Population, Communities and Place

Population, Communities and Place 3.11 Buckinghamshire has a population of approximately 553,000 people, representing an increase of 9.5% since 2011, which is higher than the national average growth rate of 6.6% for England over the same period (ONS Census 2021). Population distribution varies across Buckinghamshire, with the south more densely populated and the north generally more rural and sparsely populated. Population growth has been particularly significant within the north and central planning area, which experienced growth of around 10.4%. 3.12 Buckinghamshire has a diverse settlement pattern comprising larger urban centres, market towns, villages and rural communities. The county’s principal urban areas are Aylesbury and High Wycombe, which provide significant concentrations of housing, employment, retail, education, leisure and public services. 3.13 A network of market towns, including Amersham, Beaconsfield, Buckingham, Chesham, Marlow, Princes Risborough, Wendover and Winslow, also plays an important role in supporting local communities and providing services, employment opportunities and transport connections across the county. These settlements contribute strongly to Buckinghamshire’s distinct character, historic identity and sense of place. 3.14 Settlement patterns vary across the county. The south of Buckinghamshire generally has stronger economic and commuting relationships with London and surrounding urban areas, whilst the north is more rural in character, with larger areas of open countryside and agricultural land. These differences influence patterns of movement, infrastructure provision, housing demand and access to services. 3.15 Buckinghamshire’s population is both growing and ageing, creating increasing and changing demands for housing, healthcare, infrastructure, employment and community facilities. Between 2011 and 2021 the number of residents aged 65 and over increased by 23.2% (ONS Census 2021). This demographic influences the scale, type and location of development required over the plan period, whilst increasing demand for accessible and adaptable housing, specialist accommodation, healthcare provision and support services. 3.16 Whilst Buckinghamshire performs relatively well across many social and economic indicators, health inequalities remain across parts of the county, with life expectancy in the most deprived areas estimated to be around 5.4 years lower than in more affluent areas. At the same time, there is a need to ensure that younger households and working-age residents can access suitable housing, employment opportunities and services. Balancing these changing demographic pressures and reducing inequalities will be an important consideration for the Local Plan to support inclusive, well-connected and sustainable communities. 3.17 Many rural communities contribute positively to Buckinghamshire’s landscape character, biodiversity, tourism and local identity. However, some settlements face challenges relating to accessibility, transport connectivity, housing affordability, digital connectivity and access to local services and facilities. These challenges can contribute to social isolation, reduced accessibility and inequalities between rural and urban communities. 3.18 Maintaining sustainable rural communities presents a key challenge, particularly in balancing the need to support development, services and connectivity with the protection of the countryside and landscape character. Ensuring that rural areas remain vibrant, accessible and well-connected, whilst supporting sustainable patterns of development and protecting their distinctive character, is therefore an important consideration for the Local Plan. 3.19 Buckinghamshire contains a rich and distinctive historic, built and natural environment, including market towns, villages, conservation areas, listed buildings, historic parks and gardens, archaeological assets and nationally important landscapes. Protecting and enhancing local character, heritage and landscape quality whilst accommodating future growth represents a significant challenge for the Local Plan. 3.20 Ensuring that new development is well designed, sustainable and responsive to local context is essential to maintaining Buckinghamshire’s sense of place and delivering attractive, sustainable and high-quality environments. Balancing the need for homes, jobs and infrastructure with the protection of the county’s environment, heritage and landscape character is therefore a key consideration in planning for future growth.