The East & South Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee met on Tuesday 19 May 2026 and approved the construction of two detached houses in Gerrards Cross, while deferring a decision on a permanent planning application for homeless accommodation in Burnham.

Construction of Two Detached Houses in Gerrards Cross Approved

The committee approved the construction of two detached dwellinghouses and garages at the site of Former Knowle Croft, 72 Camp Road, Gerrards Cross. This decision was made despite objections from local councillors and Gerrards Cross Town Council, who argued that the development would be out of character with the area's Residential Area of Exceptional Character (RAEC).

Councillor Michael Bracken, the ward councillor for Gerrards Cross and Denham, argued that the proposed density of 11 dwellings per hectare was significantly higher than the area's average of 6.6 dwellings per hectare, contravening Policy H10 of the South Bucks District Local Plan, which aims to protect residential areas of exceptional character. He also raised concerns about the justification for removing two protected trees (TPO trees). Councillor Francis Nathan from Gerrards Cross Town Council echoed these concerns, stating that the proposal would fundamentally alter the character of the entire estate and set a dangerous precedent for plot subdivision.

However, the case officer, Lucy Dolan, presented a report that concluded the development would not lead to adverse impacts on the character or appearance of the area, neighbouring amenities, or highways. She highlighted that while the density was higher, it would not be apparent in the street scene and that the proposed plot widths and dwelling designs were comparable to existing properties in the vicinity. The report also noted that the council cannot currently demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, which, according to paragraph 11 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), means development proposals that accord with the development plan should be approved. The committee ultimately voted to approve the officer's recommendation by six votes to three, with one abstention.

Permanent Planning Permission for Homeless Accommodation in Burnham Deferred

The committee considered an application for permanent planning permission for a two-storey demountable building comprising 12 apartments at Walters Court, 811 Bath Road, Burnham, to provide residential accommodation for homeless households. The development already exists, having been constructed and occupied under previous temporary planning permissions.

The officer's recommendation was to defer and delegate the decision to the Director of Planning and Environment to grant conditional permission, subject to the completion of a memorandum of understanding or planning obligation to secure mitigation for Burnham Beeches Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a financial contribution towards healthcare.

Richard Regan, the case officer, explained that the site was previously used for employment purposes and that the current application sought to retain the residential use permanently due to a clear chronic need for this type of housing. He noted that the development did not fully meet the Golden Rules outlined in the NPPF, specifically regarding affordable housing and the provision of accessible green space, but argued that these were outweighed by the significant benefit of providing accommodation for homeless households, a statutory duty for the council.

Councillor Mark Roberts raised concerns about the Golden Rules and the precedent this might set, particularly regarding the tilted balance argument often used when a five-year housing land supply cannot be demonstrated. Councillor Martin Tett CBE questioned the impact of losing employment land and the justification for the financial contribution towards healthcare.

The committee engaged in a lengthy discussion about the implications of the Golden Rules and the council's ability to grant permission for developments that do not fully comply. It was clarified that while non-compliance with the Golden Rules is a material consideration, it does not automatically lead to refusal, especially when weighed against significant benefits and specific site circumstances.

Ultimately, the committee voted to defer and delegate the decision, pending the completion of the necessary legal agreements for SAC mitigation and healthcare contributions.

The meeting also included the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting held on 31 March 2026.