The West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee met on Wednesday 10 June 2026, approving a controversial racket centre development in the Green Belt near Marlow and a Timpson kiosk at a Tesco store in Princes Risborough. The committee also confirmed the date of their next meeting.

Racquet Centre Development in Marlow

The committee approved the demolition of an existing dwelling and the construction of a racquet centre, including paddle, pickleball, and tennis courts, along with a clubhouse and wellness centre, on land east of the A404 and north of Fieldhouse Lane in Marlow. This decision was made despite officers recommending refusal due to the site's Green Belt location.

Councillor Alex Collingwood had called for the application to be heard at committee, highlighting the site's Green Belt status and the previous use of the land. The applicant argued that very special circumstances justified the development, citing the site's previous use as a gravel pit and sewage works, its current derelict state, and the growing popularity and inclusivity of Padel. Kristen Paskins, a Great Britain No. 1 female wheelchair Padel player, spoke in favour, emphasising the importance of accessible facilities for disabled athletes. Bill Davison, representing the applicant, highlighted the environmental, economic, and social benefits, including new planting, biodiversity net gain, job creation, and support from local businesses.

Officers, however, maintained that the development was inappropriate for the Green Belt, arguing it would harm its openness and contribute to urban sprawl. They contended that the proposed facilities were predominantly indoor and that the scale of the clubhouse and courts would erode the Green Belt's character.

During the debate, councillors discussed the definition of openness in the Green Belt and whether the proposed canopies made the courts an indoor facility. Councillor Mark Turner questioned the precedent set by similar developments in Maidenhead, which is also in the Green Belt. Councillor Clive Harriss expressed surprise that the site was not considered grey belt land, given its history as a sewage works and refuse tip. Councillor Michael West stated that the site offered no openness to preserve and that the development would be an improvement. Ultimately, the committee voted to approve the application, with Councillor Collingwood proposing the motion, citing the enhancement of the Green Belt and the creation of a community hub as key reasons.

Timpson Kiosk at Tesco in Princes Risborough

The committee also approved the installation of a Timpson key-cutting kiosk on hardstanding adjacent to the Tesco Superstore on Longwick Road in Princes Risborough. This decision was made despite objections from local councillors Gary Hall and Matthew Walsh, and the Princes Risborough Town Council, who argued that the development would detract from the town centre's vitality and compete with existing high street businesses.

Councillor Hall and Councillor Walsh had called in the application, expressing concerns about the impact on the high street, the potential for increased car park congestion at Tesco, and the visual appearance of the kiosk within the Princes Risborough Conservation Area. Lawrence Piper, the agent for Timpson, argued that the kiosk was an ancillary service to the Tesco store, would not generate significant new traffic, and that the revised scheme, omitting illuminated signage, would preserve the character of the Conservation Area.

Councillors debated whether Tesco was truly within the town centre boundary as defined in the local plan, with Councillor Arman Alam questioning the accuracy of the boundary's definition. Councillor David Moore noted that competition between businesses is not a material planning consideration. Councillor Michael West stated that it was not the role of the planning committee to protect one business from competition. The committee ultimately voted to approve the application, with Councillor Arman Alam proposing and Councillor Michael West seconding the motion.

Next Meeting

The date and time of the next meeting were confirmed as Wednesday, 1 July 2026, at 6:30 pm.