Transport & travel

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section introduces the policies on employment and road freight. It notes that employment sites can harm the road network when transport is not considered from the earliest stage, and that growing demand for large-scale storage and logistics sites has brought a matching increase in road freight traffic. The policies support strategic objectives on jobs and economic growth, net zero carbon and connecting people to places.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation supports an assumed 305 homes on 7.57 hectares of land north of Newton Longville, on the southern edge of Milton Keynes. The development must fund a new bus route into Milton Keynes and a 3 metre wide shared path for walking and cycling between the two settlements. Housing must be steered away from the higher flood risk zones, and the scheme must not prejudice the delivery of East West Rail, as part of the land is safeguarded for the railway.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation sets out a large residential development of an assumed 3,780 homes on around 94.5 hectares south of Newton Leys, near Bletchley. It includes a new primary school, a local centre with community facilities and healthcare provision. Density would be highest near Milton Keynes and reduce towards the countryside. A watercourse crosses the site, so flood risk must be managed and housing is not allowed in the highest risk zone. The western part already has outline permission for up to 290 homes, granted on appeal in February 2026.

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 supports an assumed 1,240 homes on around thirty-one hectares west of Shenley Park, Whaddon, continuing the planned expansion to the east. It includes a primary school for 210 pupils with a 30 place nursery. Two ancient woodlands, Thickbare Wood and Coddimoorhill Wood, need protective buffers of 50 metres, and an archaeological dig of a Roman settlement must inform the layout. Detailed traffic modelling, likely including improvements to the A421, and extensive flood risk work are also required.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section sets out the full specialised housing policy and its evidence. It includes affordable housing rules for older persons' schemes: 37% for retirement or sheltered housing and 21% for extra care housing, both subject to viability, with none required from care and nursing homes. It describes the main types of older persons' housing, from age-restricted market homes through to nursing homes. The over-65 population is projected to grow 53% in Stratford-on-Avon and 43% in Warwick by 2050, creating a need for around 3,592 housing-with-support units, 1,361 housing-with-care units and 1,707 care bedspaces.

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 supports an assumed 30 homes at Albany Place Car Park in central Chesham. The 0.35 hectare site includes the 330-seat Elgiva Theatre, which must be re-provided in a suitable town centre location, and seventy-one parking spaces that must be replaced unless shown to be unnecessary. Flood risk is significant, with off-site flood storage required and no housing allowed in the highest risk zone. Permission also depends on mitigation being in place for the nearby Chilterns Beechwoods protected area.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation proposes an assumed 55 homes at Water Meadow Car Park, one of Chesham's main long-stay town centre car parks. Public parking must be kept on site or replaced centrally unless evidence shows fewer spaces are needed, and existing walking routes retained. The site is in the Chesham Conservation Area, so designs must protect its character. Contributions towards Lowndes Park open space and play areas are required, along with flood risk measures and mitigation for the Chilterns Beechwoods protected area.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation sets out a mixed development at Princes Risborough Station with an assumed 80 homes, small-scale convenience shops, a new public square with bus interchange, and possibly a hotel. The site must safeguard a route for part of the Princes Risborough Relief Road, linking Summerleys Road and Picts Lane to relieve traffic on Poppy Road. Opening up the culverted Horsenden Stream is encouraged to improve wildlife and manage flooding, and housing must be steered away from the flood risk zones.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section explains how the criteria for new traveller sites will be applied. Because few sites will meet every criterion, a best-fit approach will be used. Private sites should have no more than 15 pitches, though larger public sites may be acceptable where good management is shown. The councils will explore a negotiated stopping approach to unauthorised encampments, likely alongside other Warwickshire authorities, and an 8-bay transit site with a Traveller support hub is planned at Harbury Lane. It also notes that Travelling Showpeople traditionally live and store their equipment on the same yard.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation covers land at RAF Halton, an eighty-two hectare military base near Wendover due to close in 2030. It is allocated for an assumed 1,000 homes, a primary school and a new local centre reusing St George's Church. Half the site must be green infrastructure, with parkland, play space and links to Wendover Woods. Historic features, including the Registered Park and Garden and listed barracks, would be restored or converted. New roads, junction upgrades and mitigation for the Chilterns Beechwoods protected area are also required.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section sets out the reasoning behind the design standards for traveller sites. Applications must include a layout plan showing the site can accommodate the pitches or plots proposed. Shared family sites may have a communal amenity building to help combat loneliness, while multi-family sites need individual buildings. Travelling Showpeople yards must keep living areas separate from equipment storage and maintenance areas. High design standards are considered essential given the number of pitches needed, so that new homes are safe, well integrated and support residents' health and wellbeing.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This policy sets rules for permanent residential moorings for people living on boats. In built-up areas, moorings must not harm navigation or safety, must maintain the character and biodiversity of the waterway, and need good walking, cycling and public transport access, safe vehicle access, well-designed parking and proper utilities including water, electricity, sewage disposal and laundry facilities. In open countryside, permanent moorings are only allowed within recreational mooring basins, where at least 50% of existing leisure moorings must be kept and external lighting limited to what safety requires.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section explains the boat dweller policy. The Housing and Planning Act 2016 requires councils to consider the needs of people living on inland waterways. An assessment identified a need for 35 permanent residential moorings across the two districts to 2050, but a local marina has since secured a certificate confirming no limit on its permanent moorings, providing enough supply to meet that need. The policy therefore acts as a framework for judging any future proposals as boat dwelling continues to evolve.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation describes Aston Clinton North, a mixed development of an assumed 1,660 homes and 33,000 square metres of industrial and warehouse space on around 52 hectares of farmland. It includes a primary school and a local centre with a community hall, healthcare provision and about 1,000 square metres of shops. Access would connect to the A41 and local roads. Detailed flood modelling of the Wendover Brook is required, and permission depends on mitigation for the Chilterns Beechwoods protected area being in place.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This section sets out the detailed rules for self-build schemes. Plots should come in clusters of around 5 to 9, with Design Codes and Plot Passports setting the design rules for multi-plot sites. Plots must first be offered to people with a local connection through living, working or close family in South Warwickshire, with an exemption for current and recent armed forces members. Plots must be fully serviced and marketed at a fair, independently valued price for at least 12 months; unsold plots may then become open market homes. Guidance also covers phasing and Community Infrastructure Levy exemptions.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation supports an assumed 560 homes on 17.44 hectares south of Haddenham, subject to a comprehensive masterplan approved before any planning application. The layout must account for an underground fuel pipeline and the nearby wastewater treatment works, with an odour assessment to protect future residents and the works' continued operation. The site has high archaeological potential, including possible prehistoric and medieval remains, and development should focus on the less sensitive northern area to protect views and the setting of the conservation area.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation proposes an assumed 235 homes on 7.33 hectares of land at Lower Road, north of Stoke Mandeville. A comprehensive masterplan must be approved by the Council before any planning application is decided. The scheme must show suitable vehicle access from Lower Road, contribute financially to the Southeast Aylesbury Link Road, and connect to walking and cycling routes upgraded to national design standards. The site is under a mile from Stoke Mandeville railway station and close to Aylesbury.

