The East & South Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee met on Tuesday 15 September 2026. The committee considered several planning applications, including a proposal for the conversion of a dwelling into four flats, a replacement dwelling in Stoke Poges, and a temporary change of use at Pioneer Secondary Academy. The committee approved the conversion of a dwelling into four flats at 27 Moorfield Road, Denham Green, subject to conditions. They also approved the demolition and replacement of a dwelling at 61 Vine Road, Stoke Poges, with a new dwelling, subject to conditions and an informative regarding biodiversity net gain. A variation of condition for a dwelling at 59 Town Close, Beaconsfield, was also approved. The committee deferred a decision on a change of use at Pioneer Secondary Academy to allow for further clarification on operational details and noise management.

Conversion of dwelling into four flats at 27 Moorfield Road, Denham Green

The committee approved the conversion of the existing dwelling at 27 Moorfield Road, Denham Green, into four self-contained flats, with part single-storey and part two-storey side and rear extensions, and a loft conversion. The officers' report highlighted that the proposal represents sustainable development within an established settlement, contributing to the council's housing land supply. While ward councillors and residents raised concerns about the character of the area, parking, and increased density, officers concluded that the benefits of the development, including providing four additional homes in a sustainable location, were not substantially outweighed by any adverse effects. The recommendation to grant planning permission was subject to conditions, including those relating to parking space dimensions, access upgrades, and ecological enhancements.

Demolition and replacement dwelling at 61 Vine Road, Stoke Poges

The committee approved the demolition of the existing dwelling at 61 Vine Road, Stoke Poges, and its replacement with a new dwelling, described as a part retrospective alternative scheme to a previously approved application. The application was called in by ward councillors and Stoke Poges Parish Council due to concerns about scale, design, access, biodiversity net gain, and parking. Despite these concerns, officers recommended approval, noting that much of the proposed development already had extant planning permission. The committee debated the biodiversity net gain requirements, the impact of an un-drawn outbuilding, and parking provision. Ultimately, the committee approved the application subject to additional conditions and an informative regarding the biodiversity net gain requirement, ensuring that a revised metric reflecting all built forms would be submitted and that no development not covered by previous permission would commence until compliance with the mandatory biodiversity net gain condition was achieved.

Variation of condition at 59 Town Close, Beaconsfield

The committee approved a variation of condition for a dwelling at 59 Town Close, Beaconsfield. The application sought to amend approved plans for a side and rear extension, including changes to window and door openings and the addition of a first-floor flank window. Officers stated that the amendments would not materially harm the character or appearance of the dwelling or surrounding area. Conditions were imposed to ensure obscure glazing for the flank windows and to remove permitted development rights for further flank windows, safeguarding neighbouring amenity.

Temporary change of use at Pioneer Secondary Academy, Hollybush Hill, Stoke Poges

The committee considered a temporary six-month change of use of a first-floor room at Pioneer Secondary Academy, Hollybush Hill, from educational use to private-hire celebration events. The application was called in by ward councillors and Stoke Poges Parish Council due to concerns about highway safety, noise, and the impact on residential amenity. While officers recommended approval subject to conditions, the Parish Council objected, citing concerns about the suitability of the rural lane, inadequate parking, potential noise pollution, and a lack of operational information. Environmental Health raised no objection subject to strict controls on hours of operation, noise management, and the use of the room only. The committee debated the proposal, with concerns raised about the enforceability of conditions and the potential for cumulative impacts. The decision was ultimately deferred to allow for further clarification on operational details and noise management.

Other matters

The committee also noted the date of the next meeting and the availability of members for future site visits. The chairman highlighted the challenges posed by government changes to the scheme of delegation, which require the committee to address a backlog of call-ins.