (see the images below) could include:
Unique paving elements
Stepping stones
Stepping logs
Wider green medians and open spaces
Small play areas
Public seating
Development will be supported where it enhances the walking environment including through more planting and colour, and more places to stop including at cafes.
Tell us what you think
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Your details will not be kept for any other reason.
Please give us your comments by 5pm on Friday 23rd September.