Council launches final consultation on draft Local Plan
Buckinghamshire Council is inviting residents and organisations to have their final say on the draft Local Plan – detailing how Buckinghamshire will manage government housing targets as well as protecting the Green Belt, securing infrastructure investment and supporting economic development across the county up to 2045.
The plan sets out how the county could accommodate around 91,000 homes required under national planning policy, while directing growth to sustainable locations and ensuring the necessary infrastructure is provided. While the council does not set the housing requirement, it is legally responsible for planning how it is delivered. Without an up-to-date Local Plan, Buckinghamshire would face greater risks of speculative development, central government intervention and less local control over where growth takes place.
The plan adopts a brownfield-first approach, with around 13,500 homes expected to come from redevelopment opportunities in town centres, previously developed land and areas close to well-connected railway stations. This will support regeneration, attract investment and reduce pressure on the countryside. A key feature of the plan, reflecting one of the strongest priorities highlighted by residents, is it doesn’t allocate new housing and employment in the Green Belt. The plan emphasises economic growth, by identifying land for employment development and business expansion, including opportunities such as the continued growth of Enterprise Zones.
Infrastructure, another top priority for residents, remains a central focus. Informed by providers, the council has identified more than 500 projects requiring at least £6 billion of investment, covering transport, schools, healthcare, utilities, community facilities and green infrastructure. The council will continue to press government to ensure national housing requirements are matched by investment in local infrastructure.
The six-week Regulation 19 consultation, which launches tomorrow (Thursday 23 July) is the final opportunity to comment on the draft Local Plan before it is submitted for independent examination. All responses will be presented to the planning inspector and at this stage should focus on whether the plan is legally compliant and "sound" – meaning it is evidence-based, deliverable and consistent with national planning policy.
Buckinghamshire Council Leader Steven Broadbent has also written to local MPs calling for government support to secure the infrastructure funding needed to ensure growth is matched by the services and facilities communities need.
Steven Broadbent said:
"Buckinghamshire is a fantastic place to live, work and invest, and we are determined to protect what makes our county special for future generations. However, the government requires Buckinghamshire to plan for significant housing growth. While we do not set those targets, we have a responsibility to outline how that growth is managed.
"This draft Local Plan is our best opportunity to retain local control and shape Buckinghamshire's future. We have listened to what residents have consistently told us are their top priorities. It provides a clear strategy for accommodating growth while protecting the Green Belt, supporting the economy and ensuring homes, jobs and infrastructure are planned together. The plan identifies the infrastructure needed to support growth and we will continue to press government and work with local MPs to secure the investment required.
"This is the final opportunity to for local people to comment, I would encourage everyone with an interest in Buckinghamshire's future to read it and take part."