This week in Buckinghamshire:

Green Belt Development Sparks Debate Over Sustainability and Housing Needs

The East and South Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee convened this week, with a key focus on planning applications impacting the Green Belt. The discussions highlighted the tension between meeting housing needs and preserving the environment, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Iver Green Belt Development Approved Amidst Flood Concerns

Councillors approved an outline planning application for up to 43 dwellings on land adjacent to 148 Swallow Street, Iver, despite concerns about flooding and the loss of green space. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

• Green Belt Debate: The decision hinged on whether the site qualified as grey belt¹, with officers arguing it did not strongly contribute to Green Belt purposes.
• Community Opposition: Residents voiced concerns about light pollution, flooding, parking, and a lack of community engagement. Mrs. Malin, a Swallow Street resident, warned:

Greenbelt villages such as Ivar are a barrier to the urban sprawl of Uxbridge and Slough. They won't be villages for long. They'll become towns.

• Affordable Housing Needs: Supporters argued the development would provide much-needed affordable housing for local people. Millie Dodd, an account director at Just Build Homes, stated that her organisation had engaged 39 local people who supported the application.
• Sustainability Concerns: Councillor Waters raised concerns about flooding, the mix of affordable housing, and the amount of open space. Councillor Hogg questioned the sustainability of the location.
• Officer Assurance: Officers confirmed that the lead local flood authority was satisfied that an appropriate drainage strategy could be implemented.
• Conditional Approval: The committee voted to defer and delegate to the Director of Planning and Environment to grant outline planning permission, subject to conditions and a planning obligation to secure affordable housing, open space, and financial contributions towards healthcare and air quality mitigation.

This decision underscores the challenges of balancing development pressures with environmental concerns, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding. The provision of affordable housing is a key consideration, but residents worry about the impact on local infrastructure and the character of their villages.

Little Chalfont Development Granted Permission in Principle

Councillors voted to grant permission in principle for seven dwellings on land to the north of Long Walk, Little Chalfont, despite objections regarding sustainability and Green Belt encroachment. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

• Previous Refusal Overcome: The application addressed a previous refusal by providing two affordable housing units and public open space.
• Sustainability Doubts: Councillor Hogg questioned the sustainability of the site, while Councillor Wilson expressed concerns about sustainable transport options.
• Officer Confirmation: Officers confirmed that the lead local flood authority was satisfied with the proposed drainage strategy and that the application would provide 50% affordable housing.
• Permission in Principle Granted: The committee voted to grant permission in principle, subject to a condition that a technical details consent application be submitted and determined within three years.

This decision highlights the complexities of Green Belt policy and the pressure to meet housing targets, even in locations with limited sustainable transport options.

Beaconsfield Public Toilets to Become Dementia Friendly

Councillors approved an application to reconfigure public toilets at Windsor End, Beaconsfield, to include a DDA Dementia Friendly facility. You can find the full details of the meeting here. This decision demonstrates a commitment to creating inclusive and accessible facilities for all residents, including those with dementia.

Pension Fund Board Discusses Investments, McCloud Remedy, and Pensions Dashboards

The Pension Fund Board met to discuss a range of topics, including investment performance, the McCloud remedy², and the Pensions Dashboards Programme. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

• Annual Report: The board reviewed the draft Buckinghamshire Pension Fund Annual Report for the year ending 31 March 2025, noting an increase in fund membership and net assets.
• McCloud Update: The board noted the current position regarding the McCloud remedy, with ongoing efforts to collect data from employers and payroll providers.
• Pensions Dashboards: The board noted the Pensions Dashboards Programme implementation plan, aimed at enabling individuals to access their pensions information online.
• Policy Review: The board reviewed its terms of reference, code of conduct, conflicts policy, and knowledge and understanding framework.
• Administration Performance: The board monitored the performance of the Pensions Administration team, noting an increase in workflow cases and a high percentage of cases completed within the relevant turnaround target.

