Urgent notices recently posted around Carpenters Wood and near Chenies Manor expressed concern that fields between the A404 and the Metropolitan Line are under threat as part of the “Emerging Chiltern and South Bucks Local Plan (2014-2036)”
Word spread fast via social media and over 5000 responses were received by the deadline for comments (Mon 14 March, 5pm)
The Plan includes a review of local green belt land and identifies areas that could be released between Chorleywood and Little Chalfont to allow building of around 7.800 new homes (and another 7,300 in the Chiltern) plus industrial units)
The move has been widely opposed by Parish and District Councillors and local residents.
Little Chalfont Parish Council and Community Association held three meetings discussing the impact of “turning the village from Little Chalfont to Big Chalfont.” and agreed that the area is facing the greatest threat for over 30 years.
“Little Chalfont (LC) has already taken more than its fair share of recent housing targets in 2006 – 2014“ says Chris Ingham, LC Parish Councillor, “Our existing infrastructure can’t cope.”
“3RDC will make representations if the final proposals are detrimental to Chorleywood” adds District Cllr Martin Trevett.
At the next stage (autumn 2016) there will be a public consultation looking at preferred options, then in early 2017 a Draft Plan will be formulated which will be submitted to the Secretary of State for the Department of Communities and Local Government probably in late 2017.
The complete Plan will determine extent of development and location (up to 2036)
What’s Next?
Oct/Nov 2016: Preferred Options Consultation
March/April 2017: Draft Plan for Public Consultation
Sept 2017: Submission of Plan to the Secretary of State
Dec 2017: Examination
June 2018: Possible Adoption
THE BACKGROUND
* Under a government consultation (Dec 15) rules were changed to allow councils to allocate small-scale sites in the Green Belt specifically for starter homes
* Development on this scale has a massive impact on roads, schools, hospitals and leisure facilities on our doorstep, as well as green spaces. and Developers undertaking such building projects have to contribute to the infrastructure cost by law via The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). CIL in South Bucks will be reviewed as part of this Local Plan.
Photo © Clare Morrison
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