Buckinghamshire Business First (BBF) welcomes several elements of the Regulation 19 Buckinghamshire Local Plan, particularly its stronger recognition of the needs of the local economy. Positive measures include greater protection for strategic and small employment sites, support for priority sectors, greater flexibility for commercial uses, and proposals to allocate employment land to support job creation, business expansion and inward investment.  

However, BBF believes significant challenges remain if the Plan is to deliver balanced and sustainable economic growth. The Plan identifies a requirement for at least 219 hectares of employment land, but only 147 hectares are currently allocated. Much of this provision is concentrated in the north of Buckinghamshire, despite business feedback indicating strong market demand in the south and across the county. This could constrain expanding businesses, or cause them to relocate outside the county if they cannot find a suitable location in Buckinghamshire. 

Housing must also be treated as important economic infrastructure. BBF is concerned that housing growth could become disconnected from employment opportunities, creating greater out-commuting rather than strengthening Buckinghamshire’s labour market. Therefore, we suggest that new homes should be affordable and delivered alongside employment space, transport, utilities, and community infrastructure. Indeed, infrastructure provision represents another significant risk. Evidence underpinning the Plan identifies substantial capacity constraints, but amelioration will require funding or decisions beyond the planning system. 

New requirements for Local Employment and Skills Plans could also create additional burdens for smaller developments. BBF supports contributions to local skills provision, but believes requirements need clearer guidance, proportionate thresholds, and stronger alignment with Buckinghamshire’s Local Skills Improvement Plan 2026, and other local skills and employment strategies. 

Elsewhere, tourism assets continue to receive weaker protection than other employment uses, potentially affecting the visitor economy, while town-centre policies could be more flexible to allow high streets to adapt to changing market demand.  

To conclude, BBF believe the following key areas should be addressed in the final version of the new Buckinghamshire Local Plan 2045: 

1. Infrastructure policies risk constraining development viability 

2. Local Employment and Skills Plans requirements should be made clearer, to avoid excessive burdens on smaller developments 

3. Limited progress on tourism policy 

4. Town Centre Policies may still be too restrictive and lack clarity, with implications for high street regeneration and transformation 

5. Housing is important economic infrastructure, but the proposed growth trajectory may not be sustainable.  

Receipt of the Planning Inspectorate’s report, and the publication of the final plan, is expected by September 2027. For more information, visit: The Local Plan for Buckinghamshire