These discussions highlight the board's commitment to responsible management of the pension fund and ensuring compliance with regulations, while also addressing issues of fairness and accessibility for scheme members.

Health and Wellbeing Board to Approve New Strategy and Action Plans

The Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to meet to approve the Joint Local Health and Wellbeing Strategy and action plans, as well as discuss the Better Care Fund and updates from the Integrated Care Boards. Read the agenda here. The new strategy aims to improve the health and wellbeing of Buckinghamshire residents and reduce health inequalities across the county.

Street Trading Consent Policy to be Discussed

The Licensing (Public Protection) Committee will be meeting to discuss a draft street trading consent policy, following a public consultation. Read the agenda here. The policy aims to protect the public and maintain the character of the local area, while also supporting small businesses and community events.

Other Matters

• The Finance & Resources Select Committee is scheduled to meet to review the budget monitoring reports for 2024-25 and the first quarter of 2025-26, along with the Q4 performance report. Read the agenda here.
• The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority Overview and Audit Committee met to discuss internal and external audit reports, risk management, and various policies. Read the agenda here.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Central and North Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee are scheduled to meet on Wednesday 23 July 2025 to discuss planning applications relating to Steeple Claydon and Buckingham. Read the agenda here.
• The Growth, Infrastructure & Housing Select Committee will meet to discuss the Buckinghamshire Housing Strategy, planning, and culture and leisure in Buckinghamshire. Read the agenda here.

This week in Buckinghamshire:

Opportunity Bucks Programme Shows Promising Results, But Challenges Remain

Buckinghamshire Council's cabinet convened this week to discuss a range of topics, with a spotlight on the Opportunity Bucks programme, an initiative aimed at improving outcomes for residents experiencing hardship in 14 specific electoral wards¹. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

• Positive Outcomes: The programme has seen some success, including a 19% increase in positive outcomes for young people in college and over £760,000 in costs avoided through interventions to prevent rough sleeping.
• Targeted Support: The Energy Doctor team provided targeted support to over 360 homes, and physical health checks were conducted for over 180 residents with severe mental illness.
• Community Engagement: Community Action Days engaged with over 1,500 residents, providing access to services like Thames Valley Police, Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue, and NHS services.
• Long-Term Commitment: Councillor Steven Broadbent, Leader of the Council, emphasized the importance of the programme's long-term commitment and its positive impact on individuals and communities.
• External Funding: The programme has secured over £10 million in external funding, in addition to the initial £4.5 million allocated by the council. Matt Everitt, Service Director for Business Intelligence and Community Support, credited the programme's consistent narrative and partnership approach for this success.
• Call to Action: Councillor Steve Bowles, Cabinet Member for Communities, urged ward members in Opportunity Bucks areas to get involved with the programme.

While the programme demonstrates promising results, challenges remain in addressing long-standing issues and ensuring equitable opportunities for all residents.

Council Faces Budget Pressures in Children's Social Care and Transport

The cabinet also reviewed the Quarter 1 Budget Management Report for 2025-26, revealing a balanced overall forecast but highlighting significant pressures in key service areas. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

• Revenue Pressures: The council faces £5.5 million in pressures in children's social care, home to school transport, and temporary accommodation. These pressures are offset by a favourable position within corporate budgets, mainly from additional interest income on cash balances.
• DSG Deficit: The high need block budget within the dedicated schools grant² (DSG) was set with a deficit of £22.9 million, and the forecast remains in line with the budget.
• Government Funding: Councillor Broadbent expressed disappointment with the government's lack of a sustainable plan for local government financing, particularly regarding the DSG.
• Transport Costs: Councillor Thomas Broom, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport, noted that the largest component of the adverse movement in transport was in home to school transport.
• Education Pressures: Councillor Adekunle Osibogun, Cabinet Member for Education & Children's Services, reported that pressures in the education portfolio were mainly due to external residential placements.

