The Growth, Infrastructure and Housing Committee met to discuss the Buckinghamshire Housing Strategy, planning priorities, and culture and leisure in the area. Councillor David Moore was appointed Vice-Chair of the committee.

Housing Strategy Update

Councillor Mark Winn, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regulatory Services, and Lisa Michelson, Service Director for Housing at the Council, provided an update on the Buckinghamshire Housing Strategy 2024-2029, which was adopted in April 2024¹. The strategy has three priorities:

• Responding to the needs of a diverse population
• Better homes that are good quality, sustainable and matched to need
• New homes which are affordable, accessible and appropriate

Accomplishments in the last year include updating the allocations policy to give priority across the whole county area, reducing temporary accommodation placement costs, and restructuring the housing service.

Councillor Winn highlighted the challenges going forward, including construction costs, inflation, high house prices, and an ageing population. He also noted that landlords are under pressure and leaving the market, leading to higher rents.

Looking ahead, the council aims to shape the policy framework in the next local plan for affordable housing and deliver a variety of substantive temporary accommodation.

Councillor Robin Stuchbury raised concerns that the report made no reference to the Anthony Collins report on providing social housing models, which he had been requesting for five years. Councillor Winn responded that the report concluded that it was not the best time for the council to be its own housing provider.

Councillor Patrick Feely was pleased with the work being done with the energy doctor scheme and the upgrade grant, and asked that it continue to be supported. He also noted the need for more bungalows or smaller properties for the ageing population.

Councillor Caroline Cornell asked where the three council-owned sites for affordable housing were located. Councillor Winn stated that there were several, including one on Pen Road in High Wycombe, but it was too premature to say where the others were. He did confirm the target to achieve 500 affordable homes delivered on council-owned sites within the plan.

Councillor Michael Collins raised concerns about the siting of children's homes in Aston Clinton. Councillor Winn clarified that this issue would come under children's services, not his portfolio.

Councillor Mark Roberts asked what the projected outcome of these priorities would be in terms of the length of time people are housed. Councillor Winn responded that it was too early to give any projections, but the aim was to give people every opportunity to find an affordable home within Buckinghamshire.

Councillor David Moore asked how the council can ensure affordable housing is genuinely affordable for young people. Councillor Winn responded that the council can look at rural exception schemes and put the prominence of affordable housing within the local plan.

A discussion ensued about direct delivery of housing versus delivery in partnership with registered providers. Councillor Gary Hall, Deputy Cabinet Member, stated that tenants at Wickham District Council voted overwhelmingly to move to a new housing association, rather than be council tenants.

Planning Overview

Councillor Michael Bracken, Deputy Cabinet Member for Planning, and Hannah Joyce, Head of Service of Planning Growth and Sustainability, presented a planning overview, detailing key priorities and challenges.

Councillor Susan Morgan asked how the council is approaching grey belt² applications, specifically what legal resources are being allocated to scrutinise applications and ensure they meet the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) criteria. Councillor Bracken responded that the council accepts the NPPF and will take its own position on what constitutes the most important elements of green belt.

Councillor Stuchbury stated that once a local plan is in place, grey belt falls away. He also expressed concern that the council's targets don't seem to grow against need.

Councillor Collins raised concerns about monitoring and enforcing conditions agreed with developers. He stated that there are insufficient staff to ensure compliance. Councillor Bracken responded that the council acts through enforcement where conditions are not being complied with.

Councillor Moore asked how the council can ensure that new developments are not only sustainable but beautiful and locally distinctive. Councillor Bracken responded that there will be policies around design in the new local plan, and the council is kicking off a piece of work on a Buckinghamshire design code.

Councillor Feely suggested further training for parish and town councils on changes to the NPPF and the benefits of Section 106 agreements³ and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)⁴. He also suggested putting more pressure on integrated care boards for secondary care contributions.

Councillor Roberts asked what the council is doing to support towns and parishes in developing neighbourhood plans, given the withdrawal of grant funding. Councillor Bracken responded that the council will continue to provide support and hopes that the new CIL will incentivise more neighbourhood plans.

Councillor Hazel Arthur-Hewitt suggested inductions for town and parish councils, as well as research into the variety of things they can use CIL money on. She also asked how the council considers the outer impact of small builds on schooling capacity.

Culture and Leisure Overview

Councillor Peter Brazier, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, Richard Barker, Corporate Director for Communities, and Sophie Payne presented a culture and leisure overview, detailing key priorities and challenges.

Priorities for 2025-26 include maintaining country parks, commencing re-procurement of the grounds maintenance contract, implementing Library Flex⁵, implementing a new operating model for the South Buckinghamshire Golf Club and Farnham Park Playing Fields, moving the Buckinghamshire Archives, developing a playing pitch and outdoor sports strategy, maximising the economic and social benefits of filming, supporting the Opportunity Bucks programme, and supporting delivery of the Buckinghamshire Cultural Strategy.

Councillor Roberts asked what opportunities there might be for devolution of culture and leisure facilities to town and parishes. Councillor Brazier responded that the council is very open to and supportive of pursuing those types of opportunities.

Councillor Jackson Ng asked what has been considered to focus on activities for teenagers and young adults. Councillor Brazier responded that there are a wide range of things, including a youth centre in High Wycombe library.

Councillor Stuchbury expressed disappointment that the report was not looking at tourism. Councillor Brazier agreed that the council doesn't do enough on tourism and it is something they will be looking at.

Councillor Moore asked when the South Bucks Country Park in Stoke Poges will open. Councillor Brazier responded that the council is aiming for next summer.

Councillor Chotai asked what technologies are being introduced in the libraries through the service improvement board reserve and how these technologies will deliver revenue savings without reducing the frontline service quality. Councillor Brazier responded that the technologies are primarily related to Library Flex, including upgraded CCTV and access technology.

Councillor Collins stated that the county's military archive needs to be seen and understood by the public. Councillor Brazier responded that there is a plan to have a display space at the new archive.

Councillor Roberts asked how long it will take to get through inducting all of the members for Library Flex. Councillor Brazier responded that it will be demand-led and the council expects to be able to handle the volumes.

Councillor Feely asked how the council can develop warm spaces and encourage young people to go to youth clubs. Councillor Brazier responded that most of that would come through the community's portfolio, but he will take that away and see what can be done.

Councillor Arthur-Hewitt asked whether the council could deliver a music venue. Councillor Brazier responded that he knows how important it is to get that kind of venue offering music.

Work Programme and Date of Next Meeting

The committee discussed the work programme and noted that there was a potential additional item, the Buckingham Economic Strategy and Delivery Plan. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 23rd September at 10 a.m.