This week in Buckinghamshire:

Street Trading Policy Could Change the Face of Buckinghamshire High Streets

Buckinghamshire Council is considering adopting Schedule 4 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, which would give the council greater control over street trading. The council is scheduled to discuss the matter at a meeting on Wednesday 26 November 2025. You can read the agenda here.

• Clear and Consistent Framework: The council claims that adopting a new, single approach to controlling street trading will provide a clear and consistent framework for regulating street trading, ensuring public safety, preventing crime and disorder, and enhancing the character of the Council's area.
• Consent Streets: The council is also scheduled to discuss designating all streets within the Buckinghamshire Council area as Consent Streets¹, meaning that street trading would only be allowed with the council's express permission.
• Impact on Local Businesses: The new policy could have a significant impact on local businesses, both those that operate on the street and those that operate in shops and other premises.

The council claims that the new policy will ensure public safety and prevent crime and disorder, but critics fear that it could stifle entrepreneurship and make it more difficult for small businesses to operate.

High Wycombe Town Committee to Discuss Community Infrastructure Levy Projects

The High Wycombe Town Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 25 November 2025 to discuss a range of topics, including updates on town centre development, Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) projects, and place partnerships. You can read the agenda here.

• Uncommitted CIL Funding: As of 30 September 2025, the total uncommitted CIL funding held by the High Wycombe Town Committee was £433,187.04.
• CIL Project Delays: Several CIL projects have been delayed or withdrawn, including the Bowerdean Road Traffic Calming scheme and the District Centres Public Realm Improvement project.
• We Make Wycombe: The committee will receive an update on We Make Wycombe, High Wycombe's Place Partnership project, which aims to celebrate local creativity, support local talent, and increase the visibility of arts and culture in the town.

The committee will need to decide how to allocate the uncommitted CIL funding and address the delays in existing projects.

Council Faces Financial Pressures in Social Care and Transport

The Finance and Resources Select Committee is scheduled to meet on 27 November 2025 to discuss the council's budget management. You can read the agenda here.

• Balanced Revenue Outturn: The forecast revenue outturn is a balanced position, but the council is experiencing financial pressures in adult social care, children's social care, temporary accommodation, home to school transport, and high needs budgets within the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG).
• Savings Programme: The budget includes an approved savings programme of £115.6m over 3 years, with £76.9m to be delivered in 2025/26.
• IT Strategy: The committee will receive a report on the transition from the ONE programme to the IT strategy for the next five years, and an update on the AURA programme.

The council will need to take action to address the financial pressures in social care and transport and ensure that it delivers its savings programme.

Director of Public Health's Report Highlights Future Health Challenges

The Health and Wellbeing Board are scheduled to meet on Thursday 27 November 2025 to discuss the Director of Public Health's Annual Report (DPHAR) 2025. You can read the agenda here.

• Ageing Population: The report notes that while life expectancy in Buckinghamshire is better than national averages, it is projected to stagnate, and healthy life expectancy is projected to worsen.
• Health Inequalities: The report highlights the importance of addressing health inequalities, particularly in Opportunity Bucks wards.
• Emerging Risks: The report also considers emerging risks to the future health of Buckinghamshire residents, including climate change and gambling harms.

The report makes a number of recommendations, including adapting health, social care and wider public services to the changing ethnicity of the county, and planning services and infrastructure to reflect the growing and ageing population.

