Haddenham, Cambridgeshire

Haddenham, Photo: CPRE

Low-medium density: 10-30 dwellings per hectare (estimated)
Population: 3,000

Location
Haddenham has a spread-out character, with a couple of pubs, a primary school, a Spar shop and a thriving butchers. Another grocery shop has recently closed down and the library has recently passed from public to community ownership. There is a community centre which hosts village events and performances.

Housing needs
The most visible form of community activity is the vigorous campaign against the proposed new development of nearby Mereham. According to residents the main objection to this is increased pressure on already congested country roads. The slow irregular bus service means that most people have to travel by car with many people commuting into the nearby towns, particularly Cambridge. A few people expressed regret that they had not been able to stay where they felt their roots were due to the lack of affordable housing.

“We lived near Cambridge, and my Dad had a pub there and we knew a lot of people, but we couldn’t afford the houses so we moved out to get on the property ladder” Resident, Haddenham