These budget pressures underscore the ongoing challenges faced by local authorities in delivering essential services while managing limited resources.

Standards Committee Reviews Complaints and Discusses Transparency

The Standards and General Purposes Committee convened to review complaints, consider an annual report, and discuss the work programme. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

• Complaints Report: The committee reviewed the Compliments, Complaints and Improvements Annual Report and Ombudsman Update, highlighting improvements in complaint handling, compensation payments, and benchmarking.
• Code of Conduct: The committee noted and reviewed the Member Code of Conduct Complaints for Quarter 1 (April to June 2025), which showed an increase in complaints compared to the previous year.
• Transparency: The committee discussed an additional item referred by the full council regarding transparency of allowances received by councillors serving on outside bodies.

Councillor Karen Dickson raised concerns about the committee's role in overseeing complaints, stating that it felt like the committee was only seeing the data and not able to provide accountability or integrity to the process.

Other Matters

• The Buckinghamshire Local Access Forum discussed a proposed renewal of a Public Spaces Protection Order, the development of a new Local Transport Plan, and a proposal to make the Icknield Way a National Trail. No video was provided.
• The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority Executive Committee discussed budget monitoring and the impact of the Safety Centre. No video was provided.
• The Buckinghamshire Council Licensing Sub-committee approved a new premises licence for Burnham Local, with amended conditions. No video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Transport, Environment & Climate Change Select Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 23 July 2025. No further information is available about this meeting.
• The Pension Fund Board is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 15 July 2025 to discuss several key items, including a review of the Buckinghamshire Pension Board policies, the Pension Fund Annual Report 2024/25, an update on the McCloud remedy, and the Pensions Dashboards Programme. Read the agenda here.
• The East & South Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee are scheduled to meet on Tuesday 15 July 2025, to discuss several planning applications, including a proposal for up to 43 dwellings on land adjacent to 148 Swallow Street, Iver, and an application for permission in principle for seven dwellings on land to the north of Long Walk, Little Chalfont. Read the agenda here.
• The Finance & Resources Select Committee are scheduled to meet to review budget monitoring and performance, and to discuss their work programme. Read the agenda here.
• The Health and Wellbeing Board are scheduled to meet to discuss a range of topics, including the Better Care Fund, the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and updates from the Integrated Care Boards. Read the agenda here.
• The Licensing (Public Protection) Committee will be meeting to discuss a draft street trading consent policy, and to agree the minutes of their previous meeting. Read the agenda here.
• Meetings for the Licensing (Premises) Sub-Committee and Strategic Sites Committee are scheduled for Tuesday 22 July 2025. No further information is available about these meetings, [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/75444].

This week in Buckinghamshire:

HMO Conversion Sparks Community Uproar: Planning Committee Refuses Loudwater Application

A proposal to convert The Happy Union pub in Loudwater into a 16-bed house in multiple occupation (HMO) ignited a fierce debate at this week's West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee meeting, ultimately leading to the application's refusal. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

• Community Outcry: Residents and local representatives voiced strong opposition, citing concerns about parking, traffic congestion, loss of community space, and potential safeguarding issues.
• Ward Councillor Jonathan Waters argued that the HMO was not compatible with the local area, highlighting a lack of parking and amenity space. He emphasized that Loudwater is crying out for a meeting place in an area that does not even have a coffee shop and needs to retain a hub for the community.
• Parish Councillor Nathan Thomas argued that the proposal violated policies DM29, DM23, and DM35, calling it gross overdevelopment that is fundamentally incompatible with our neighbourhood character.
• Resident Margaret Ross raised safeguarding concerns, stating that the proximity of a children's play park to the HMO could be intimidating and pose a risk to children.
• Applicant's Defense: Mr Hussain, the agent for the applicant, argued that the HMO would restore the neglected building and provide much-needed housing, stating that the 13 parking spaces provided were acceptable to highways officers.
• Committee's Decision: Despite the applicant's arguments, councillors sided with the community, voting to refuse the application based on policies DM23 and DM35, citing inadequate accommodation standards and displaced parking. Councillor Alex Collingwood proposed the motion to refuse the application.

