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Strengths - positive attributes internal to the situation that are within your control.
- Isolated village high on the N Downs with steep narrow access roads, discourages large scale / inappropriate development.
- 464 bus service to Biggin Hill, Croydon, on to Bromley, London.
- Locally based taxi service and Buses 4U
- Good internet access for most homes particularly in village centre, patchy in other places.
- Unmade roads deter ‘cut throughs’ and excessive speed
- Community response ‘fills in’ if external provision falls short e.g. Helpline, 1st responder
- Limited street lighting supports rural identity & green agenda (turn off at 1.30am consistent with rural identity)
- Location could support wind turbines.
- Public right of way / footpath / cycleway / bridleway network linking to AONB?
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* Weaknesses - factors within your control that may impede your ability to meet your objectives.
- Location high on the North Downs in the snow belt can result in the village being cut off. Narrow/ unmade roads.
- Mobile phone / broadband coverage unreliable
- Some homes still on cesspool drainage
- Large number of unmade, unadopted roads require constant repair by residents.
- Overhead power and telephone lines are vulnerable to damage during storms
- Insufficient street lighting (off 1-5am)
- Inadequate infrastructure prevents any large-scale housing development.
- Narrow roads, homes with no off street parking result in road congestion at peak times.
- Unmade roads inaccessible for elderly/ disabled
- Bus service to the south (Oxted & Westerham very poor)
- Bus service to train stations poor.
- Parking on all roads getting worse.
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Opportunities - external factors that the project should (or could) develop.
- Any significant increase in the number of homes built in the village should be conditional on significant investment in roads and infrastructure by the authorities or the developer.
- Opportunity to do something for cyclists- e.g. – secure bike park near the bakery/ pub to encourage cyclists to stop and spend money in the village.
- Ensure all applications for extensions/ new builds include adequate off-street parking.
- Improved public transport links – i.e. bus service to Sainsbury at Chelsham.
- Install car charging point in Village centre.
- Signage re limited access on unmade roads
- Flashing school signs
- Improvement in roads / footways / cycleway
- New village car park
- Improved links to countryside beyond village?
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Threats - external factors beyond your control that could place the project at risk.
- New development without significant investment in roads and infrastructure, would overload current services
- Development without adequate parking provision would make problem worse.
- Increased numbers of large vehicles associated with new developments
- Increased congestion of new development could have an adverse impact on public/highway safety
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