Community Projects

See the range of projects and aspirations that the community would like to see delivered in the Cookham area.

landscape
The Neighbourhood Plan is an expression of the ‘community’s manifesto’ for the area. Although the Plan has a focus on land use and development matters, the consultation process also drew attention to a wider range of projects and aspirations that the community would like to see delivered in the area.
They relate to a wide range of topics, including infrastructure items, heritage and wildlife.

They are projects that new development might help to deliver, but are not directly related to a specific development scheme, and so presented separately as projects to explore with partner organisations. They are projects towards which the neighbourhood portion of the Community Infrastructure Levy might be directed.

The projects are presented on this page. They will be kept under review and may change over time.

PROJECTS - Click each title to find out more...

Project 01: ‘Roman Lea’ Conservation Area

Consultation responses to the recent revision of the Cookham Village Conservation Area Appraisal (2022) suggested that the area should be extended to include Roman Lea, Station Road and properties along the High Road. In summarising the consultation responses, RBWM noted that ‘consideration [will] be given to whether a new CA [Conservation Area] is appropriate for the post-railway development around the station’.

The Conservation Area Appraisal notes (in Section 12, Objective 7) that a five yearly review of the appraisal will be undertaken (scheduled for 2027). This may allow for a further review of the boundaries of the Conservation Area.

The Parish Council is keen to work with the RBWM Conservation Team to support the case for designation of a new Conservation Area, informed by community engagement, that includes Roman Lea and the station area, reflecting the architectural and historic significance of the area as distinct from the Cookham Village Conservation Area.
Project 02: Holy Trinity Church

The Parish is keen to investigate the potential for upgrading the heritage status of Holy Trinity Church (to Grade 1 Listed status) and grounds (as a Scheduled Ancient Monument) in recognition of the significant archaeological finds that have revealed the remains of the eighth century Monastery of Queen Cynethryth.

The Parish is keen to explore the potential with RBWM and Historic England.
Project 03: Design Review

Emerging schemes for major development should be assessed through design review with reference to the suite of design policies in this Neighbourhood Plan, including the Cookham Design Code and Cookham Village Design Statement. Design review of smaller schemes is also encouraged, including those in sensitive or important locations. It is envisaged that schemes will be referred to the Berkshire Review Panel.

Encouragement is given to early engagement with the Design Review Panel, allowing scope for input into emerging designs. The final schemes submitted to the Borough Council should include a report on the design review process and show how the scheme has responded to this. Design Review of live applications is also encouraged.
Project 04: Battlemead, with Widbrook and Strand Water

The Parish will support measures to promote these biodiverse sites or relevant part sites as Local Wildlife Sites consistent in designation and management with His Majesty’s Government’s Guidelines for their selection and management and in accordance with this Plan’s Vision, Objectives and contents as specified here, subject to recognising the importance of public access and flood prevention.
Project 05: Overcoming barriers to small animal movement in green corridors

The railway embankments in the Plan area provide a contiguous and uninterrupted semi-natural habitat, and are attractive for many insects and plants. The embankments are however a barrier to movement.

The Parish suggests that passages are constructed under the embankment (culvert pipes) along Maidenhead Road, connecting the eastern with the western side of the railway for movement of smaller mammals.

The feasibility of any route will need exploring further with partners, including Network Rail.
Project 06: The Causeway

The Causeway runs parallel to the B4447 Moor Road for 350m between The Pound and the High Street. It is the only route in or out of Cookham Village when the three roads (B4447, A4094 Ferry Lane, A4094 Sutton Road) are closed as a result of flooding.

During a flood, and when all three roads are closed, RBWM procedure is to allow limited access along The Causeway to vehicles under 3.5 tonnes between certain times of the day. Temporary traffic lights are used to control vehicle movements. For emergency flood procedures to be effective The Causeway must be structurally capable of handling the traffic that will be using it.

The Parish is keen to ensure that The Causeway is properly maintained so that emergency plans can be implemented.
Project 07: Improvements to green spaces
Project 08: Community-led energy initiatives

The Parish Council welcomes the opportunity to work with parties to explore the feasibility of small-scale community-led renewable energy initiatives in the Parish. This might include centralised battery storage and micro-grids on multi-dwelling developments.

Schemes ‘led by’ local communities should benefit the community as a whole and include those which are promoted by the community, or which are conceived in partnership between the community and other organisations. Such a project should be supported by the community as a whole as demonstrated through consultation responses.

The possibility of a small hydro generation plant adjacent to one of the weirs should be explored. If viable the construction of this should be supported provided any harm to the Green Belt or other area designations has been minimised.
Project 09: New walking and cycling routes

The provision of new walking and cycling routes is supported. The Parish is keen to explore opportunities for new routes in partnership with relevant delivery partners, including RBWM, through a future Local Transport Plan (or similar) and or future iterations of the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.

In particular, the Parish Council is keen to work with schools to stimulate the production of new, safe walking and cycling routes, to schools.
Project 10: Road improvements

The Parish is keen to see road improvements delivered, potentially through the use of design and highway treatments, or wider traffic management strategies, that contribute towards a reduction in the overall volume and speed of traffic, as well as safety improvements for all users. This might include the introduction, potentially on a trial basis at first, of school streets to reduce the transport impact of the school run.

The Parish is keen to explore potential opportunities with relevant delivery organisations, which may include production of a Cookham-wide traffic management plan and incorporation within a future Local Transport Plan or similar to be prepared by RBWM.

Proposed ideas will need to carefully balance the movement solution with the quality and character of the built and natural environment.
Project 11: Air quality
Project 12: Rail and Bus services

The Parish is keen to work with the Train Operating Company and other partner organisations to explore opportunities for increasing the frequency of train services operating to and from Cookham station.

Improvements to the frequency and timing of bus services, as well as the introduction of new routes, are welcome, and the Parish is keen to explore opportunities with Bus operators and with RBWM through a future update to the Local Transport Plan.

Evening sky at Fleet Bridge Cookham Moor