In 2017 WWRA applied for Village Green status to protect the Green from future plans for it’s development. To qualify, the Committee provided Buckinghamshire Council with evidence for recreational use by residents for a period of 45 years (See footnote – Village Green, Oct 15th 2017)
On Friday 12th July 2024, after 7 years of going through hoops and legal wrangles including a possible public enquiry, John Fowler was notified that our application for a Village Green had been successful. John had worked tirelessly with Bucks County Council through officers in Aylesbury over this period.
In 2025 Duncan Coupland hand crafted a bespoke sign for our new Village Green which was positioned on the Green ahead of a Residents Consultation. The results of the consultation were strongly in favour of the current sign and its location (see below). The results of the consultation and a summary follow.
The survey had a good number of responses, with 53 individual replies, showing strong engagement from the residents, and making the results a good representation of views. Thank you to everyone for taking part in the survey. Firstly, a reminder that the initial survey done before this was that there was overall support for having a sign, and this survey was to gain insights into what options people would prefer. Overall, the results clearly support keeping the current sign in its current location.
Overall, 88% of respondents feel either neutral or supportive of keeping the current sign, whereas 66% of respondents oppose getting a new sign. Furthermore, when looking at the alternative sign options, views are mixed and there is no option that is supported by a greater majority. Regarding the location, 96% of respondents either supported or felt neutral about the current location.
Less clear were views on whether a plaque should be added, with comparable numbers supporting either having a plaque vs not having one. As this decision is less impactful and results are mixed, the committee and those involved in getting village green status will be considering this and making a decision on it.
The survey also had questions regarding sign design, amount of information and height, which would have helped inform sign design if the outcome had been to get a new sign.
The committee also read through written comments. A variety of themes emerged, with clear differences in personal taste: while many residents value the character, handmade nature and local connection of the current sign, others would prefer a simpler, more understated and professional design. There were also recurring comments about avoiding unnecessary expense when a sign already exists, alongside interest in including a small amount of information about the history and significance of the Village Green.
