The West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee is scheduled to convene on Wednesday 23 September 2026 to consider a range of planning applications. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on the creation of a Gypsy and Traveller caravan site near High Wycombe, an outline application for new housing in Longwick, and a change of use application for industrial purposes at Grymsdyke Farm.

Ladys Mile, Kingshill Road, High Wycombe HP13 5BB

A significant item on the agenda is the application for 25/05307/FUL at Ladys Mile, Kingshill Road, High Wycombe HP13 5BB. This application seeks retrospective planning permission for the creation of hardstanding, the formation of a visual screening bund using imported material, and the change of use of agricultural land to a Gypsy and Traveller caravan site. The proposal includes four pitches, accommodating four static caravans and four touring caravans for residential occupation. The report pack indicates that this development is considered to be not inappropriate development in the Green Belt under Policy GB7(g) of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) ¹. The report highlights an evidenced unmet need for Gypsy and Traveller accommodation within Buckinghamshire and that the site is considered to be in a sustainable location with access to services and facilities. The report also notes that the site is within the Chilterns National Landscape ², and that subject to conditions, the proposal would not result in unacceptable impacts in respect of highway safety, residential amenity, heritage assets, biodiversity, green infrastructure, flooding and drainage, or the purposes and special qualities of the Chilterns National Landscape.

OS Parcel 3623, Thame Road, Longwick

The committee will also consider 25/06402/OUT, an outline application for the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of up to 40 dwellings at OS Parcel 3623, Thame Road, Longwick. This application includes provision for new vehicular and pedestrian access, landscaping, and open space. The report notes that the Council cannot currently demonstrate a 5-year supply of deliverable housing sites, which triggers the presumption in favour of sustainable development under the NPPF. The proposal is considered to conflict with spatial policies relating to the location of new homes in the Wycombe District Local Plan ³ and the Longwick-cum-Ilmer Neighbourhood Plan ⁴, but the report suggests these conflicts would be significantly and demonstrably outweighed by the benefits of the scheme notably its contribution to housing land supply and the provision of affordable housing. The application proposes a minimum of 48% of the dwellings for on-site affordable housing, split between affordable housing for rent and intermediate housing.

Grymsdyke Farm, Main Road, Lacey Green HP27 0RB

Another item for discussion is PL/25/3044/FA at Grymsdyke Farm, Main Road, Lacey Green HP27 0RB. This application seeks permission for a change of use from car valeting (Sui Generis) to light industrial (Use Class E (g) (iii)), along with external alterations to the existing buildings. The report pack indicates that the site is located within the Green Belt and Chilterns National Landscape. The proposed use is considered acceptable in principle as it falls within the categories of development that Policy DM5 of the Delivery and Site Allocations Plan ⁵ permits on scattered business sites. The report states that substantial weight should be given to the economic benefits of the proposals which bring the site back into beneficial use and create a number of jobs. Conditions are proposed to manage operational hours, deliveries, and vehicle movements, particularly in relation to the adjacent Sweetcroft Daycare Nursery ⁶ and residential properties.

The Hedgerow, Parkwood, Walters Ash HP14 4XQ

Finally, the committee is scheduled to review PL/25/4361/FA at The Hedgerow, Parkwood, Walters Ash HP14 4XQ. This application seeks full permission for the use of land as a private Gypsy and Traveller caravan site for two pitches. The proposal includes the erection of two utility buildings and parking, with the retention of hardstanding and an existing caravan being part retrospective. The report highlights that the proposal would provide two pitches towards addressing the shortfall in supply of gypsy and traveller pitches in Buckinghamshire. It is considered to be not inappropriate development in the Green Belt as it utilises grey belt land and meets an evidenced unmet need. The development is also expected to deliver a 10% net gain in biodiversity on site. Concerns raised by the RAF High Wycombe ⁷ regarding site security and potential obstruction of access are noted, but the report suggests these are unlikely to be significantly impacted.