This decision underscores the power of community voices in shaping local planning decisions and highlights the council's commitment to protecting neighbourhood character and community assets.

Schools Forum Grapples with £47 Million High Needs Deficit

Buckinghamshire Council's Schools Forum met this week to confront a stark reality: a £17.8 million overspend on the high needs block, resulting in a cumulative deficit of £47 million. You can find the full details of the meeting here. This overspend threatens vital services for vulnerable children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

• Rising Demand: The overspend was attributed to increased demand for support and a lack of sufficient school placements, with specific areas of overspending including SEN top-ups to mainstream schools, special schools, independent settings, and alternative provision.
• Statutory Override Extended: Gareth Drawmer, Service Director, announced that the statutory override, which allows the council to ring-fence the high needs block deficit, has been extended for another two years, until the end of the financial year 2027-28.
• Not a Panacea: While welcoming the extension, Mr Drawmer cautioned that it is not a panacea and that the underlying problems of overspending on high needs remain. He warned that without serious conversations at a national level, the overall balance will need to be addressed at some point.
• Effectiveness Questioned: Brian Lewis raised concerns about the increasing spend and questioned the effectiveness of actions taken to tackle the issue, highlighting the use of non-registered providers charging high rates.
• Cost-Saving Measures: Caroline Marriott responded that robust processes are in place to evaluate the appropriateness and necessity of all spending decisions, and mentioned the expansion of the high support needs team to deliver elements of provision internally, aiming for cost savings.
• Trajectory Concerns: Laura Morel acknowledged the scale of the problem and asked when the trajectory of increasing deficits is likely to turn around. Mr Drawmer responded that the council is working to bring an additional 500 places on stream and is awaiting feedback from the DfE on a major SEMH school.
• Block Transfer Possible: Sarah Fogden alerted the forum to the possibility of a block transfer, which involves transferring funding from schools to high needs, and that the council would be revisiting this option.

The forum's discussion revealed the immense pressure on SEND funding and the difficult choices facing the council as it seeks to balance the needs of vulnerable children with budgetary constraints.

Sports Pitch Fencing Approved in High Wycombe

In a more straightforward decision, the West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee unanimously approved an application for the replacement of fencing around the synthetic sports pitch at The Cressex Synthetic Sports Pitch Centre in High Wycombe. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

• Improved Security: The existing fencing is corroded and needs to be replaced, with the new fencing being 4.5m high on three sides and 5m high on the eastern boundary.
• Vast Improvement: Councillor Michael West proposed acceptance of the application, noting that the new fencing would be a vast improvement.

Other Matters

• The Health & Adult Social Care Select Committee discussed the priorities and challenges facing Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust and Adult Social Care, as well as receiving an update on Integrated Neighbourhood Teams. No video was provided.
• The Strategic Sites Committee discussed planning applications relating to Wilton Park in Beaconsfield. No video was provided.
• The Licensing (Premises) Sub-Committee convened via video conference to discuss procedural rules and a licensing application for a McDonald's in Aylesbury. No video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Pension Fund Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 15 July 2025. No further information is available about this meeting.
• The Growth, Infrastructure and Housing Select Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 15 July 2025. No further information is available about this meeting.
• The Transport, Environment & Climate Change Select Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 16 July 2025. No further information is available about this meeting.
• The Strategic Sites Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 17 July 2025. No further information is available about this meeting.
• The Health & Adult Social Care Select Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 17 July 2025. No further information is available about this meeting.
• The Licensing (Premises) Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 17 July 2025. No further information is available about this meeting.
• The Licensing (Public Protection) Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 17 July 2025. No further information is available about this meeting.
• The Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 08 July 2025. No further information is available about this meeting.
• The Standards and General Purposes Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday 10 July 2025. No further information is available about this meeting.
• The Buckinghamshire Local Access Forum is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 09 July 2025. No further information is available about this meeting.
• The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority Executive Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 09 July 2025. No further information is available about this meeting.

