**Meldreth 2045: Dreaming Big
A Neighbourhood Plan is not just a list of things to fix next week; it is a statutory vision for how Meldreth should look and feel in 20 years’ time. While many of our clubs have strong voices, some of our most beautiful assets and most exciting potential ideas are “orphaned”—they have no official champion.
Between now and the autumn 2026, we are inviting you to step up as an advocate for these missing elements. At this stage, even a vague dream is important. If we don’t ask for it now, we cannot get the funding or legal protection to build it later.
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1. Advocates for the “Orphaned” Heritage
Meldreth has a rich history, but heritage assets often lack a dedicated group to speak for their future.
- The North End Character: This part of the village has a unique, dispersed rural character with historic timber-framed homes like Old Town House (29 North End) and 33 North End. We need advocates to help define “design standards” that ensure any new development in North End respects this linear, low-density heritage.
- Melwood & The River Mel: While the Melwood Conservation Group does incredible work, Melwood is a 20-year project. Should we dream of extending the Local Nature Reserve? Should we fund more ecological measures like gravel for fish or protection for the rare water voles in our chalk stream?.
- The Church & The Burial Ground: We know the Holy Trinity Church wall needs repairs and the Burial Ground (Fenny Lane) is nearly full. We need voices to help find creative solutions—perhaps a “Community Peace Garden” as part of a burial ground extension?.
2. Dreaming of “Out of the Box” Amenities
What is missing from Meldreth that would make your life better in 10 or 20 years? No idea is too “off the wall” to be considered for the evidence-gathering phase.
- New Sports & Leisure: You mentioned a Curling Club—why not? If there is a desire for niche sports, co-working hubs, or a community-run café, we need to identify the land for it now.
- Community Energy: Could Meldreth have its own Community Energy Project to lower our carbon footprint?. The plan can allocate sites for renewable energy that benefit the village directly.
- The “Third Space”: We need ideas for spaces that aren’t just for kids or the elderly—places for everyone to gather, perhaps an “All-Weather Social Plaza” or a permanent home for the Meldreth Veg Club to sell local produce.
3. Protecting the “In-Between” Spaces
Meldreth is full of “attractive aspects” that aren’t formal parks but make the village special.
- Ponds & Wild Edges: Do you care about a specific village pond, a particular ancient hedgerow, or an “orphaned” patch of green? By identifying these as Local Green Spaces in the plan, we can give them the same protection as a Green Belt.
- Footpaths & Bridleways: We have 10 miles of footpaths, including the DNA Path Rainbow Cycleway and links along the River Shep. We need advocates to dream of a “Meldreth Circuit”—a fully connected, accessible loop around the entire village for walkers, buggies, and wheelchairs.
4. And any other ideas..
As this appeal is for the ‘unknown unknowns’ there may be lots of other ideas. If you don’t come forward we will never hear of the need …
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How to Become a “Dream Advocate”
You don’t need a committee or a budget—you just need an idea.
- Identify the Gap: Is there an old building, a patch of land, or a social need that no one is talking about?
- Submit a “Vision Note”: Write a few paragraphs or draw a sketch of what this asset could look like in 2045. Vague dreams are welcome!.
- Find the “Core Team”: We will help you turn your dream into a “Mini-Report” that lists the options and the consequences for the village.
The Future is what we ask for today.
Contact Roger James (07808 235873) or visit https://meldrethplan.org.uk to register your “missing voice.”