The West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee met on Wednesday 9 April 2025, and approved plans for the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of five detached dwellings at Chequers End Equestrian Centre, and for a change of use of a dwellinghouse to a children's home in Stokenchurch.

Planning Application for Chequers End Equestrian Centre

The committee approved an application for the demolition of existing buildings and structures at Chequers End Equestrian Centre, Chequers Lane, Cadmore End, HP14 3PQ and the erection of five detached dwellings with access, parking/garaging, amenity space and drainage works.

The committee voted unanimously in favour of the motion to approve the application, in line with the officer’s recommendation, but added a condition requiring that:

Prior to occupation of the development hereby approved, details of the provision of renewable technologies within the development (such as heat pumps and photo voltaic cells) shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The renewable technologies shall only be installed in accordance with the approved details.

The reason given for adding this condition was:

To ensure that measures are incorporated within the development to reduce carbon emissions in accordance with Policies CP12 and DM33 of the adopted Wycombe District Local Plan (2019) and the National Planning Policy Framework (2024).

Prior to the debate and vote, Councillor Mark Turner declared an interest in the application, due to being acquainted with the applicant, and vacated the chamber.

During the meeting, Mr G Heath spoke in objection to the proposal, and Mr J Collinge spoke on behalf of the applicant.

The planning officer's report noted that the application site is located within the Chilterns National Landscape, and that the neighbouring property, Chequers Manor and its associated stable block, are designated as non-designated heritage assets (NDHA) on the Buckinghamshire Local Heritage List.

The officer's report also noted that:

The proposal would provide 5 new dwellings on a previously developed site. The Framework seeks to significantly boost the supply of housing and has a positive approach to alternative uses of currently developed land. Therefore, whilst a relatively small-scale development, this scheme would boost the general supply of housing and helpingtoaddressashortfallinthecouncil’sdemonstrablesupplyofdeliverablehousing sites. Moreover, the site would result in PDL re-use. Together, matters attract significant weight.

The report also noted that 14 objections had been received, citing concerns such as increased traffic, harm to wildlife, and the impact on the peace and tranquility of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty¹.

Planning Application for 24 New Road, Stokenchurch

The committee approved an application for a change of use from dwellinghouse (Use Class C3a²) to children’s home (Use Class C2¹), at 24 New Road, Stokenchurch, HP14 3RT, including the installation of solar panels, construction of a cycle store, and hard landscaping to the parking area.

The committee voted unanimously in favour of the motion to approve the application, in line with the officer’s recommendation, but added a condition requiring that:

Details of the front boundary treatment for the site, to include a section of soft landscaping/hedging, shall be submitted to, and approved in writing by, the local planning authority prior to the new parking area being laid out. The approved details shall be implemented prior to the use of the site hereby permitted commencing and shall thereafter be retained.

The reason given for adding this condition was:

In the interest of the amenity of the local area.

Prior to the debate and vote, Councillor Nathan Thomas declared an interest in the application, due to having been appointed the Cabinet Member for Education to sit on the Corporate Parenting Panel which looked at the care and wellbeing of the Council’s Looked After Children, and vacated the chamber.

During the meeting, Mr Martin Burgess spoke as the applicant.

The planning officer's report noted that the proposed use will accommodate up to 4 young people aged 8-17 on a long-term basis who will be supported by a team of permanent staff employed by Buckinghamshire Council providing adult supervision 24 hours a day.

The officer's report stated that:

The level of activity arising from the proposed children’s home is considered to be similar to that of a standard dwelling and therefore the proposed development will be compatible with the residential character of the surrounding area.

The report also noted that the Council’s highways officers had raised no objections to the proposal.