This week in Buckinghamshire:

• The Licensing Sub-committee met to discuss a premises licence for The Orange Ray in Bourne End.

Licensing Sub-committee - Tuesday 22 April 2025

The Buckinghamshire Council Licensing Sub-committee met to discuss an application to vary a premises licence for The Orange Ray, Station Court, Station Road, Bourne End, SL85YP. The applicant, Feastie Beer Co. Ltd, sought a new premises licence for the retail sale of alcohol, both on and off the premises. After hearing from the applicants, objectors, and relevant officers, the sub-committee agreed to defer their decision to a later date.

Licensing application for The Orange Ray, Station Court

Feastie Beer Co. Ltd applied for a new premises licence for The Orange Ray, Station Court, Station Road, Bourne End, SL85YP. The premises is a standalone, single-storey building, formerly an open-plan office, located near residential gardens and a railway line.

Ms Kerry-Anne Ashton, licensing officer, presented the details of the application, noting that the applicant had amended it to remove live and recorded music, as this is covered by deregulation entertainment provisions. The licensable activities sought were the retail sale of alcohol, both on and off the premises, between 11:30 and 21:30 on Mondays and Thursdays, 11:30 to 22:30 on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:30 to 21:30 on Sundays, with an extension to 01:00 on New Year's Eve.

Ms Ashton reported that Thames Valley Police had agreed to some conditions with the applicant, but that Environmental Health had submitted a representation. She also noted that the council had received 48 valid objections, based on concerns about crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

Applicant's submission

Mr Judson Williams, one of the applicants, provided background on his company, explaining that he wanted to bring back the British heritage of brewing to the area, as his family had a long history of brewing in Woburn Green. He stated that the premises met all of their criteria, being a business use class E location, and that its proximity to Bourne End railway station was a huge draw. He also noted that they had their own parking for at least nine vehicles and had provided a cycle rack.

Mr Williams said that they had no interest in upsetting any of their neighbours, and that their aim was to provide a community space where they could hopefully bring back a bit of the traditional heritage of the Wubham Green and Wubham Bourne End area.

He clarified that the front of the building would be a shop for their cans and merchandise, the middle section would be somewhere for people to sit and have food, and the rear would be the kitchen and cold storage. He also explained that the licensing hours were designed to attract someone to rent space to provide food, as they did not want to run a kitchen themselves.

Objections

Objectors raised concerns about noise, antisocial behaviour, parking, and public safety.

Ms Shirley Bovan Sombat raised concerns about outside drinking and asked if there was anything in place to discourage it. Mr Williams responded that there was nothing firm in place at the moment, but that they had no plans to use the outdoor space as a pub garden.

Another objector asked about live music, and Mr Stuart Goodman from the council's environmental protection team, explained that due to deregulation of live and recorded music, no specific conditions could be made in regards to those matters through a licence panel such as this.

Noise Management Plan

Mr Goodman explained that he had proposed to the applicant that they adopt a noise management plan, which Mr Williams had produced. Mr Goodman said that he felt that the plan covered and addressed the principal issues in terms of prevention of public nuisance.

This week in Buckinghamshire:

• The Strategic Sites Committee was scheduled to discuss a retrospective approval for Kingsbrook Primary School.
• The North Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee was scheduled to discuss the opening hours of a retail convenience store in Edlesborough.
• The Finance and Resources Select Committee was scheduled to discuss the Customer First Annual Report 2024.

Strategic Sites Committee - Wednesday 16 April 2025

The Strategic Sites Committee was scheduled to convene to address planning matters within the Buckinghamshire Council area. Key items for consideration included a retrospective approval for Kingsbrook Primary School, and a planning application related to HS2 works near Wendover.

25/00406/APP - Mogford Chamber, Bridleways, Wendover, HP22 6DN

The committee was scheduled to discuss application 25/00406/APP, concerning the installation of a spring chamber and flow monitoring chamber with associated infrastructure at Mogford Chamber, Bridleways, Wendover, HP22 6DN. The applicant is High Speed Two (HS2) Limited, and the application was called in by three councillors due to its strategic nature and impact on a nationally significant infrastructure project.

