The West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 18 March 2026. The primary item on the agenda is a planning application for the demolition of a dwelling and the erection of 19 apartments at 22 Marlow Hill, High Wycombe. The committee will also confirm the date and time of its next meeting and members' availability for site visits.

22 Marlow Hill, High Wycombe HP11 1QL

The committee is scheduled to consider an outline planning application for the demolition of the existing dwelling at 22 Marlow Hill, High Wycombe HP11 1QL and the construction of 19 apartments. The application, submitted by Barar Homes, includes details of access, appearance, layout, and scale, with landscaping to be reserved for future consideration.

Concerns have been raised by local councillors, including Councillor Mohammed Ayub, Councillor Arman Alam, and Councillor Lesley Clarke, regarding insufficient parking provision, traffic impact on Marlow Hill, and potential strain on local infrastructure. Councillor Ayub and Councillor Alam have specifically highlighted that the proposed 19 parking spaces do not meet the Buckinghamshire Council Parking Strategy requirements, which they state should be 24 spaces for this development, plus visitor parking. Councillor Clarke has also expressed concerns about the impact on the Wycombe Abbey Conservation Area and the existing sewer capacity issues on Marlow Hill.

The report pack indicates that the proposal is not expected to have an adverse impact on highway safety, the character and appearance of the surrounding area, or the amenities of neighbouring or future residents. However, it notes that the application has been called in for committee consideration due to the aforementioned concerns about parking, traffic, local accessibility, and sewer capacity. The recommendation is to approve the application, subject to conditions.

The report details various considerations, including:

• Affordable Housing and Housing Mix: The proposal does not include on-site affordable housing, which conflicts with Policy DM24 of the Wycombe District Local Plan. However, independent viability assessments suggest that the scheme cannot viably support any affordable housing contribution.
• Transport and Parking: The proposed parking provision is considered to comply with the Buckinghamshire Countywide Parking Guidance for Zone A. The report suggests that with policy-compliant parking and existing waiting restrictions, displaced parking is not anticipated.
• Design and Conservation Area: The proposed three-storey apartment building is designed to maintain the established building line. While it projects further forward than the existing dwelling, the Conservation Officer has raised no objection, noting that the dual carriageway of Marlow Hill separates the site from the Wycombe Abbey Conservation Area.
• Amenity: The apartments are designed to meet national space standards, and those on upper floors will have private amenity spaces exceeding minimum requirements. Ground-floor apartments will have access to communal areas. The report assesses potential impacts on the neighbouring property at 20 Marlow Hill, concluding no unacceptable harm to privacy, overshadowing, or loss of light.
• Environmental Issues: The Environmental Protection Officer has raised concerns about potential noise ingress/egress and road noise, recommending a condition for a noise mitigation scheme. Conditions are also recommended for electric vehicle charging and a construction environmental management scheme.
• Flooding and Drainage: The site is in Flood Zone 1. The Lead Local Flood Authority has withdrawn its objection subject to conditions for a surface water drainage scheme and a whole-life maintenance plan.
• Trees: The Tree Officer initially objected due to the potential loss of high-value trees. Although a Tree Preservation Order was served, it was not confirmed. Landscaping is a reserved matter, and the report suggests a future landscaping scheme could address tree retention.
• Ecology: The Ecology Officer has withdrawn an objection, subject to conditions for ecological enhancements, a biodiversity protection strategy, and a habitat management and monitoring plan. The development will result in a net loss of habitat units, requiring biodiversity offsetting to achieve the statutory 10% Biodiversity Net Gain.
• Other Matters: The Designing Out Crime Officer raised concerns about security, which officers believe can be addressed post-decision.

The report concludes by weighing and balancing these considerations, noting that as the Council cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, the presumption in favour of sustainable development is triggered. The recommendation is to grant planning permission, subject to a comprehensive list of conditions covering reserved matters, environmental controls, drainage, construction management, biodiversity, and building standards.

Date and Time of Next Meeting

The committee is scheduled to confirm the date and time of its next meeting, which is set for Wednesday 22 April 2026 at 6.30 pm.

Availability of Members Attending Site Visits

Members will also confirm their availability to undertake site visits on Tuesday 21 April 2026, should they be required.