This week in Buckinghamshire:

Brunel Pension Pool Faces Uncertainty After Government Rejection

The Buckinghamshire Council Pension Fund Committee met this week to discuss significant changes impacting the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), particularly the government's response to the LGPS pooling consultation. You can find the full details of the meeting here. The future of the Brunel Pension Pool¹ is now uncertain after the government rejected its business case.

• Government's Decision: The government rejected Brunel's business case, citing a perceived lack of ambition to merge pools.
• Alternative Pool: Buckinghamshire Council and the other nine Administering Authorities were told to identify an alternative Pool to join and get the agreement of the destination pool by the end of September 2025.
• Business Case: Brunel Partner Funds are working on a business case to explore options, including moving en masse to another pool or individual funds moving separately.
• KPMG Involvement: KPMG has been engaged to assist in preparing the business case.
• Strategic Asset Allocation: Decision-making on strategic asset allocation will remain with Pension Fund Committees, but the implementation of the investment strategy will be fully delegated to the pools.
• Local Investments: Pension Funds will be required to set a target range for local investments, with the Pool carrying out due diligence.
• Senior LGPS Officer: Requirement to appoint a senior LGPS Officer with overall delegated responsibility for the management and administration of the Fund.
• Independent Advisor: Pension Fund Committees to have a non-voting independent advisor.

This decision could have significant implications for how Buckinghamshire Council manages its pension fund, potentially affecting investment strategies and returns for current and future pensioners.

Transport, Environment, Communities & Climate Change Select Committee Discusses Key Issues

The Transport, Environment, Communities & Climate Change Select Committee convened to address a wide range of issues impacting Buckinghamshire residents. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

Transport

• Road Maintenance: Councillor Thomas Broom, Cabinet Member for Transport, highlighted key responsibilities such as road maintenance, active travel, and home to school transport.
• HS2 Mitigation: Councillor Broom addressed the ongoing impact of HS2 on the county, emphasising the need for mitigation.
• FixMyStreet: Councillor David Carroll praised the FixMyStreet service, with Councillor Broom responding that FixMyStreet is the swiftest way to get a response, as reports are immediately logged for inspection.
• Potholes: Councillor Ed Gemmell compared Buckinghamshire's approach to that of the Netherlands, with Councillor Broom responding that he would look into the matter, but suggested that differences in funding, weather, and traffic volume may be contributing factors.
• HGV Traffic: Councillor Gregory Smith raised the issue of through HGV traffic in small communities, with Councillor Broom responding that the study has been completed and is currently being analysed.
• Cycle Route: Councillor Smith also asked for an update on the cycle route between Hadlam and Thame, with Councillor Broom responding that Buckinghamshire Council is working closely with Oxfordshire County Council on the project, but that there are challenges due to the need to negotiate routes across private land.

Environment, Waste and Climate Change

• Carbon Neutral Target: Councillor Jaspal Chhokar, Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Waste, highlighted the council's commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
• Litter Enforcement: Councillor Penny Drayton asked for more detail on the litter enforcement scheme, with Councillor Chhokar confirming that the scheme has been publicised through various channels, including town and parish councils, signs, and media interviews.
• New Waste and Recycling Plant: Councillor Caroline Cornell asked when North Buckinghamshire will be getting a new waste and recycling plant, with Richard Barker responding that the Buckingham Household Recycling Centre (HRC) is in the capital programme and that the council is hoping to identify a suitable site this financial year.
• Greatmoor Incinerator: Councillor Cornell also asked why the Greatmoor incinerator cannot be expanded to get rid of more rubbish and produce more electricity, with Richard Barker responding that the current facility has plenty of headroom for Buckinghamshire waste and that there would not be a credible business case to build another one.
• External Partnership Funding: Councillor Justine Fulford asked about the forecast impact on the environment of cuts to external partnership funding, including the Natural Environment Partnership (the Net) and Colne Valley Regional Park, with Councillor Chhokar responding that he and Councillor Carl Jackson have meetings planned to discuss the matter.