The proposal includes the installation of a spring chamber and flow monitoring chamber, associated pipework for HS2 requirements, an attached power box with roof-mounted solar panel, a headwall outflow structure, reprofiling of an existing drainage ditch, stock-proof fencing, an upgrade and extension to an existing access track, and a temporary laydown area for construction.

According to the report pack, the need for the development arises from the necessity to mitigate the effects of groundwater flows resulting from HS2 works to the west of the application site. The Environment Agency requires these measures to prevent a reduction in water levels to the Stoke and Wendover Brook, thereby avoiding a deterioration of the Water Framework Directive.

The council's landscape officer has raised concerns that the proposed development would cause significant harm to the protected Chilterns National Landscape, conflicting with the aims of Vale of Aylesbury Local Plan (VALP) policies NE3 and NE4¹, as well as the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)².

The report pack notes that there have been 139 objections received and one petition containing 816 signatures.

24/02285/APP - Kingsbrook Primary School, Armstrongs Fields, Broughton, Buckinghamshire, HP22 7BR

The committee was scheduled to discuss a retrospective application 24/02285/APP for Kingsbrook Primary School, Armstrongs Fields, Broughton, Buckinghamshire, HP22 7BR.

The proposal includes the erection of a 3FE³ (630 place) primary school, a 60-place nursery, and a 12-place Special Educational Needs (SEN) Unit. The development also includes vehicular and pedestrian/cycle access points, staff car parking with electric charging points, drop-off bays, minibus parking, motorcycle parking, cycle storage, a grass sports pitch, an all-weather pitch, a multi-use-games-area (MUGA), trim trails, an external bin store, sports equipment storage, a substation, a sprinkler tank, and associated landscaping and external works.

The Case Officer was scheduled to introduce the report, highlighting updates circulated prior to the meeting. These updates included minor amendments to condition 17 regarding opening times and access to parking and drop-off areas, and re-wording of condition 19 concerning vehicle and pedestrian gate operation during term time.

A verbal update was also to be given regarding draft condition 19, clarifying that gates would be open during school drop-off and pick-up times, with access to parking areas provided through an intercom system during after-school clubs or community use.

Additionally, paragraph 5.35 of the report in the Highways section refers to upgrades to the access being required which related to some raised tables that the Highway Authority considered would be beneficial to increase safety and convenience for parents and children going to the school. However, the applicant was unwilling to provide these improvements, noting that they would be on land not within the control of the applicants or the Highway Authority at this time. The Highway Authority consider that they could not raise an objection if the raised tables are not provided and therefore there is no planning condition recommended on this basis.

Speakers for this item included Councillor Julie Ward, Local Member, and Emily Warner (Agent) and Paula Campbell-Balcombe (Applicant).

North Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 16 April 2025

The North Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee scheduled a meeting to discuss planning applications and related matters. The meeting was scheduled to consider a variation to the opening hours of a retail convenience store in Edlesborough, and a request to vary conditions relating to a health clinic in Mentmore.

Planning Applications

2 Pebblemoor, Edlesborough

The committee was scheduled to consider a request to vary condition 10 of planning permission 23/02966/APP, which relates to the opening hours of a retail convenience store at 2 Pebblemoor, Edlesborough.

The original planning permission allowed for the change of use of an existing vehicle service garage to a retail convenience store. Condition 10 of that permission restricted the opening hours to between 07:00 and 20:00 daily. The reason given for the restriction was to protect the amenities of the nearby neighbouring properties, in accordance with Policy BE3 of the Vale of Aylesbury Local Plan (adopted September 2021), and the National Planning Policy Framework (2023).

The applicant, NMJ Mortorhouse Ltd, requested that condition 10 be varied to allow the store to open between 07:00 and 22:00 daily.

The application was called in to the committee by Councillor Peter Brazier, Councillor Chris Poll and Councillor Derek Town. Councillor Peter Brazier and Councillor Chris Poll stated that the condition was a significant factor in the original permission being granted, and its variation may have meant refusal of the original application. Councillor Derek Town stated that he was surprised that the application to remove the condition had appeared so soon after the original approval was granted, and that the original approval was granted despite significant objections from local residents.

