Bourne End

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section explains the purpose of the infrastructure policy: making sure new development is backed by coordinated, resilient transport, telecoms, utilities and waste facilities. It sets out how the policy will work in practice through the detailed rules in Chapter 7, which cover things like transport requirements, parking, public rights of way, water and telecoms infrastructure, plus wider policies on design, biodiversity, flooding and drainage.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation supports an assumed 100 homes at Abbey Barn North, High Wycombe, designed to fit the site's bowl-shaped, sloping landscape. Conventional houses with gardens are not considered appropriate; innovative homes set within the landscape are required instead. The plans require a buffer of at least 15 metres to Deangarden Wood, retention of chalk grassland, new footpaths, cycle and bridleway links, and contributions to road, bus and path improvements. A development brief has already been prepared for the site.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation describes Hollands Farm, a 23.7 hectare greenfield site in Bourne End, for an assumed 470 homes and a new one form entry primary school. A new spine road would link Millboard Road and Hedsor Road, with a bus service redirected through the site. The scheme must respect the nearby Hedsor Road and Riverdale Conservation Area, keep Harvest Hill separate, and protect the former orchard. Permission will not be granted until mitigation for the Burnham Beeches protected area is in place.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation supports Marlow Film Studios at Little Marlow as a film, high-end television and media production complex within the West of London Screen Cluster. The site already has planning permission following an appeal decided by the Secretary of State. Development must include improvements to the Westhorpe interchange, a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across the A404, and links to Marlow station and Bourne End. As the site sits in the Metropolitan Green Belt, proposals must protect openness, heritage assets including the Little Marlow Conservation Area, and the setting of the Chilterns National Landscape.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy covers the 329 hectare Little Marlow Lakes area between Marlow and Bourne End, which sits in the Green Belt beside the River Thames. It allocates Spade Oak Lake as a strategic alternative green space (SANG) to reduce visitor pressure on Burnham Beeches, with parking off Muschallick Road, and supports wider outdoor recreation. Qualifying developments relying on the SANG must contribute financially and provide safe walking and cycling links between Marlow and Bourne End. Development must protect the river setting, lakes, wildlife, conservation areas and manage flood risk.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy safeguards the former Bourne End to High Wycombe railway line, closed in 1970, as a future walking, wheeling and cycling route. Development must not prejudice a 5 metre wide corridor along the old track bed between Bourne End and High Wycombe town centre. Major sites of 10 or more homes (or employment equivalent) within 800 metres must contribute to building the route or provide links to it. The council no longer expects the line to reopen for public transport but considers it a direct, largely flat and traffic-free active travel route.