The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section sets out Objective 6, on infrastructure. It aims to provide the right infrastructure in the right place at the right time, including transport, schools, healthcare, utilities and green spaces. Evidence shows some services, such as healthcare and special educational needs provision, are already stretched. Of 73 wastewater treatment works serving the county, 41 are likely to be close to or over their permits by 2045. A Settlement Review places settlements into five tiers, with Aylesbury and High Wycombe in the top tier.
OpenConsult / Buckinghamshire Plan Explorer
Buckingham
11 sections of the plan, in document order.
The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy sets the strategy for economic growth. The Plan must allocate at least 219 hectares of employment land to 2045, and after committed sites are counted, about 147 hectares of additional land is allocated. Major locations include expansion at Westcott Venture Park and new employment land at the Winslow, Buckingham and Turweston new settlements, plus town centre sites in Aylesbury and High Wycombe. Research and development floorspace is strongly supported, and no new employment development is allowed in the highest flood risk zone (Flood Zone 3b).
The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation sets out a 217.5-hectare site south-west of Buckingham for a minimum of 4,700 homes, with around 2,235 in the plan period, plus 10 Gypsy and Traveller pitches, about 1.7 hectares of employment land and around 2,000 sqm of town centre uses. It requires three primary schools, a secondary school and the Buckingham South Spine Road linking the A413 to the A421. Development must protect the setting of Gawcott Conservation Area with a green buffer, manage flood risk around the River Great Ouse and Padbury Brook, and follow a site-wide masterplan.
The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation covers around seventy-nine hectares north of Martin Dalby Way on the edge of Aylesbury for an assumed 3,150 homes. It requires a local centre, a 3FE primary school, a community hall, healthcare provision and at least 50% multi-functional green infrastructure, plus a new linear park active travel route. Development must protect the Quarrendon Scheduled Monument immediately to the south, including its grazing regime, and be landscape-led given the site's open, elevated position. Flood modelling of Hardwick Brook and Weedon Ditch is required.
The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation describes Salden Chase, a roughly 145 hectare new community at Newton Longville delivering up to 1,855 homes plus 60 extra care housing units. It includes about 2.07 hectares of employment land, a primary school with pre-school, a secondary school on 5.2 hectares, a neighbourhood centre, a GP surgery and 53.67 hectares of green open space. Road access comes from three points, with walking, cycling and bus links to Bletchley and Milton Keynes. Outline planning permission has already been granted, and part of the land is safeguarded for East West Rail.
The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation describes Shenley Park at Whaddon, a landscape-led new neighbourhood of about 99 hectares delivering at least 1,265 homes, a 110-bed care home or extra care facility, a primary school and a mixed-use local centre with healthcare. It requires a link road between the A421 and the Milton Keynes grid roads, improved buses and walking and cycling routes. A countryside buffer must protect Whaddon village, and ancient woodland including Thrift Wood must be retained. Development must follow a comprehensive masterplan and the Shenley Park Development Brief.
The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation covers the former Inov8 site on Tingewick Road, Buckingham, a brownfield site vacant for over a decade and owned by the University of Buckingham. It is allocated for up to 2.7 hectares of academic uses including an assumed 300 student accommodation units. If the university's needs are met elsewhere, the site would instead take an assumed 125 homes. No living accommodation is allowed in Flood Zone 3, and development must respect protected trees, the River Great Ouse and Buckingham's historic character.
The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation sets out an assumed 1,500 homes on around thirty hectares off Little Horwood Road, Winslow. It includes a primary school, a local shop, a community hall and healthcare provision, plus financial contributions to secondary and special needs education. Access comes from Little Horwood Road and the B4032, with good walking and cycling links to the town centre and the new Winslow Station. The setting of the Grade II listed Redhall Farmhouse must be protected, and half the site needs archaeological investigation first.
The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation supports an assumed 210 homes on 10.75 hectares southwest of Buckingham Road, Padbury. The site is split into two parcels separated by playing fields designated as Local Green Space. A comprehensive masterplan must be approved before any planning application is decided. Developers must show that vehicle access can reach all parts of the site, which is straightforward for the south-east parcel from the A413 but harder for the north-west parcel next to the Padbury Conservation Area and its listed buildings.
The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy protects Buckinghamshire's canals, including the Grand Union Canal and its Aylesbury and Wendover Arms. Development alongside canals must not impede public access, and should retain and enhance access, moorings and significant waterside buildings. Wharf facilities for freight transfer should be kept where a need is shown, and using canals for waterborne freight is supported as a sustainable alternative to road transport. The Canal & Rivers Trust, which manages the county's canals, will be a key stakeholder in relevant planning decisions.
The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy safeguards land for planned road schemes so that development cannot block their delivery. The protected schemes include several Aylesbury link roads, the Wing West Link Road, Buckingham South Link Road, Princes Risborough Relief Road, Whaddon and Horton bypasses, A421 capacity improvements and Winslow link roads. Development that would prejudice these schemes, or the Transport Improvement Lines shown on the council's website, will not be supported. Major sites must also identify, protect and help deliver strategic transport infrastructure where evidence shows it is critical.