The Strategic Sites Committee of Buckinghamshire Council met on Monday 30 March 2026 to discuss a major outline planning application for a mixed-use development in South West Aylesbury. The committee resolved to defer and delegate approval of the application, subject to the satisfactory completion of a legal agreement for planning obligations.

Land at South West Aylesbury Planning Application

The committee considered outline planning application 18/04346/AOP for a mixed-use development on land at South West Aylesbury. The proposal includes up to 1,400 residential dwellings, a primary school, a community building, a Gypsy and Traveller site with five pitches, green infrastructure including a linear park, and the re-alignment of Stoke Brook with associated wetland habitat. Infrastructure provisions include the South West Link Road, cycling and walking links, and flood attenuation measures.

The Case Officer presented an update report addressing inaccuracies and omissions in the original committee report. Key amendments included minor wording changes for clarity, a clarification of planning obligations for the primary school and affordable housing, and the inclusion of previously omitted consultation responses.

A significant point of discussion revolved around the provision of healthcare facilities. Councillors expressed concern about the lack of certainty regarding the timely delivery of GP services, citing past instances where funding was secured but facilities were not built. Councillor A Collingwood, Chair of the Strategic Sites Committee, stated that he would write to the Integrated Care Board (ICB) to seek clear confirmation on delivery timescales and to understand how the ICB would collaborate with the Council to ensure GP provision for future Aylesbury sites.

The committee resolved to defer and delegate approval of the application to the Director of Planning and Environment. This approval is contingent upon the satisfactory completion of a legal agreement to secure various planning obligations. These include land for a primary school, financial contributions towards primary and secondary education, on-site provision of affordable housing and custom/self-build housing with review mechanisms, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) provision and maintenance, financial contributions towards healthcare, provision and maintenance of public open space, biodiversity enhancement, highways and road infrastructure works, travel plans, a local community centre, a gypsy and traveller site, and the Gardenway. A phasing strategy, bonds, and monitoring fees are also required. Conditions are to be broadly in accordance with the report, with a refusal for reasons deemed appropriate if these obligations are not met.

An additional informative was added, stating that at the reserved matters stage, the Council will proactively work with Homes England and relevant HIF managers to explore opportunities for additional funding. This is with a view to increasing the level of affordable housing through the S106 trigger mechanism should funding become available.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 19th March 2026 were agreed as a correct record. There were no declarations of interest. Councillor A Huxley was appointed as the Vice-Chairman of the committee for the remainder of the municipal year, with thanks extended to the outgoing Vice-Chairman, Councillor M Turner. The date of the next meeting was noted as 20th April 2026.