The East & South Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee is scheduled to convene on Tuesday 03 February 2026. The meeting's agenda includes the consideration of two planning applications, one concerning a farm conversion and the other a residential extension.

Boveney Court Farm, Boveney Road, Dorney

A significant portion of the meeting's documentation is dedicated to the planning application for Boveney Court Farm¹ in Dorney. The reports detail a proposal for the demolition of an open-sided barn, the conversion and alteration of existing buildings to create seven residential units, and the construction of five new residential units, resulting in a total of twelve dwellings. This development also includes landscaping, an attenuation pond, bin and cycle stores, and car parking.

The application has a complex planning history, including a previously refused application that was dismissed at appeal. The current reports indicate that the council is no longer able to make a decision on this application due to an appeal against non-determination having been lodged by the applicant. Therefore, the committee is being asked to advise what their decision would have been, to assist officers in preparing a case for the Planning Inspectorate.

Key issues scheduled for discussion include:

• Affordable Housing: The viability assessment for the development indicates that it is not possible to provide a greater level of affordable housing than the proposed financial contribution of £280,000 towards off-site affordable housing, which equates to approximately 21% provision. This is noted as not meeting the 50% requirement set out in the council's Golden Rules ².
• Bat Mitigation Measures: Detailed plans for bat mitigation are outlined, including the installation of bat boxes, ridge access tiles, and bat access voids within new buildings. The council's Ecology Officer considers these measures to be appropriate and acceptable.
• Green Belt and Conservation Area Impact: The reports discuss the development's impact on the Green Belt and the Boveney Conservation Area³. The appeal Inspector for a previous application had considered that the proposals would not cause substantial harm to the Green Belt and would result in a slight enhancement to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.
• Flood Risk and Drainage: The Environment Agency⁴ has raised concerns regarding flood risk, particularly the safety of access routes during flood events, stating that there will be a danger of loss of life for the general public . While technical objections regarding floodplain storage have been addressed, the agency recommends consultation with emergency services to assess life-safety implications. The Lead Local Flood Authority⁵ has raised no objection subject to specific conditions regarding surface water drainage and the connection of land drains.
• Infrastructure Contributions: A financial contribution of £11,327 is requested by NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board (ICB)⁶ towards the creation of additional clinical capacity at Burnham Health Centre or another identified primary care project.

The reports also detail extensive consultation responses from Dorney Parish Council⁷, Thames Water⁸, the Waste Officer, Highways Officer, Strategic Access Officer, Archaeological Officer, Ecology Officer, Heritage Officer, and the Lead Local Flood Authority, as well as comments from the NHS ICB.

59 Old Town Close, Beaconsfield

The committee will also consider planning application PL/25/4751/FA concerning 59 Old Town Close⁹ in Beaconsfield. This application seeks permission for a part-single, part-two storey side and rear extension, along with associated alterations including the installation of a first-floor flank window and the re-siting of solar panels and rooflights.

The key considerations for this application, as outlined in the reports, are:

• Character and Appearance: The proposed extension is considered to be in keeping with the character of the existing dwelling and the surrounding area, respecting the established building line and architectural style.
• Residential Amenity: It is assessed that the extension would not cause significant loss of light, privacy, or outlook for neighbouring properties. A condition will be imposed to prevent the installation of windows at first-floor level or higher in the north-facing elevation to protect the amenity of the neighbouring property at 65 The Spinney.
• Parking and Highways: The proposed development would not result in a shortfall of parking provision, as the number of bedrooms, which dictates parking requirements, remains unchanged.
• Ecology: No concerns are raised regarding potential impacts on protected species, such as bats, due to the building's condition and modern design.

The application is being referred to the committee because the applicant is a Buckinghamshire Councillor. The recommendation is for conditional permission.