The Growth, Infrastructure & Housing Select Committee of Buckinghamshire Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 27 January 2026. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on capital works for Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens, an update on the Buckinghamshire Local Plan, and an evaluation of the Buckinghamshire Archives service. Additionally, the committee will review progress on Aylesbury Housing Infrastructure Funding projects and discuss the future work programme.

Capital Works to Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens

The committee is scheduled to consider capital works at Stoke Poges Memorial Gardens. The report details the history and operational arrangements for the Grade I listed site, which was established in the early 20th century as a Garden of Remembrance. It highlights significant capital improvement works undertaken since Buckinghamshire Council was formed, including a Phase 1 and Phase 2 Garden Extension, the creation of a Covid Memorial Garden, and commemorations for the gardens' 90th anniversary. Planned future projects include building refurbishment and relining the colonnade, with projected capital spend outlined for 2026/27 and 2027/28. The report also details community engagement initiatives, such as the Bereavement Trail and Tree Trail, and future ambitions for the gardens' sustainability and income generation.

Update on the Buckinghamshire Local Plan

A verbal update is scheduled regarding the progress of the Buckinghamshire Local Plan. This plan is crucial for guiding future development and growth across the county. The report pack indicates that the committee will receive information on the current status of the plan, which is a key document that feeds directly into the Local Plan. The National Planning Policy Framework implications are also noted, particularly concerning mandatory housing targets, with the government's standard method for establishing housing requirements no longer being advisory. The report highlights an increase in the number of homes needed per year under the confirmed new government formula, necessitating approximately 69,000 new homes within the local plan period of 2024-2045.

Buckinghamshire Archives

The committee will receive an update from Buckinghamshire Archives and evaluate the service provided to the community. The report outlines the archives' statutory role as an approved Place of Deposit for public records and the official Diocesan Record Office for the Anglican Church. It details the service's vision and mission, which focus on collecting, preserving, and promoting the county's documentary heritage to engage, excite, educate, and empower communities. Key service provisions include onsite and online access, digital engagement, conservation, and local studies. The report highlights the service's extensive partnerships and outreach activities, including award-winning work with the National Paralympic Heritage Trust on the Disability Sports Archive Project and the 'Lost Victorian Voices' LGBTQ+ project. It also details the service's work with prisons and its role in supporting national events. A significant aspect of the update will be the planned relocation of the archives from Aylesbury to new premises in High Wycombe, which is expected to be completed in early 2027 and will enable the service to apply for full accredited status.

Aylesbury Housing Infrastructure Funding Projects

The committee is set to evaluate the progress in delivering the Aylesbury Housing Infrastructure Funding (HIF) projects. The HIF, administered by Homes England, is designed to unlock housing developments by funding critical infrastructure such as roads. The report indicates that the HIF award totals £172,323,426 and is intended to facilitate up to 10,000 new homes across major sites in Aylesbury Garden Town. The update will cover the status of various link roads, including the South-East Aylesbury Link Road (SEALR) Phase 1 and Phase 2, the Eastern Link Road (ELR), and the South West Link Road (SWLR). It will also address the progress of associated infrastructure such as Kingsbrook Secondary School and Kingsbrook Primary School. The report details the estimated total costs for these road projects and their delivery bodies, noting that some are developer-led.

Chairman's Update

Councillor Jonathan Waters, Chairman of the Growth, Infrastructure & Housing Select Committee, is scheduled to provide an update on relevant scrutiny activities that have taken place since the last meeting.

Public Questions

The committee will provide an opportunity for members of the public who live, work, or study in Buckinghamshire to ask questions in advance relating to items on the agenda. The Cabinet Member, relevant key partners, and responsible officers will be invited to respond to these questions.