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 policy sets tests for student accommodation and houses in multiple occupation (HMOs), homes shared by several separate residents. Proposals must offer safe living conditions and not significantly harm neighbours. HMOs must not exceed 10% of homes within a 100 metre radius, must be within a 400 metre walk of a bus stop with at least hourly peak services, and must not leave an ordinary home sandwiched between two HMOs or create a run of three or more. Screened bin storage is required. Exceptions apply on the University of Warwick and Warwickshire College campuses and some mixed-use main roads.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation supports an assumed 630 homes on around twelve hectares west of Furze Lane and north of Verney Road, Winslow. Higher density is expected because of the nearby train station, with direct walking and cycling links to the town centre, station and schools. A buffer is required between homes and the railway line, and veteran ash trees on the site must be safeguarded. Financial contributions are needed towards Verney Road improvements and other strategic infrastructure for Winslow.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation covers the Winslow Centre, the former Winslow Secondary School site of around six hectares, for an assumed 480 homes and a community library. Existing sports facilities must be replaced at the new settlement site north of Winslow before they are lost. Part of the land is safeguarded for East West Rail, so development must not conflict with the railway's delivery. Higher density is expected given the town centre location, with improved walking and cycling links to the station and schools.

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 sets out an assumed 1,250 homes on around fifty-two hectares near Cheddington station, which has direct trains to Milton Keynes in under 20 minutes and London Euston in about 50 minutes. It includes a primary school, a section of the Horton Bypass, a new railway bridge with a westbound road, and a 30mph limit on the B488. A landscape buffer must protect the neighbouring hamlet of Horton, and suitable natural green space is expected to be provided on site.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation supports an assumed 365 homes on 9.15 hectares off Station Road, west of Cheddington village. The scheme must make good use of the station location and contribute to shared infrastructure, including the Horton bypass, a new railway bridge, a bus route to Aylesbury via Wingrave, and walking and cycling routes. The protected tree-lined frontage on Station Road must be kept and improved. Development must not prejudice the larger planned new settlement at Cheddington, and mitigation for the Chilterns Beechwoods protected area is required.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation proposes an assumed 355 homes on 8.93 hectares north of Reynolds Mead, Cheddington. The site is close to the Mentmore Conservation Area and Registered Park and Garden, so a heritage assessment and careful design are required. A substantial buffer must protect the wood pasture priority habitat next to the northern boundary, and landscaping must soften views from the surrounding countryside. Contributions are required to shared infrastructure including the Horton Bypass and a new railway bridge, and protected area mitigation must be in place first.

The human version (we wrote this, not the council)This allocation covers land at Parsonage Farm and west of Wood Lane, Tingewick, for an assumed 175 homes across two parcels, only one of which has potential road access. The scheme must link the western field through to the eastern part, improve walking and cycling routes into the village, and protect the setting of the Tingewick Conservation Area and nearby listed buildings. Ecological buffers must retain boundary trees and hedgerows, and landscaping is needed to reduce noise from the A421 bypass.

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 allocation supports employment development in the High Wycombe Central Business Centre, at the heart of the town centre near the railway station. It seeks approximately 0.4 hectares of high-quality business floorspace, including offices and research and development, with around 1 hectare of new business space identified as a wider regeneration opportunity. Small-scale community and town centre uses are also supported where they add jobs and footfall without reducing the employment space delivered.