Communities

• Community Boards: Councillor Anja Schaefer asked how the community boards will function going forward, given their reduced budget and changed role, with Richard Barker responding that the focus of the boards is now much more on community engagement and bringing people together to identify local priorities.
• Energy Doctor Scheme: Councillor Smith asked about the funding for the energy doctor scheme, with Councillor Ashley Waite responding that he would need to come back with a written response on the longer-term funding arrangements for the scheme.
• CCTV: Councillor Drayton asked why 12 areas are being consulted on for CCTV and what the opportunity is for others, with Councillor Waite responding that the 12 areas were chosen based on crime stats, population density, and other metrics.

High Wycombe Town Committee Sets Vision for the Future

The High Wycombe Town Committee met to discuss a vision for the town, community engagement, and the 2024/25 special expenses. You can find the full details of the meeting here.

• Vision for High Wycombe: Councillor Ed Gemmell, Chairman of the High Wycombe Town Committee, presented his vision for High Wycombe, emphasising the need to build on the town's existing strengths and address areas for improvement.
• Key Areas for Focus: Councillor Gemmell highlighted key areas for focus, including economy, environment, infrastructure, health and education, and culture.
• Community Engagement: Councillor Gemmell suggested initiatives such as a town meeting to gather public input, an away day for councillors and officers to foster teamwork, and the creation of working groups to develop specific plans for each focus area.
• Special Expenses and Outturn 2024/25: Fiorella Mugari, Head of Finance for Communities, presented an overview of the special expenses and outturn for the 2024/25 financial year, detailing an underspend of £74,301 against a budget of £523,628.
• Market Infrastructure and Town Centre Development: The committee received written updates on market infrastructure and town centre development, following up from the minutes of the meeting on 17 March 2025.

The committee agreed to form working groups to develop ideas and direction based on the vision, with an email to be sent to councillors to determine their areas of interest.

Other Matters

• The Senior Appointments and Pay Committee were scheduled to meet on Thursday 26 June 2025 to elect a chair and vice-chair, and to discuss pay orientation and the annual pay review timeline. You can read the full details of the meeting here.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Schools Forum is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 1 July 2025 to discuss Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) revenue monitoring, receive a verbal update on a government announcement regarding the High Needs Block, and agree the minutes from the previous meeting. Read the agenda here.
• The West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee are scheduled to meet on Wednesday 02 July 2025 to discuss several planning applications, including a proposal to convert a pub into a house in multiple occupation, and a plan to build six new homes in Hazlemere. Read the agenda here.
• The Health & Adult Social Care Select Committee are scheduled to meet on Thursday 03 July 2025 to discuss the priorities and challenges facing Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust and Adult Social Care, as well as receiving an update on Integrated Neighbourhood Teams. Read the agenda here.
• The Strategic Sites Committee of Buckinghamshire Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday 3 July 2025 to discuss planning applications relating to Wilton Park in Beaconsfield. Read the agenda here.
• The Licensing (Premises) Sub-Committee of Buckinghamshire Council is scheduled to convene via video conference to discuss procedural rules and a licensing application. Read the agenda here.
• Meetings for the Cabinet, Audit and Governance Committee, Transport, Environment & Climate Change Select Committee, Communities & Localism Forum and Culture, Sports & Leisure Select Committee are scheduled for the week commencing Monday 7 July 2025. No further information is available about these meetings, [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/72553], [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/72542], [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/72545], [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/72536], [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/72549].