The West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee met on Wednesday 23 September 2026, with Councillor Sarfraz Khan Raja chairing the meeting. The committee considered four planning applications, ultimately approving two applications for Gypsy and Traveller caravan sites, one for a change of use to light industrial, and refusing one outline application for residential development.

Application 25/05307/FUL - Ladys Mile, Kingshill Road, High Wycombe HP13 5BB

The committee considered an application for part retrospective planning permission for the creation of hardstanding, a screening bund, and a change of use of agricultural land to a Gypsy and Traveller caravan site for four static and four touring caravans. Despite significant debate regarding the site's Green Belt status and its impact on the Chilterns National Landscape, the committee ultimately voted to refuse the application.

Concerns were raised by local ward councillors, including Councillor Chris Chilton and Councillor Steven Broadbent, about the site's Green Belt classification, arguing it was not grey belt land as suggested by officers and that it made a strong contribution to preventing urban sprawl. Councillor Broadbent stated, The greenbelt is only there once you are balanced, knowing where we will get to, through local plan, this site did not come forward in five rounds of course sites, shows this is the wrong development in the wrong place. Objectors, including Gill Eaton, representing nearby residents, also highlighted harm to the national landscape and the unauthorised nature of the works.

Conversely, the applicant's agent, Tony White, argued that the site met the criteria for grey belt land and that the proposal addressed a significant unmet need for Gypsy and Traveller pitches. He stated, The site meets the policy criteria to be defined as grey belt land within the green belt when applying the appropriate assessment to the site specific area.

After extensive debate, the committee voted to refuse the application, citing harm to the Chilterns National Landscape and the site's Green Belt status as the primary reasons.

Application 25/06402/OUT - OS Parcel 3623, Thame Road, Longwick

An outline planning application for up to 40 dwellings on land outside the Longwick settlement boundary was refused by the committee. Councillors expressed concerns about the development's impact on the village's infrastructure, heritage assets, and its location outside the agreed settlement boundary.

Councillor Matthew Walsh, Buckinghamshire Councillor for the Ridgeway West ward, argued against the proposal, stating, This is a speculative application on land outside. Excuse me, Mr. Smith, can you bring the microphone close to you so I've got indications from members they can't hear you and we'll restart it again. Thank you. Is that better? Good. Thank you. Having visited the site myself recently, I remain firmly against what is being proposed here. He highlighted heritage concerns regarding nearby Grade II listed buildings, Sarah's Cottage and Old Orchard, and access issues on the narrow Thame Road.

Parish councillors Alan Livingston and Marie Pennell also spoke against the application, citing conflicts with the neighbourhood and local plans, inadequate infrastructure, and traffic concerns. Mr. Greg Smith MP echoed these objections, emphasizing the speculative nature of the application and the heritage and access issues.

The agent, Oliver Bell, argued that the application addressed an unmet housing need and that the site was physically well-related to the existing settlement. However, the committee ultimately voted to refuse the application, with Councillor Clive Harris proposing refusal based on the impact on the Green Belt and Chilterns National Landscape, seconded by Councillor Alex Collingwood.

Application PL/25/3044/FA - Grymsdyke Farm, Main Road, Lacey Green HP27 0RB

The committee approved a change of use from car valeting to light industrial use (Class E (g) (iii)) and external alterations to existing buildings at Grymsdyke Farm. Despite concerns raised by local councillors and the parish council regarding traffic, safety near a nursery, and the retrospective nature of some works, the committee found the proposal acceptable subject to conditions.

Councillor Robert Carrington and Councillor Sade Addo had called the application in due to concerns about traffic, safety for children at the adjacent nursery, and potential noise and ventilation issues. Councillor Graham Pitt, chair of Lacey Green Parish Council, opposed the removal of a condition limiting delivery vehicles to 12 metres in length, arguing that larger articulated vehicles were unsuitable for the village's narrow roads and past the school. Mr. Greg Smith MP also raised concerns about the compatibility of the proposed use with the access, particularly in relation to the nursery.

However, the Highway Authority raised no objections, stating that vehicle tracking demonstrated that all vehicles could safely access and manoeuvre on the site. The applicant's agent, Sam Tiffin, highlighted the economic benefits of bringing the site back into use and argued that appropriate conditions would safeguard neighbours. The committee ultimately voted to approve the application with conditions relating to operating hours, vehicle routing, and the provision of EV charging points.

Application PL/25/4361/FA - The Hedgerow, Parkwood, Walters Ash HP14 4XQ

The committee unanimously approved an application for a private Gypsy and Traveller caravan site for two pitches, including utility buildings and parking, and the retention of hardstanding and an existing caravan. The site is located in the Green Belt and Chilterns National Landscape.

Councillor Robert Carrington and Councillor Sade Addo had called the application in due to safety concerns and the site's Green Belt and Chilterns National Landscape location, referencing a previous refusal for similar development. Bradenham Parish Council objected, arguing the site was unsuitable for permanent Traveller accommodation, caused harm to the Green Belt and Chilterns National Landscape, and that the grey belt exception did not apply. RAF High Wycombe also raised concerns about potential obstruction of access and site security.

However, officers advised that the site qualified as grey belt land and that the proposal addressed an evidenced unmet need for Gypsy and Traveller pitches in a sustainable location. They concluded that the development would not cause substantial harm to the Green Belt or significantly impact the Chilterns National Landscape, especially with proposed landscaping and biodiversity enhancements. The committee, including site visit members Councillor Michael West and Councillor Clive Harriss, found the site to be well-contained and distinct from previous refusals. Councillor Alex Collingwood, who had also visited the site, stated, This is distinctly different from the previous application where it was open Greenbelt land and you were going to basically open up the whole of the site. This is fully enclosed. The application was approved with conditions relating to ecological enhancements, construction management, and the provision of EV charging points.