Other Matters

• The High Wycombe Town Committee was scheduled to receive updates from Thames Valley Police and various action groups, as well as updates on town centre development, community infrastructure levy projects, and place partnerships, and a review of special expenses. No video was provided. Read the agenda here.
• The Finance and Resources Select Committee is scheduled to discuss the council's budget management, IT strategy, performance monitoring, and budget scrutiny process. No video was provided. Read the agenda here.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Buckinghamshire Council Schools Forum is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 2 December 2025, to discuss a range of issues including school funding, budget monitoring, and pay awards. Read the agenda here.
• The Health & Adult Social Care Select Committee are scheduled to discuss the NHS 10-year plan and its impact on Buckinghamshire residents, as well as receive an update on dementia services in the area on Thursday 04 December 2025. Read the agenda here.
• A meeting of an unknown committee is scheduled for Friday 05 December 2025. Read the agenda here. No further information is available about this meeting.
• The Pension Fund Committee is scheduled to convene to discuss a range of topics, including scheme improvements, a McCloud update, the Carbon Metrics Report, and the Conflicts of Interest Policy on Monday 01 December 2025. Read the agenda here.
• Meetings of unknown committees are scheduled for Monday 08 December 2025, [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/88978), Tuesday 09 December 2025, [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/88979), and Wednesday 10 December 2025, [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/88981). No further information is available about these meetings.

This week in Buckinghamshire:

School Redevelopment Approved Amid Traffic Concerns

The West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee convened this week and approved application 25/06099/FUL, concerning St Michael's Catholic School on Daws Hill Lane, High Wycombe. The application, submitted by John Graham Construction Ltd and The Department for Education, requests permission for the demolition of ten existing school buildings, refurbishment of one block, and construction of three replacement school buildings, along with access, landscaping, parking and associated infrastructure. You can read the agenda here.

• Traffic Woes: Councillor Lesley Clarke called in this application due to concerns about the Travel Management Plan, unresolved Neighbourhood Plan issues, traffic and infrastructure.
• Green Space Impact: A substantial portion of the application site is designated as Green Space under Policy DM12¹.
• Neighbourhood Support with Caveats: The Daws Hill Neighbourhood Forum supports the principle of the proposals but not without the inclusion of all the necessary improvements required to address the existing parking and traffic issues that have been outstanding since 2015.

The planning officer's report recommended that the committee approve the application, subject to conditions.

Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing: Complaints Soar, Revocations Rise

The Licensing (Public Protection) Committee met this week, noting the annual review of Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing for 2024/25. The review highlighted increases in licensed drivers, hackney carriage vehicles and private hire operators, alongside a decrease in private hire vehicles. The committee also acknowledged a high volume of complaints, predominantly related to driver behaviour, driving standards and parking issues. You can read the agenda here.

• Complaint Surge: 469 complaints were received, with the most common pertaining to behaviour (387), followed by driving standard (272), parking (224), and vehicle condition (181).
• Revocations Up: 40 driver licences were revoked, up from 26 last year, mainly for criminal behaviour such as violence, sexual assault, drink or drug driving, and mobile phone use.
• Automated Passenger Services (APS): The committee discussed the new APS Permitting Scheme, introduced under the Automated Vehicles Act 2024, which creates a legal framework for self-driving passenger services.

The increase in complaints and revocations raises concerns about the safety and quality of taxi and private hire services in Buckinghamshire.

Council Reviews Disability Facilities Grants and Education Health and Care Plans

The Cabinet met this week to discuss a range of topics, including updates to the Disability Facilities Grant and Housing Assistance Policy, and the Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) Waiting List Recovery Plan. You can read the agenda here.

• Disability Facilities Grants: The Cabinet considered a proposal to update the Disability Facilities Grant and Housing Assistance Policy.
• EHCP Waiting List: The Cabinet discussed the Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) Waiting List Recovery Plan. An EHCP² is a legal document that describes a child or young person’s special educational, health and social care needs and what support will be put in place to meet those needs.

The report pack includes confidential appendices relating to the Disability Facilities Grant Policy Update, which will be discussed in private due to the likely disclosure of exempt information.

Other Matters

• The Growth, Infrastructure & Housing Select Committee met to discuss town centre regeneration, the Active Places and Spaces Strategy, and performance monitoring. No video was provided. Read the agenda here.
• The Senior Appointments and Pay Committee met to discuss senior recruitment. No video was provided. Read the agenda here.
• The Buckinghamshire Council Schools Forum met to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant revenue budget and to review the outcomes of recent consultations. No video was provided. Read the agenda here.

