The Strategic Sites Committee of Buckinghamshire Council met on Thursday 11 June 2026 to discuss a reserved matters application for the development of 87 dwellings at Tralee Farm, Wycombe Road, Holmer Green. The committee approved the application, subject to a number of conditions and further details to be agreed, following extensive discussion on scale, appearance, and landscaping.

Tralee Farm Development Approved with Conditions

The committee approved the reserved matters application for the development of 87 dwellings at Tralee Farm, Holmer Green. The decision was made after a lengthy debate covering various aspects of the proposal, including scale, appearance, landscaping, and community safety. While the principle of development had already been established through an outline planning permission, this meeting focused on the finer details of the scheme.

The approval was granted subject to numerous conditions and the agreement of further details, addressing concerns raised by councillors, local residents, and statutory consultees. Key areas of discussion included boundary treatments, landscaping, lighting, parking, and the integration of the development into the existing community.

Scale and Appearance

The proposed dwellings are predominantly two-storey, with some two-and-a-half-storey properties and a three-storey apartment block. The materials proposed are a mix of red and buff brick with grey or brown roof tiles, with some rendered elements on the apartment building. Councillors discussed the scale of the development, particularly the three-storey apartment block, and its relationship with the surrounding open space and existing properties. The design was generally considered to be in keeping with the local area, with varied roof forms and detailing adding architectural interest.

Landscaping and Green Infrastructure

A significant portion of the discussion focused on landscaping, including the retention of existing trees, new tree planting, and the provision of open space. The scheme aims to deliver 25% future canopy cover, in line with local plan policies. Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of landscape buffers and the visual impact of boundary treatments, particularly in relation to existing neighbouring properties.

A new condition was added requiring the submission of full details for tree planting within Plot 50, adjacent to No.2 Kestrel Drive, to provide further screening. The use of native species for planting was confirmed. The committee also discussed the potential for trees along the main entrance to be evergreen rather than deciduous to avoid leaf fall issues on pathways, though officers noted that birch trees, which are deciduous, were proposed and this was considered acceptable by the tree officer.

Community Safety and Security

Thames Valley Police had raised objections regarding potential crime and anti-social behaviour, highlighting concerns about manually operated parking gates, poor surveillance of the play area, and uncontrolled access routes. The applicant confirmed that gates would be electronically operated, and a condition on the outline permission requires a full access and security strategy to be submitted. The play area has been relocated to a more central position within the open space, increasing natural surveillance from surrounding properties.

Parking and Access

The development will provide 201 parking spaces, exceeding the required optimum level. The Highways Authority confirmed that this provision is acceptable and that refuse vehicles can access all areas of the site. Concerns were raised about potential parking on unadopted roads within the development, and a condition regarding a parking management strategy was discussed.

Drainage and Flood Risk

The principles of the drainage strategy and the location of the attenuation basin were approved at the outline stage. Technical details for the site drainage have been submitted and approved, with no objections from the Lead Local Flood Authority. However, a new condition was added to ensure adequate drainage for the play area.

Amenity of Existing and Future Residents

The scale and appearance of the development were considered in relation to existing neighbouring properties, with measures in place to prevent overlooking and overbearing impacts. For future residents, the terracing of gardens in areas with significant land level changes was noted as an improvement to reduce the impact of retaining walls.

Other Matters

• Electric Vehicle Charging Points (EVCPs): An updated block plan confirmed that all parking spaces, both allocated and unallocated, will have access to an EVCP.
• Noise Impact Assessment: A condition requiring compliance with the Noise Impact Assessment was deleted, as the assessment did not specify bespoke noise attenuation measures beyond standard Building Regulations.
• Woodland Path: A condition was retained requiring full details of the route and construction of the path within the retained woodland to be submitted for approval.
• Pond Safety: A new condition was added to address safety measures around the attenuation pond, given its potential to fill with water.
• Lighting: Concerns were raised about the lighting strategy, particularly along footpaths connecting to Holmer Green and Hazlemere, to ensure safety and usability, and to encourage walking and cycling. The lighting scheme will be subject to a condition requiring submission of full details.
• Boundary Treatments: The applicant agreed to provide a 1.8m high brick wall along the flank boundary of Plot 50, adjacent to No.2 Kestrel Drive, and further planting within Plot 50. The committee also discussed the possibility of a full brick wall along the entire boundary of Plot 50, rather than a mix of brick and fence.
• Hazelmere Neighbourhood Plan: The requirement for a Whole Life-Cycle Carbon Emission Assessment was discussed, with officers confirming that this was addressed at the outline planning stage and that current conditions relate to low carbon energy consumption.

The committee voted unanimously to approve the application, subject to the agreed conditions and further details to be resolved. Councillor Harris, who was not permitted to vote due to constitutional rules, was noted as being in support of the application.