The West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee are scheduled to meet to note the minutes of their last meeting and to discuss a planning application for Princes Risborough School.

Princes Risborough School Planning Application

The committee members are scheduled to discuss planning application 24/06542/FUL for Princes Risborough School, located on Merton Road, Princes Risborough. The application from Insignis Academy Trust is for the construction of a new full size synthetic pitch¹ and Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), with a floodlighting and fencing system, to replace the existing natural grass area and existing MUGA. The plans also include the creation of two bunds².

The report pack notes that Councillor Walsh, Councillor A Turner and Councillor Hall called in the application for consideration by the planning committee. According to the report pack, Councillor Walsh called in the application because:

There is a strong local desire for better sports provision for our local children and residents. The proposed hours of operation could have a detrimental effect on local residents in particular Clifford Road and some properties on Merton Road. The proposed height of the floodlights is very significant. This is an important application that needs democratic scrutiny to ensure all stakeholders voices are heard.

The key issues outlined in the report pack are the impact of the floodlighting and the levels of activity on neighbouring properties and the surrounding landscape, the provision of adequate surface water drainage, access and parking, and delivering a 10% net gain in biodiversity.

The report pack includes a recommendation that the application be permitted, subject to conditions.

Other Items

The committee will also note the minutes of the meeting held on 19 November 2025.