Upcoming Meetings

• Buckinghamshire Council is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 26 November 2025, to discuss a range of topics including street trading controls, reports from cabinet members, and several notices of motion. Read the agenda here.
• The High Wycombe Town Committee is scheduled to meet on 25 November 2025. The agenda includes a presentation on the Wycombe Vision, updates from Thames Valley Police and on town centre development, and reports on special expenses, the Community Infrastructure Levy, and place partnerships. Read the agenda here.
• The Finance and Resources Select Committee is scheduled to meet on 27 November 2025 to discuss the council's budget management, IT strategy, performance monitoring, and budget scrutiny process. Read the agenda here.
• The Health and Wellbeing Board is scheduled to meet to discuss the Health and Wellbeing Strategy, the Director of Public Health's annual report, and updates from the Integrated Care Boards on 27 November 2025. Read the agenda here.
• The Pension Fund Committee is scheduled to convene to discuss a range of topics, including scheme improvements, a McCloud update, the Carbon Metrics Report, and the Conflicts of Interest Policy on Monday 01 December 2025. Read the agenda here.
• Meetings of unknown committees are scheduled for Tuesday 02 December 2025, [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/88501), Thursday 04 December 2025, [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/88117), and Friday 05 December 2025, [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/88129). No further information is available about these meetings.

This week in Buckinghamshire:

Fire Service Cuts: Public Consultation on On-Call Fire Engine Reductions Sparks Controversy

The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority's plan to launch a public consultation on the future of the on-call fire service is facing scrutiny, with concerns raised about potential fire engine reductions and station closures. The Fire Authority convened an extraordinary meeting on November 12th to discuss the proposals, which could see the removal of seven fire engines and the closure of Great Missenden Fire Station and Stokenchurch Fire Station. You can read the agenda here.

• Underperforming System: The report pack states that the current on-call system is underperforming, with only one of 18 standard fire engines typically available during the day.
• Rural Firefighting Vehicles: The proposals include replacing standard on-call fire engines in Buckingham and Amersham with rural firefighting vehicles, designed for the increasing risks from extreme heat.
• No Staff Reduction? The report pack asserts that there are no intentions to reduce On-Call staff numbers, and that there are plans to increase staffing levels over the lifetime of the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2025-2030.

The report pack claims that the proposals are not intended to generate financial savings, but to improve the value for money of the On-Call service. As previously reported, these proposals have already caused controversy, with some councillors alleging that they contradict the previous Conservative-led Executive Committee's direction.

Beaconsfield Apartment Plan Sparks Density Debate - Again

The East and South Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee met on November 11th to discuss a planning application for the demolition of an existing dwelling and the erection of seven apartments at 2 Westfield Road, Beaconsfield. You can read the agenda here.

• Previous Refusal: This application follows a previously refused scheme, which was turned down because it would significantly increase the density of housing on the site to a level that would not reflect the prevailing density of development within the immediate locality.
• Residential Area of Exceptional Character: The report pack notes that the site is located within a Residential Area of Exceptional Character (RAEC) and a 'Woodlands' road.
• Local Objections: The Beaconsfield Town Council has objected to the proposal, stating that they do not feel that seven flats within the property are in keeping with the locality.
• Ecology Concerns: The council's Ecology Officer has said that the site lies within the 5.6km zone of influence of Burnham Beeches Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Councillor Jackson Ng said that committee scrutiny is appropriate to ensure the scheme demonstrably meets s135 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), and that any proposed development which is not well designed is refused, especially where it fails to reflect local design policies and guidance. Councillor Adali has said that the planned flats are a clear departure from other developments in this area of town and would set a precedent which could change the character of the area substantially.

Council Reviews Public Health, Parking, and Finances

Buckinghamshire Council's cabinet met on Tuesday 11 November 2025 to discuss a range of topics, including the Director of Public Health's annual report, budget management, parking strategy, and the sale of surplus sites. You can read the agenda here.

