Buckingham’s updated Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) has taken another big step forward. After completing its official examination period over the summer, the independent Examiner has recommended that the Plan be made, subject to a few minor modifications. His report highlights many positive aspects of the work carried out by the community and Town Council.
You can read the full Examiner’s Report here:
Examiner’s Report – Buckingham Neighbourhood Development Plan
What Happens Next?
The next stage is a local referendum, organised by Buckinghamshire Council. Neighbourhood Development Plans are unique: they must be approved directly by the community – meaning you decide whether the Plan is adopted.
The referendum is expected to take place early in the new year, and we will share further updates shortly.
How the Neighbourhood Plan Fits with the Local Plan
At the same time, Buckinghamshire Council’s emerging Local Plan – covering the whole of Buckinghamshire – has recently been through its first consultation. If the Buckingham NDP is approved at referendum, it will come into effect shortly afterwards and will shape detailed planning policy specifically for Buckingham up to 2040.
Together, the Local Plan and our Neighbourhood Plan form the complete Development Plan for the area.
Why This Matters: Key Talking Points
- Buckingham is an attractive location for developers, especially with the new Winslow railway station nearby.
- Without strong planning policies, new homes may be built with minimal supporting infrastructure, such as school places or road improvements.
- National policy calls for more housing, but also insists that growth should be plan-led.
- A new Neighbourhood Development Plan gives Buckingham local control over where new housing goes, what it looks like, and what infrastructure must accompany it.
- Choosing not to prepare a plan will not stop development. Instead, it would open the door to speculative development, where developers decide the location, design, and level of infrastructure.
- The Plan includes a Design Guide with legal weight, ensuring high-quality development.
- When Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is applied to Buckingham, having a Neighbourhood Plan means the Town Council receives 25% of CIL for local projects (otherwise only 15%—and capped at £100 per dwelling).
The Quick Summary
| With a Neighbourhood Plan | Without a Neighbourhood Plan |
|---|---|
| Becomes part of the legal Development Plan | Must rely solely on the Local Plan |
| Residents help decide where homes go | Developers choose locations (“speculative development”) |
| Infrastructure requirements can be set locally | Minimal or uncertain infrastructure |
| A legally enforceable Design Guide | Generic developer-led design |
| Town Council receives 25% of CIL | Town Council receives 15%, capped per house |
Q & A
“Buckingham has seen so much development already. If we didn’t have a plan, wouldn’t that stop more houses being built?”
Unfortunately, no. Further house building is inevitable due to unmet housing need and Buckingham’s popularity.
Without a Neighbourhood Plan, developers can submit major applications with far fewer restrictions on:
- location
- design
- infrastructure
This is known as speculative development.
With a Plan in place, the community can demonstrate that housing need is being met, while guiding development to the right places, with the right design, and with the infrastructure residents need.
What is a Neighbourhood Plan?
A Neighbourhood Plan is the most local form of planning policy. It forms half of the Development Plan for Buckingham alongside the Buckinghamshire Local Plan.
Does Buckingham already have one?
Yes – we were one of the first towns in the country to produce a Neighbourhood Plan back in 2015.
Why do we need a new one?
A great deal has changed since 2015. Those earlier housing allocations have now been built, and it is time to plan for the next period up to 2040.
What are the benefits of having a new plan?
- Provides strong protection against speculative development
- Ensures development happens where residents think it is most appropriate
- Helps secure the infrastructure the community needs
- Unlocks 25% of Community Infrastructure Levy for local projects
Finally…
A big thank you to everyone who took part in the consultation events in 2024 and earlier this year. Your feedback has shaped every stage of this process.
This is your Plan – Made in Buckingham, for Buckingham.