24 objections to the application had been received, with concerns raised including significant disturbance to neighbouring residential properties, additional noise, traffic and light pollution, the operating hours requested far exceed the normal opening hours of the existing garage, noisy late deliveries, and increased anti-social behaviour.

One letter of support was received, stating that the store would add convenience to locals, and would not be in direct competition with the local shop.

Suite 1, The Old Haybarn, 9 Rosebery Mews, Mentmore

The committee was scheduled to consider a request to vary conditions 2 and 3 relating to planning application 08/02616/APP for Suite 1, The Old Haybarn, 9 Rosebery Mews, Mentmore.

Planning permission 08/02616/APP granted permission for the change of use of part of a unit from Class B1 (Offices) to Class D1 (Health Clinic) use⁴. Condition 2 stated that the premises shall only be used for osteopath & naturepath purposes, with ancillary pilates studio for rehabilitation purposes, and for no other purpose(s) including any other purpose in Class D1 of the Schedule to the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 or in any provision equivalent to that Class in any statutory instrument revoking or re-enacting that Order with or without modification.

Condition 3 stated that the premises shall not be used for the purposes hereby permitted except between the hours of 8 am and 6pm on Mondays to Fridays, 8am and 1pm on Saturdays and at no time on Sundays, Public and Bank Holidays.

The applicant, M & J Gaymer, requested that conditions 2 and 3 be varied to enable the use of part of the ground floor of the building for osteopathy, physiotherapy and reformer pilates, and to extend the hours of operation until 8pm on Mondays to Fridays.

The application was called in to the committee by Councillor Chris Poll, Councillor Derek Town and Councillor Peter Brazier. The reasons given for calling the application in to committee centred upon concerns relating to: traffic and parking, impact on the residential amenities of neighbouring properties, the application challenging the original application outcome and the proposal being in an unsustainable location.

A number of objections were received, with concerns raised including extending the hours to 8pm would result in traffic movements at an unsociable time, increased traffic would be dangerous to children and animals, The Old Haybarn is in a conservation area and the rest of Mentmore village is a peaceful residential setting, and The Haybarn is only accessible by road and is not accessible by public transport.

Finance and Resources Select Committee - Thursday 17 April 2025

The Finance and Resources Select Committee were scheduled to meet on Thursday 17 April 2025 to discuss the Customer First Annual Report 2024, review the work programme for 2020-2025, and receive an update on the ICT ONE and AURA programmes. The meeting was also scheduled to include an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions.

Customer First Annual Report 2024

The committee was scheduled to receive a report on the progress of the Customer First corporate priority, and the Customer First Annual Report 2024.

The Customer First initiative is described as a comprehensive programme aimed at embedding a customer-centric culture throughout Buckinghamshire Council. The stated vision is to ensure that every employee values, owns, and exemplifies a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service.

The Customer First programme has three stated goals: easy access for customers to get in touch, helpful service that gets things right first time, and fair and honest communication.

The report pack states that Buckinghamshire Council aims to design customer journeys that cater to different groups, including intuitive digital processes, telephone services, and face-to-face support at Council Access Points (CAPs).

The council is also working to address digital exclusion by enhancing the accessibility of its website, offering digital skills courses, and working on projects to improve broadband coverage in rural areas.

The Customer Service Centre (CSC) has reportedly met its objectives concerning call answer rates, call abandonment, and resolution on the first call. The report pack notes a steady increase in First Call Resolution rates, reaching 88% in February 2025. Key components of this improved performance are cited as investment in staff training, collaborative work with colleagues in service areas, and the development of technical assets, particularly the new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system Abavus.

The Customer Partnership Panel has also been providing feedback from volunteer residents, and workshops have focused on adult social care and website effectiveness.

The implementation of a single CRM system is intended to enable more efficient management of customer interactions, and the migration is expected to be completed by summer 2025.

Efforts to combat fly-tipping included the introduction of a form for residents to upload dashcam footage. Citizens Advice Bucks has been commissioned to support those struggling with debt, and the Fostering Relationship Team was established to enhance the recruitment and retention of foster carers.

Looking ahead to 2025, the focus will be on AI and digital advancements, with opportunities arising from 'Creativity Camps' during the 'Year of Creativity'. The Customer Contact Excellence Programme (CCXP) aims to better manage customer demand and improve customer experience by introducing AI across various contact platforms.