• Director of Public Health's Annual Report: The cabinet discussed the Director of Public Health for Buckinghamshire's Annual Report 2025, titled Tomorrow's World - Health and Wellbeing in Buckinghamshire in 2045 .
• Financial Performance: The council's financial performance was reviewed, with discussions on the Q2 Budget Management Report 2025-26 and Q2 Capital Budget Adjustments and Reprofiling.
• Delivering the Parking Strategy: The cabinet discussed the Delivering the Parking Strategy – Parking Enforcement Operating Model .
• Sale of Surplus Sites: The council is considering the sale of surplus sites at High Wycombe, Aylesbury, Wing and Winslow.
• Princes Risborough Southern Road Link: The cabinet discussed the Princes Risborough Southern Road Link (PRSRL) and the Princes Risborough Expansion Area (PREA).

Other Matters

• The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority Executive Committee met on Wednesday 12 November 2025 to consider a recommendation regarding the Corporate Risk Management Policy and Framework, as well as reviewing performance management and budget monitoring reports. No video was provided. Read the agenda here.
• The Audit and Governance Committee convened to discuss treasury management, the council's statement of accounts, company governance, contract procedure rules, and the implementation of the Procurement Act 2023 on Wednesday 12 November 2025. No video was provided. Read the agenda here.
• The Senior Appointments and Pay Committee met on Thursday 13th November 2025 to discuss the Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme (MARS). No video was provided. Read the agenda here.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Buckinghamshire Council Schools Forum is scheduled to meet on Monday 17 November 2025 to discuss Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) budget monitoring and consultation outcomes. Read the agenda here.
• The Growth, Infrastructure & Housing Select Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 18 November 2025 to discuss town centre regeneration, the Active Places and Spaces Strategy, and performance monitoring. Read the agenda here.
• The Licensing (Public Protection) Committee of Buckinghamshire Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 18 November 2025 to discuss the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Annual Review 2024/25. Read the agenda here.
• The West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 19 November 2025 to discuss a planning application for the redevelopment of St Michael's Catholic School in High Wycombe. Read the agenda here.
• A meeting of the Buckinghamshire Council Cabinet is scheduled for Wednesday 19 November 2025. Read the agenda here.
• The Senior Appointments and Pay Committee are scheduled to meet on Friday 21 November 2025 to discuss senior recruitment. Read the agenda here.
• Meetings of unknown committees are scheduled for Tuesday 25 November 2025, [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87255), Wednesday 26 November 2025, [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87257), and Thursday 27 November 2025, [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87259), [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87261). No further information is available about these meetings.

This week in Buckinghamshire:

Fire Service Cuts: Public Consultation on On-Call Fire Engine Reductions Proposed

The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority is considering significant changes to the on-call fire service, potentially impacting response times and public safety. At an extraordinary meeting scheduled for November 12th, the Authority will discuss launching a 10-week public consultation on proposals that could see the removal of seven fire engines and the closure of two stations. You can read the agenda here.

• Underperforming System: The report pack states that the current on-call system is underperforming, with only one of 18 standard fire engines typically available during the day.
• Station Closures: The proposals include permanently closing Great Missenden Fire Station and Stokenchurch Fire Station.
• No Staff Reduction? The report pack asserts that there are no intentions to reduce On-Call staff numbers, and that there are plans to increase staffing levels over the lifetime of the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP) 2025-2030.
• Climate Change Risk: The report pack identifies climate change as a risk that the On-Call improvement programme will support, ensuring resources are appropriately located to respond to emerging environmental threats.

The report pack claims that the proposals are not intended to generate financial savings, but to improve the value for money of the On-Call service.

School Redevelopment in High Wycombe Faces Scrutiny Over Traffic Concerns

The West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on November 19th to discuss a planning application for the redevelopment of St Michael's Catholic School in High Wycombe. You can read the agenda here.

