Barton Parish 2025 Survey Report
Barton Parish Survey 2025 Final Report
Methodology and Data Sufficiency
The Barton Parish Survey 2025 was conducted digitally using a Typeform questionnaire, based on the South Cambridgeshire District Council model. The survey link was shared with all households in Barton (approximately 400 households, representing ~800 residents). We received 54 responses in total, giving a household response rate of 13.5% and population coverage of around 7%.
While this is not a statistically representative random sample, the responses cover a broad cross-section of households across Barton. Recurring themes and majority positions can therefore be regarded as indicative of village sentiment, though subgroup analysis should be treated cautiously. For a base size of 54, the indicative 95% margin of error is ±13 percentage points. The data are sufficient to highlight clear priorities and areas of consensus.
Executive Summary
Residents continue to rate Barton as a highly desirable place to live: 94.3% are satisfied or very satisfied with the village (n=53). They prize its rural setting, proximity to Cambridge, community spirit, and core amenities (shop, post office, pubs, Conkers, Burwash, recreation ground, and school).
Transport is the standout concern. 57.4% are not satisfied with current road safety (n=54). The most supported measure is a pedestrian crossing (55.6%), followed by traffic calming (38.9%) and safer cycleways (27.8%). Residents describe the A603 as cutting the village in two, with unsafe crossings and narrow pavements. Street lighting is viewed as sufficient by 71.7% (n=53), though 20.8% find it inadequate after LED changes.
Public transport is weak. Only 38.5% use the local bus service (n=52). Usage is mostly infrequent; satisfaction is neutral to negative. Non‑users cite infrequency (63.3%), unreliability (40%), unsuitable routes (40%), and lack of evening/Sunday service (30%). If improved, 40.6% of non‑users said they would use it (n=32).
On housing, the full dataset shows 51.9% oppose more homes (n=52). Half say Barton cannot support more housing (50.0%; n=52). If any growth occurs, residents prioritise preserving village character (78.8%), improving public transport (50.0%), expanding greenspaces (46.2%), and improving traffic movement (46.2%). Strong support exists for protecting the Green Belt (84.3%; n=51). Development type preferences are for brownfield (46.9%; n=49), infill/single plots (38.8%), and small schemes of under 11 homes (32.7%). There is cautious support for affordable housing for younger families and key workers, provided it is small scale and sensitively designed.
Families want safer routes to school, updated play equipment, and more activities for teenagers. Environmental themes highlight a preference for wilder verges and biodiversity, balanced against concerns about overgrown pavements. Leisure and facilities feedback centres on the need to redevelop the Village Hall and Pavilion, add varied social spaces, and improve broadband and mobile coverage. Residents strongly support local businesses, opposing large commercial expansion but open to small-scale workspace or services.
2003 Parish Plan
In late 2003 a survey was carried out to find out the views of residents as to how Barton might develop over the next ten years and what should be preserved. Of the 360 households in Barton at that time, 281 responded.
This survey showed that although the village had some younger families it consisted mainly of older people with 38% over 60 years of age. About one third of respondents worked in Cambridge.
The full results of the survey were published as the ‘Barton Parish Plan’ in September 2004 and may be seen here.