Review of the Work Programme 2020-2025

The committee was scheduled to note the review of the work programme 2020-2025 and note any items going forward to the next council term.

The Finance and Resources Select Committee holds decision-makers to account for outcomes and services for Buckinghamshire. The Select Committee covers the following portfolio areas: the Leader; Financial Strategy, Economic Development, Skills & Employability, Strategic Infrastructure, County Deal, Levelling Up, Policy & Communications, Accessible Housing and Resources : Delivery of Accessible Housing, Property and Assets, Agricultural Estate, Property Management, Property Rationalisation, Customer services, Website Development & digital Strategy, HR & People Strategy, ICT delivery, Business Operations, Legal and Democratic Services, Corporate finance & performance, Procurement, Better Buckinghamshire Programme⁵.

The committee meets five times a year in a formal meeting setting, and also undertakes an in-depth inquiry into the council’s draft revenue budget and capital programme each year.

Key topics considered by the select committee during the 2020-2025 period include: Cabinet Member Priorities, Office Environment, Property Assets, Section 106⁶ and Community Infrastructure Levy⁷, Staffing, Unitary Transition Review, Customer First, Worksmart Strategy, Better Buckinghamshire, Property Strategy, Update on External Property Companies, Lessons learnt from other authorities, Corporate Performance Indicators, Employee experience, Council tax and business rates, Treasury management investment, Work smart estates strategy, Management of absence and wellbeing, Agency spend, Energy from waste, ICT One Programme and AURA, Absence management, Estates Strategy, External Property companies, Customer First, Capital Programme Temporary Accommodation, Home to School Transport, Better Buckinghamshire Programme, People Plan, Direct Services Grant, Estates Strategy Programme, and Debt performance.

Update on the ICT ONE Programme and AURA

The Select Committee was scheduled to receive an update on the progress of the ICT ONE Programme and AURA Programme. No further details were provided in the report pack.

This week in Buckinghamshire:

• The West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee approved the demolition of buildings at Chequers End Equestrian Centre for five new houses.
• The West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee also approved the change of use of a house in Stokenchurch to a children's home.

West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee - Wednesday 09 April 2025

The West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee met to discuss two planning applications. Permission was granted for the change of use of a dwelling house to a children's home, and approval was given for the demolition of existing buildings at an equestrian centre to be replaced with five detached houses, subject to conditions.

Chequers End Equestrian Centre

The committee considered an application for the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of five detached houses with garages, parking, amenity space and drainage works at Chequers End Equestrian Centre in Cadmore End.

Councillor Barnes, a local councillor, raised concerns about the change of use and the lack of affordable housing. Mr Gary Heath, representing objectors, cited the loss of the equestrian centre as an asset, building disruption, the narrowness of Chequers Lane, and potential flooding issues. He also raised concerns about commercial businesses operating on the site.

On behalf of the applicant, Mr Colin, the agent, highlighted that the proposals had evolved to address technical issues and that traffic movements would not exceed those of the existing equine uses. He also noted a reduction in built development and an increase in landscaping and biodiversity.

Councillor Thomas and Councillor Oliver, who had visited the site, noted the proximity to the M40 motorway and the industrial buildings to be retained. Councillor Thomas felt that extensive landscaping works would be needed. Councillor Oliver agreed, noting that the site was 'very much a utilitarian site'.

The committee discussed whether the loss of the equestrian centre should be considered a loss of employment land under policy DM5 of the Wycombe District Local Plan. An officer, Mr Martin, advised that in their opinion it should not, as the policy relates to business uses, not equestrian sites.

Councillor Rajah asked about the distance between the new buildings and existing buildings.

Councillor Wood raised concerns about the hours of work during construction and asked if a later start time could be imposed.

The committee discussed how the new dwellings would be heated. It was suggested that air source heat pumps could be used, and the committee considered adding a condition requiring the approval of the heating systems. Councillor Guy noted that modern air source heat pumps should not create excessive noise. Councillor Rajah suggested including grey water harvesting or rainwater harvesting to address flooding concerns raised by an objector.