• Demolition and Construction: The proposal involves demolishing ten existing school buildings and constructing three new ones, along with new access routes, landscaping, and parking.
• Traffic Concerns: Councillor Lesley Clarke called in this application due to concerns about the Travel Management Plan, unresolved Neighbourhood Plan issues, traffic and infrastructure.
• Green Space Impact: A substantial portion of the application site is designated as Green Space under Policy DM12¹.
• Neighbourhood Support with Caveats: The Daws Hill Neighbourhood Forum supports the principle of the proposals but not without the inclusion of all the necessary improvements required to address the existing parking and traffic issues that have been outstanding since 2015.

The Daws Hill Neighbourhood Forum recommends that a formal consent for this development must include mandatory Conditions/ Obligations that ensure this is a 'sustainable' development and that all the aforementioned works required are to be implemented prior to commencing work on the school.

Beaconsfield Apartment Plan Sparks Density Debate

The East and South Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee are scheduled to meet on November 11th to discuss a planning application for the demolition of an existing dwelling and the erection of seven apartments at 2 Westfield Road, Beaconsfield. You can read the agenda here.

• Previous Refusal: This application follows a previously refused scheme, which was turned down because it would significantly increase the density of housing on the site to a level that would not reflect the prevailing density of development within the immediate locality.
• Residential Area of Exceptional Character: The report pack notes that the site is located within a Residential Area of Exceptional Character (RAEC) and a 'Woodlands' road.
• Local Objections: The Beaconsfield Town Council has objected to the proposal, stating that they do not feel that seven flats within the property are in keeping with the locality.
• Ecology Concerns: The council's Ecology Officer has said that the site lies within the 5.6km zone of influence of Burnham Beeches Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Councillor Adali has said that the planned flats are a clear departure from other developments in this area of town and would set a precedent which could change the character of the area substantially.

Other Matters

• Buckinghamshire Council's cabinet is scheduled to meet on Tuesday 11 November 2025 to discuss the Director of Public Health's annual report, budget management, parking strategy, and the sale of surplus sites. Read the agenda here.
• The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority Executive Committee are scheduled to meet on Wednesday 12 November 2025 to consider a recommendation regarding the Corporate Risk Management Policy and Framework, as well as reviewing performance management and budget monitoring reports. Read the agenda here.
• The Audit and Governance Committee is scheduled to convene to discuss treasury management, the council's statement of accounts, company governance, risk management, charity annual reports, contract procedure rules, and the implementation of the Procurement Act 2023 on Wednesday 12 November 2025. Read the agenda here.
• The Senior Appointments and Pay Committee are scheduled to meet on Thursday 13th November 2025 to discuss the Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme (MARS). Read the agenda here.
• The Buckinghamshire Council Schools Forum is scheduled to meet to discuss Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) budget monitoring and consultation outcomes on Monday 17 November 2025. Read the agenda here.

Upcoming Meetings

• The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority Executive Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday 12 November 2025 to consider a recommendation regarding the Corporate Risk Management Policy and Framework, as well as reviewing performance management and budget monitoring reports. Read the agenda here.
• The Audit and Governance Committee is scheduled to convene to discuss treasury management, the council's statement of accounts, company governance, risk management, charity annual reports, contract procedure rules, and the implementation of the Procurement Act 2023 on Wednesday 12 November 2025. Read the agenda here.
• The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Fire Authority is scheduled to hold an extraordinary meeting on 12 November 2025, to discuss the future of the On-Call service and operational independence for the Chief Fire Officer. Read the agenda here.
• The Senior Appointments and Pay Committee are scheduled to meet on Thursday 13th November 2025 to discuss the Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme (MARS). Read the agenda here.
• The Buckinghamshire Council Schools Forum is scheduled to meet to discuss Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) budget monitoring and consultation outcomes on Monday 17 November 2025. Read the agenda here.
• Meetings of unknown committees are scheduled for Tuesday 18 November 2025, [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86473), [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86477), [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86478), Wednesday 19 November 2025, [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86480), [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86482), and Thursday 20 November 2025, [http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86484). No further information is available about these meetings.