The West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee met on Wednesday 26 August 2026, approving a proposal for a pre-delivery and inspection centre for motor vehicles at Glory Park, Wooburn Green, and a short-stay hostel for the homeless at 8-9 Eastern Street, High Wycombe.

Glory Park Avenue, Wooburn Green: Pre-Delivery and Inspection Centre Approved

The committee granted permission for the construction of a pre-delivery and inspection (PDI) centre, incorporating workshop, offices, photographic studio, and valet facilities, along with associated open storage for passenger and commercial vehicles, at Glory Park Avenue, Wooburn Green. The site, formerly part of the Glory Mill paper mill, is designated as a strategic employment site.

Concerns were raised by local councillors and residents regarding the potential impact of the development on residential amenity, highway safety, and the River Wye chalk stream. Councillor Stuart Wilson, representing Flackwell Heath and the Wooburns, highlighted the council's over-provision of employment land and advocated for residential use, particularly affordable housing. He also stressed the importance of protecting chalk streams and avoiding nuisance to residents and businesses from 24/7 operations, security lighting, and vehicle movements. Reuben and Bourne End Parish Council echoed these concerns, requesting restrictions on working hours and minimisation of noise and odour. Gerard Kerr, representing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a neighbouring office occupier, raised issues of parking inadequacy, potential noise, vibration, and light pollution, and questioned the low level of employment generated for such a significant site.

Ewan Miller, representing BAM Properties, the landowner, explained that previous applications for residential use had been refused and dismissed on appeal, and that the council's local plan designated the site for employment use. He stated that the proposed development, in partnership with CityGate, would create around 50 jobs and have a significantly lower impact than industrial schemes previously considered acceptable by the council. He also highlighted the extensive engagement with residents and the commitment to environmental improvements.

Key discussions revolved around the reduced buffer zone to the River Wye, with the Environment Agency and the council's ecologist ultimately withdrawing their objections subject to stringent conditions for river enhancement and management. Concerns about noise from tyre bays and vehicle movements were addressed through an operational management plan, with restrictions on overnight activities. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was referenced, with officers advising that substantial weight should be given to supporting business growth and making better use of underutilised land.

Ultimately, the committee voted to approve the application, with Councillor Clive Harriss proposing and Councillor Alex Collingwood seconding the motion.

8-9 Eastern Street, High Wycombe: Hostel for the Homeless Approved

The committee unanimously approved the conversion of the Grade II listed building at 8-9 Eastern Street into a short-stay hostel for the homeless, providing 13 bedrooms with shared washing and cooking facilities. The building had been vacant for approximately 10 years and was showing signs of decline.

Ian Mantillo, representing the Union Baptist Church, a neighbouring property, expressed support for the principle of providing accommodation for the homeless but raised concerns about potential anti-social behaviour from hostel residents impacting vulnerable users of the church's facilities. He requested amendments to the proposed operational management plan to include consultation with neighbouring premises and specific consideration of impacts on their amenity.

Chris Partington from Zebra Architects, the applicant's agent, highlighted that the proposal would address two vital local priorities: delivering essential accommodation for the homeless and securing the long-term future of a deteriorating listed asset. He emphasised that the scheme would sensitively adapt the property, reinstating its original domestic layout with minimal alterations to the historic fabric.

Councillor Hazel Arthur-Hewitt expressed reservations about some bedrooms being below the required standard for permanent accommodation, although it was clarified that these standards do not apply to short-stay facilities. Councillor Mark Turner noted the building's poor state of repair and the existing issues in the area, supporting the location for a homeless hub. Councillor Clive Harriss emphasised the potential for regenerating the building to act as a catalyst for wider area improvement.

The committee discussed the management of the hostel, particularly concerning anti-social behaviour and the protection of vulnerable residents and neighbours. Conditions were imposed requiring a building management plan to protect the listed structure and an operational management plan to address issues such as staffing levels, supervision, and the management of external areas. The potential impact on the Union Baptist Church's facilities was a key consideration, with the management plan intended to mitigate any negative effects.

The application was approved with a unanimous vote.

The meeting also noted the date of the next meeting as Wednesday 23 September 2026. A discussion took place regarding the scheduling of site visits, with a decision to take this away and discuss with officers. Councillor Stuart Wilson highlighted the significance of the new NPPF, describing it as a sea-changing national policy that would require careful consideration moving forward.