Buckinghamshire Council is encouraging businesses and organisations to take part in the final consultation on its draft Local Plan, which will guide development, infrastructure investment and economic growth across the county until 2045.

The draft plan sets out how Buckinghamshire will accommodate around 91,000 homes required under national planning policy, while ensuring growth is directed to sustainable locations and supported by the infrastructure communities and businesses need. An up-to-date Local Plan is essential to retaining local control over development, reducing the risk of speculative development and creating the conditions for long-term economic success.

For the business community, the Local Plan is a key part of delivering Buckinghamshire’s Economic Growth Plan. It seeks to ensure there is sufficient land and space for businesses to invest, expand and create jobs, recognising that housing and employment growth need to be planned together. Employment allocations within the plan are designed to support the county’s future economic growth while creating opportunities for both current and future residents. The plan includes policies that protect existing employment sites from redevelopment for alternative uses, while supporting the appropriate intensification of employment activities and rural diversification. In addition, it requires major developments to provide local employment and training opportunities.

The Local Plan also identifies 270 hectares of land for employment development and business expansion, including opportunities linked to the continued growth of Westcott Enterprise Zone and other strategic employment locations. Alongside this, the Council has identified more than 500 infrastructure projects requiring at least £6 billion of investment, covering transport, education, healthcare, utilities, community facilities and green infrastructure.

A significant feature of the draft plan is its brownfield-first approach. Rather than allocating new housing and employment sites in the Green Belt, the plan prioritises regeneration opportunities in town centres, on previously developed land and in areas with well-connected railway stations. This approach aims to make the best use of existing land and infrastructure, support town centre renewal, attract investment and reduce pressure on Buckinghamshire’s countryside.

Around 13,500 homes are expected to be delivered through redevelopment and regeneration opportunities in town centres and locations close to well-connected rail hubs. This represents a balanced approach to growth, helping to protect the Green Belt and the Chilterns National Landscape while focusing development in the county’s most sustainable locations.

Sustainable growth is equally important in rural areas. Carefully planned development can help sustain village businesses, shops, schools and community facilities, while providing opportunities for younger people and families to remain within their local communities and support thriving rural economies.

The six-week Regulation 19 statutory consultation is the final opportunity for businesses, residents and organisations to comment on the draft Local Plan before it is submitted for independent examination. Responses should focus on whether the plan is legally compliant and "sound" – meaning it is evidence-based, deliverable and consistent with national planning policy.

Businesses can view the draft Local Plan, supporting evidence and consultation details at: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/local-plan

The consultation closes at 11.59pm on Sunday 6 September.

Written by the team at Buckinghamshire Council.