The West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee met on Wednesday 23 September 2026. Key decisions included the refusal of a Gypsy and Traveller caravan site at Ladys Mile, High Wycombe, due to substantial harms outweighing benefits, being inappropriate development in the Green Belt, and its detrimental impact on the openness and visual amenity of the Chilterns National Landscape. Permission was granted for a change of use to light industrial at Grymsdyke Farm, Lacey Green, subject to conditions, and for a private Gypsy and Traveller caravan site at The Hedgerow, Walters Ash, subject to conditions.

An outline application for up to 40 new dwellings on land off Thame Road, Longwick, was refused by the committee. The reasons for refusal included the development's location outside the defined settlement boundary of Longwick, undermining the plan-led approach; harm to the setting of nearby Grade II listed buildings; and the absence of a satisfactory legal agreement to secure essential infrastructure contributions.

Ladys Mile, High Wycombe: Gypsy and Traveller Caravan Site Refused

The committee refused planning permission for a part-retrospective application to create a Gypsy and Traveller caravan site at Ladys Mile, High Wycombe. The proposal sought permission for hardstanding, a screening bund, and the change of use of agricultural land to accommodate four static and four touring caravans.

Councillors debated whether the site constituted grey belt land. While officers argued it met the criteria for grey belt, local ward councillors and objectors contested this, citing the council's Green Belt assessment. Concerns were also raised about the impact on the Chilterns National Landscape.

Ultimately, the committee voted to refuse the application, citing substantial harms outweighing benefits, the development being inappropriate in the Green Belt, and its detrimental impact on the openness and visual amenity of the Chilterns National Landscape.

OS Parcel 3623, Thame Road, Longwick: 40 New Homes Refused

An outline planning application for up to 40 new dwellings on land off Thame Road, Longwick, was refused by the committee. Despite the council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply, councillors raised significant concerns.

Key reasons for refusal included the development's location outside the defined settlement boundary of Longwick, undermining the plan-led approach established by the Wycombe District Local Plan and the Longwick-cum-Ilmer Neighbourhood Plan. Substantial weight was given to the harm to the setting of nearby Grade II listed buildings, Sarah's Cottage and Old Orchard. Furthermore, the committee cited the lack of a satisfactory legal agreement to secure essential infrastructure contributions, including affordable housing, education, healthcare, and public transport improvements.

Concerns were also raised by local representatives and the MP regarding the strain on local infrastructure.

Grymsdyke Farm, Main Road, Lacey Green: Change of Use to Light Industrial Approved

The committee approved a change of use application for buildings at Grymsdyke Farm, Lacey Green, from car valeting to light industrial use (Class E (g) (iii)), along with external alterations. The site is located in the Green Belt and Chilterns National Landscape.

Officers concluded the proposal was acceptable in principle, and the Highway Authority raised no objection. Conditions were imposed to restrict operating hours, delivery times, and the routing of larger vehicles to mitigate amenity and safety concerns. The committee also agreed to strengthen conditions regarding vehicle size.

The Hedgerow, Parkwood, Walters Ash: Gypsy and Traveller Caravan Site Approved

Permission was granted for the change of use of land at The Hedgerow, Walters Ash, to a private Gypsy and Traveller caravan site for two pitches. The proposal included two utility buildings, parking, and the retention of existing hardstanding and a caravan.

The committee noted the site was located within the Green Belt and Chilterns National Landscape. Officers advised that the site qualified as grey belt land. The application was found to meet an evidenced unmet need for Gypsy and Traveller pitches and was considered to be in a sustainable location. The decision was unanimous, subject to conditions including ecological enhancements, a construction environmental management plan, and the provision of EV charging points.

Other Business

The committee noted the date of the next meeting as Wednesday, 21 October 2026.

Attendees:

• Councillor Sarfaraz Khan Raja, Chair
• Councillor Mazamal Hussain, Vice-Chairman
• Councillor Hazel Arthur-Hewitt
• Councillor Mohammed Ayub
• Councillor Alex Collingwood
• Councillor Mohammad Fayyaz BEM
• Councillor Clive Harriss
• Councillor Imran Hussain
• Councillor Michael West
• Councillor Shade Adoh (Apologies)
• Councillor Arman Alam (Apologies)
• Councillor Mark Turner (Apologies)
• Amanda Higgins
• Ray Martin
• Raji Shanmuganathan
• Chris Steuart
• Katherine Stubbs
• Laura Lee Briggs
• Rachel Steele
• Mark Aughterlony
• Teresa Coppock
• Councillor Chris Chilton
• Councillor Steven Broadbent (Leader)
• Councillor Matthew Walsh