The Central and North Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee met on Wednesday 17 June 2026, approving plans for a solar farm in Thornton and deferring a decision on the Green Park Activities and Training Centre in Aston Clinton. The committee also noted the date of the next meeting.

Green Park Activities and Training Centre, Aston Clinton

The committee considered an application for the erection of accommodation, toilet and shower blocks, activity equipment, and a change of use of the dining hall and nursery to provide additional accommodation at the Green Park Activities and Training Centre in Aston Clinton. The proposal was part retrospective.

Following a presentation by the case officer, Carrie Chan, and the applicants, Jeff Stagg and Tommy Thompson, councillors raised questions regarding employment figures, educational benefits, and ecological management. Councillor Lou Munger, representing Winslow Ward, sought clarification on PGL's leasehold status and past planning applications. Councillor Kathryn Gibbon, representing Grendon-Kingsbrook and Wing Ward, expressed support for the concept of outdoor education but questioned the maintenance of the zip wire and consultation with the parish council. Councillor Phil Gomm, representing Clayton's Ward, inquired about consultation with the parish council and local residents. Councillor Gregory Smith, representing Hadnham and Stone Ward, asked about the year-round occupation of staff accommodation. Councillor Caroline Cornell, representing Newton-Longville Ward and Winslow Town Council, also raised questions about the maintenance of equipment.

Councillor Frank Mahon, representing Grendon-on-the-Wood and the Clayton's Ward, proposed approving the officer's recommendation. Councillor Gomm seconded the proposal. A technical question was raised about the loss of nursery places, with officers explaining that market forces and changes to use classes orders would likely dictate the nursery's future. Councillor Chris Poll, representing Ivinghill Ward, asked about the confidence of the planning team in satisfying the required work within the timeframe. Councillor Gomm also raised concerns about biodiversity net gain and whether the council could secure off-site biodiversity offset credits. Officers clarified that while direct financial contributions for off-site credits could not be conditioned, the mandatory 10% net gain and other conditions would ensure biodiversity enhancement.

Ultimately, the committee deferred and delegated the decision to the Service Director of Planning and Environment for approval, subject to the satisfactory completion of a legal agreement to secure the long-term management and monitoring of the Landscape Ecological Management Plan.

Land to the South and North of Nash Road and Land to East of Thornton Road, Thornton

The committee then considered an application for the installation of a solar farm comprising ground-mounted solar PV panels with an installed capacity of 49.99MW AC, including associated infrastructure, landscaping, biodiversity net gain, and environmental enhancements for a temporary period of 50 years, along with a permanent substation.

The case officer, Zenab Hearn, presented the application, highlighting minor corrections to the officer report regarding road names and wording in conditions.

Several speakers addressed the committee. Councillor John Chilver, the local member for Thornton, called in the application due to concerns about flooding, transport, heritage assets, archaeology, and the cumulative impact of solar farms. He urged the committee to reject the application. Professor Andy Lane, representing Thornton Parish Meeting, objected on the grounds of inadequate documentation, cumulative visual impact, and the 50-year operational timeframe. Caroline Moore, an objector, expressed concerns about the landscape and visual impact assessment, stating it did not accurately reflect the actual impact and that the proposal would change the character of the unspoiled agricultural area. Antonia des Baux spoke in support of the application, highlighting the financial benefits to the county, the contribution to climate change mitigation, and the ecological enhancements. Nick Beddoe, the agent for the applicant, argued that the application had been thoroughly assessed and refined, with no technical objections from statutory consultees.

During the debate, councillors discussed concerns about flooding, with officers explaining the drainage strategy and mitigation measures. Councillor Llew Monger, representing Winslow Ward, raised questions about the applicant's control over the entire site, the reason for limiting the capacity to 49.9MW, and the 50-year temporary period. Councillor Kathryn Gibbon, representing Grendon-Kingsbrook and Wing Ward, sought clarification on decommissioning plans and road repairs. Councillor Phil Gomm, representing Clayton's Ward, questioned the cumulative impact and the capacity of the national grid. Councillor Caroline Cornell, representing Newton-Longville Ward and Winslow Town Council, raised concerns about the long-term enforcement of conditions and the potential for the land to be left in a poor state. Councillor Gregory Smith, representing Hadnham and Stone Ward, asked for clarification on water runoff compared to greenfield sites and the expected noise levels from inverters. Councillor Robin Stuchbury, representing Buckingham, raised questions about the minerals and waste strategy and the potential impact on a canal right of way.

After extensive debate, Councillor Robin Stuchbury proposed approving the application, seconded by Councillor Frank Mahon. The motion was carried with seven votes in favour, three against, and one abstention.

Date of the Next Meeting

The committee noted that the date of the next meeting was 22nd July 2026.