The Central and North Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee met on 14 October 2026. The committee resolved to defer a decision on an outline planning application for 15 dwellings in Newton Longville to allow for a Member site visit. The committee also approved a retrospective application for a single gypsy and traveller pitch in Weedon, subject to conditions, including an amendment to condition eight to remove the prohibition on floodlighting.

Land Between Cobb Hall Road and Drayton Road, Newton Longville

The committee considered an outline planning application for 15 dwellings on land between Cobb Hall Road and Drayton Road in Newton Longville. The application, which has a lengthy planning history, was deferred to allow for a Member site visit. This decision was made to enable councillors to better assess the practical highway and access arrangements, including the width and constraints of the site access and Cobb Hall Road, vehicle manoeuvring and access for larger vehicles, the impact on existing parking, and the interaction between vehicles, pedestrians, and public rights of way.

During the discussion, Councillor Frank Mahon declared a personal and prejudicial interest in the application due to his board membership of Fairhive Housing, which owned a parcel of land relevant to the site. He withdrew from the meeting for the consideration of this item.

The Old Stables, Cooks Hill, High Street, Weedon

The committee approved a retrospective application for the change of use of land to residential for one gypsy and traveller family at The Old Stables, Cooks Hill, High Street, Weedon. The decision was made subject to conditions detailed in section eight of the case officer's report, with an amendment to the wording of condition eight to remove the prohibition on floodlighting, with the final wording to be agreed by the Chairman in consultation with planning officers.

The application had been previously approved by the committee in September 2025 but was subsequently quashed due to an unenforceable condition. The updated report highlighted the importance of the Public Sector Equality Duty and the best interests of children, noting the unmet need for gypsy and traveller accommodation in Buckinghamshire and the benefits of providing a lawful and secure residential base. The committee also discussed the implications of the new National Planning Policy Framework and the emerging Local Plan for Buckinghamshire.

Speakers included Councillor Joanna Rose, Chair of Weedon Parish Council, who objected to the application on grounds of sustainability, environmental impact, and heritage concerns. Pippa Cheetham, representing George Anson of The Lillies, also objected, citing concerns about intentional unauthorised development and heritage impacts. Joseph Jones, the agent for the applicant, spoke in support of the application, emphasising the unmet need for traveller accommodation, the importance of stability for children, and the sustainability of the site.

During the technical discussion, concerns were raised about the lighting condition, with councillors debating the specifics of floodlighting versus other forms of external lighting. It was agreed that the condition would be amended to prohibit floodlighting. Councillor Frank Mahon, who had returned to the meeting, proposed the approval of the application with the amended lighting condition, which was seconded by Councillor Caroline Cornell.