Please use this list to explore the Planning Group…
Go to… Planning Group home page Hot news topics Current issues of concern Comments on emerging planning (and related) issues Summary of Society responses to significant planning applications Reports – Biannual Area Planning Coordinators Business Meeting Reports – Spring/summer Full Planning Group Meeting Reports – Autumn/winter Full Planning Group Meeting (with the Society's AGM) Planning Guidance Statements Planning Field Officers parish map and list Chiltern Building Design Awards

 

Planning Group hot news topics

 

Wycombe stadium update

In July, the new Cabinet at Wycombe District Council decided to withdraw support for the Wycombe Stadium project (replacement stadium for Wasps/Wycombe Wanderers, training pitches, various community sports facilities, hotel/conference facilities, plus residential enabling development to provide funding), and therefore put a stop to the investigatory work.

This proposal, to be located at Wycombe Airpark, a Green Belt site surrounded on three sides by the AONB, had triggered considerable controversy and opposition (including about conduct and analysis of public consultation, lack of clear evidence of benefits, lack of detail including effect on airfield activities/scale of enabling development/possible requirement for new roads). Much of this was coordinated through the Groups Against the Stadium Proposal alliance, in which The Chiltern Society was a participant.

There was also disagreement within the ruling Conservative party, and this was a factor in a change of Leadership at Wycombe District Council, and thus the change of heart; they were especially swayed by a lack of confidence in the business case, and the risk this entailed to the Council's investment.

Since the Council is the owner of the Airpark, there is no chance of the clubs pursuing the project independently. Subsequently Wasps has been put for sale by Steve Hayes, who owns both clubs, since he believes its future is not viable at the current constrained Adams Park site.

 

Pitstone – Quarry 2

After seven years of wrangling, Clarks' planning application to infill Quarry 2 with nearly one million tons of inert waste, together with the provision of a recycling facility, finally went to the Bucks C.C. Committee on 21st March.

The Society's main objections were reiterated at the Committee meeting and these are:
• Risk to the aquifer
• Long term damage to the AONB and the Green Belt
• No need for additional landfill facilities in Bucks at the present time
• Excessive lorry movements on unsuitable roads and through the local villages.

The planning officer's report agreed all these points and recommended the application be refused. The Committee unanimously agreed not to grant planning permission.

There will still be low level chalk extraction on a seasonal basis at the quarry and there is a possibility that Clarks may appeal the decision.

Geoffrey Legge.
25/03/11