Councillor Thomas sought clarity on the location of the public right of way and the landscaping associated with it. He also raised concerns about the view from plots three, four and five, and whether anything could be done to soften the view of the existing industrial buildings.

The committee voted to approve the application, subject to the addition of a condition requiring approval of the heating system or sustainable systems.

24 New Road, Stokenchurch

The committee considered an application for a change of use from a dwelling house to a children's home at 24 New Road in Stokenchurch.

Mr Martin Burgess, speaking on behalf of the council, explained that this was part of a programme to acquire 10 houses throughout the county to alleviate the costs of private children's care. He stated that the council has an exemplary record with regards to care and that the aim is to run the house as a normal family home. He also mentioned that the fences at the front of the property would be taken down and made more in line with adjoining properties.

Councillor Oliver asked if the fences would be replaced with hedging to improve biodiversity. Mr Burgess said he did not know the precise nature of the replacement at the moment.

The committee discussed the speed with which the application had come to committee. An officer, Mr Power, explained that he had prioritised the application to ensure it was dealt with before the committee's last meeting prior to local elections.

Councillor Oliver noted that the report stated that no lighting was proposed and asked if that meant no external lighting. Mr Power confirmed that no new lighting was proposed.

The committee voted to approve the application, subject to the addition of a condition requiring approval of the boundary treatment.

This week, Buckinghamshire Council held several important meetings, focusing on key issues such as highways maintenance, library services, and financial management. Here are the highlights and implications of the most impactful discussions.

Cabinet (Tuesday 18 June 2024)

The Cabinet meeting covered a wide range of topics, with significant decisions made on highways maintenance, library services, and financial management.

1. Highways Maintenance and Budget Management: The Cabinet reviewed the performance of the Buckinghamshire Highways contract with Balfour Beatty Living Places. The report highlighted the successful repair of over 34,000 potholes and the completion of the largest capital programme for road resurfacing and drainage schemes in the council's history. However, challenges remain, including a backlog in streetlight column replacements and increased abuse towards road gangs.

We delivered the largest capital programme the council has ever delivered, but there is still much more to do. — Cabinet Member for Transport

The Cabinet also discussed the budget management outturn for the financial year 2023/24. Despite significant budget pressures in adult social care, children's social care, and temporary accommodation, the council achieved a balanced position overall due to one-off income from Treasury investments and prudent financial management.

We have been able to offset the adverse variance through corporate budgets and achieve a balanced position overall. — Cabinet Member for Resources

1. Library Services Transformation: The Cabinet approved the Library Flex initiative, which aims to create savings of over £500,000 by granting library members access to buildings out of hours. This will increase access by 50% while reducing staffing times by 20-30%. The initiative includes the introduction of CCTV and panic buttons to ensure safety.

We want to ensure that the libraries are open with staff for our most vulnerable residents, while also embracing new technology. — Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure

Concerns were raised about the safety of lone individuals, particularly women and girls, using the libraries out of hours. The Cabinet received assurances that security measures, including monitored CCTV and panic buttons, would be in place.

1. Local Heritage List Phase 2: The Cabinet adopted Phase 2 of the Local Heritage List, which includes 1,466 sites. This initiative aims to recognize and protect Buckinghamshire's heritage assets. The list will not affect permitted development rights but will provide a record of important heritage aspects for future planning considerations.

Adoption of a building onto the local list does not affect permitted development rights, nor mean listed building consent is required for works to the property. — Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration

Licensing Committee (Tuesday 18 June 2024)

The Licensing Committee held a meeting, but no video or transcript was provided.

Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel (Friday 21 June 2024)

The Thames Valley Police and Crime Panel held a meeting, but no video or transcript was provided.

Summary

• Highways Maintenance: Significant progress in pothole repairs and road resurfacing, but challenges remain in streetlight replacements and road gang safety.
• Budget Management: Achieved a balanced budget despite pressures in social care and temporary accommodation.
• Library Services Transformation: Approved the Library Flex initiative to increase access and reduce staffing costs, with security measures in place.
• Local Heritage List Phase 2: Adopted to recognize and protect Buckinghamshire's heritage assets.

These meetings highlight the council's ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure, manage finances prudently, and enhance community services. The decisions made will shape Buckinghamshire's social and economic landscape in the coming months.