The human version (we wrote this, not the council)
This allocation proposes an assumed 245 homes on 7.7 hectares of farmland east of Roman Field, on the edge of Stoke Hammond. The village's neighbourhood plan already allocates part of the site for around nineteen homes, which count towards the total. Building must avoid the flood zones in the south of the site, which should stay as green space. The scheme must also respect nearby heritage, including a listed building, the conservation area and probable Neolithic remains, and consider cross-boundary needs with Milton Keynes.
An unofficial plain English summary. The official wording below is
what counts at examination; check it before you rely on anything here.
The text below is extracted automatically from the official PDF and may
contain artefacts; the PDF is authoritative.
STO02: Land east of Roman Field, Stoke Hammond
The site as shown on the policies map is allocated for an assumed number of 245 dwellings. Development of this site will be supported where it:
a) Provides safe and suitable access from Roman Field
b) Mitigates identified cross-boundary infrastructure impacts including but not limited to highways and education.
c) Mitigates the visual impact of the site from the public right of way along the Grand Union Canal
d) Provides a buffer to the adjacent listed building and conservation area with the design of development responding to these heritage assets.
e) It considers the archaeological potential of the site and its surroundings, including the presence of two probable Neolithic mortuary enclosures and a barrow to the east. Where evidence indicates that associated archaeological remains extend into the site, these will be treated as heritage assets of archaeological interest and should be preserved in situ.
f) Enhances the connectivity of the site to the existing settlement and community facilities.
g) Provides a Flood Risk Assessment which shows that the site will satisfy the Exception Test
h) It is designed using a sequential approach in accordance with the different flood zones within the site. Land within flood zones 2 and 3, and 3a plus climate change (subject to a detailed flood risk assessment) should be preserved as green space. Built development should be restricted to Flood Zone 1 and where possible avoid areas of high surface water flooding. Zone 1 and where possible avoid areas of high surface water flooding.
i) Provides a buffer to the existing watercourse which lies to the south of the site.
j) Provides a buffer to the woodland which is to the east of the site.
k) Retains where appropriate existing hedgerows and trees and where possible reinforce existing features.
6.384 Land east of Roman Field is located on the eastern edge of Stoke Hammond village. The site is
7.7 hectares and is currently in agricultural use. The residential street, Roman Field is to the west and Bragenham Side Road lies to the south.
6.385 Stoke Hammond’s neighbourhood plan was made in 2025. A small area of the site is allocated in the neighbourhood plan for approximately nineteen dwellings, a mix of two storey two and three bedroomed semi-detached houses or a warden-controlled housing scheme for elderly residents. The nineteen dwellings within the neighbourhood plan allocation are counted as part of the assumed delivery on site.
6.386 The south of the site is within Flood Zone 2 and 3 and is also affected by surface water flooding. There is a watercourse along the southern boundary. Proposed development should be located outside the land in flood zones 2 and 3 and avoid areas at high risk of surface water flooding.
6.387 The site is close to the border of Buckinghamshire with Milton Keynes. Consideration should be given to the cross-boundary infrastructure needs, including but not limited to highways, education and health. The primary healthcare infrastructure provision will need engagement with the Thames Valley Integrated Care Board and the Bedford, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board.