Planning Committee - Meeting Minutes
Monday 15th September 2025
Table Of Contents
Introduction
MINUTES OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 15 SEPTEMBER 2025 AT 7.30PM IN THE LIONEL RIGBY ROOM AT THE VILLAGE CENTRE, ROGERS LANE, STOKE POGES, SL2 4LP.
Present: Cllr Finan (Chair), Mr Harris, Cllr Wilson & Cllr Bassi (at 7.35pm)
In Attendance: Mrs J Simmonds (Clerk)
Also Present: One member of public.
Agenda Items
RESOLVED to agree by Cllr Finan, Mr Harris and Cllr Wilson that Cllr Finan should Chair the meeting.
054/PL/25 Items by Members of Public Present.
The meeting is open to the public and press and the first 15 minutes will be reserved, if required, for public comment on items on this agenda only.
One member of public attended to inform the committee of the possible lease take over at the Farnham Park and Golf Club, he was informed that this was discussed at the Full Parish Council meeting last week. He left flyers and was signposted to the new Newsflash which will be mentioning this the next day.
055/PL/25 Apologies for Absence and Acceptance.
APOLOGIES were received and accepted for Cllr Carter and Cllr Crocker.
056/PL/25 Declarations of Interest
Members to declare any personal interest in any item of business as defined in the Code of Conduct 2007. If that interest is a prejudicial interest as defined in the Code, the member should withdraw from the meeting for that item.
None
057/PL/25 Minutes
RESOLVED to approval the Minutes of the Planning Meeting held on 18 August 2025 which were signed by the chairman.
058/PL/25 Planning Applications
(i) RESOLVED to approve delegated decisions submitted for Planning Applications for which the response date was prior to this Committee Meeting. See Appendix 1.
(ii) RESOLVED to consider and formulate a response to new Planning Applications received. See Appendix 2. Plus, amended plans for information only.
059/PL/25 NOTED Planning Decisions, Enforcements and Appeals.
District Decisions made since the last Planning Committee Meeting. See Appendix 3.
060/PL/25 Councillors/Members Update
None
061/PL/25 – Buckinghamshire Council Complaints Procedure
RESOLVED to bring back to the next meeting to discuss and decide.
062/PL/25 Correspondence.
Heathrow Expansion Scheme – Consultation until 1 October 2025. AGREED that councillors should respond individually.
Bluebell Cottage – Reply received from Heritage which was read out.
063/PL/25 Exclusion of the Press & Public
Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 RESOLVED to exclude the press and public from the following business because publicity would prejudice the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business. Part two items: To discuss any possible unlawful buildings or business’s which have not been granted enforcement notices and therefore are not public.
064/PL/25 NOTED Outstanding Enforcements See Appendix 4.
065/PL/25 NOTED Next meeting date: 20 October 2025
Meeting ended at 8.42pm
APPENDIX 1
APPENDIX 2
NEW PLANNING APPLICATIONS RECEIVED
PL/25/2295/FA Westside, Keens Acre, School Lane, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, SL2 4FB
Retention of stables and barn for agricultural purposes.
There is a pending planning application PL/25/2164/FA seeking a change of use from an agricultural building to habitable accommodation.
If the site is no longer in active agricultural use, it is unclear on what basis the unauthorised outbuildings should be allowed to remain, as they can no longer be considered ancillary to the former piggery.
Relevant planning policies include GB1(a), GB9, EP3, and EP4, as well as Section 153 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
PL/25/2108/FA Carrillon, Hollybush Hill, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, SL2 4PX
Erection of dwelling, creation of new vehicular access and hard and soft landscaping works.
Parish Comments: Object, our previous comments from a similar application last year which the planning authority refused still apply and were:
We agree that we need smaller stock housing however if minded to approve then we believe that all permitted development rights should be removed to prevent further development. We would draw the officer’s attention to this spot which floods for most of the winter, and Carrillon itself uses sandbags for most of the winter. A Traffic Management Plan for an already congested area for parking and from parking for the pub is required. Yellow lines have already been placed in Broom Hill where the entrance to this property is proposed.
The proposal fails to demonstrate that adequate ground investigations have been carried out in order to determine that the proposed sustainable drainage strategy is feasible for the onsite ground conditions, and that the proposed development would be resilient and resistant to the risk of flooding within the site. In the absence of sufficient information in this regard the proposal fails to demonstrate that Core Policy 13 of the South Bucks Core Strategy (adopted February 2011) is satisfied, as well as the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework.
Reasons for refusal:
1. The proposed development, by virtue of its layout, design, height, width, depth and scale, would appear as a dominant and intrusive feature within the existing street scene of both Broom Hill and Hollybush Hill, whilst the proposed relationship with Carillon would make the resultant relationship appear cramped. These factors would be to the detriment of the character and appearance of the area, including its spaciousness. Accordingly, the proposal would conflict with Policies EP3 and H9 of the Local Plan, Policy CP8 of the Core Strategy, Paragraph 6.1.7 of the Council's Residential Design Guide, Section 12 of the NPPF and Section C1 of the National Design Guide, which collectively and amongst other matters, state that development will only be permitted where its scale, layout and siting are compatible with the character of the site and locality, and poor designs will not be permitted.
2. Inadequate ecological information has been submitted with the application, and it has not been possible to fully assess the impact of the proposal on biodiversity including the impact of the proposed development on protected species. The application has therefore failed to demonstrate how wildlife will not be harmed, as well as failing to demonstrate how net gain for biodiversity will be obtained and is therefore contrary to Core Policy CP9 of the South Bucks Core Strategy (adopted February 2011) and the guidance set out in the NPPF.
3. The occupants of the proposal would add to the recreational disturbance of the Burnham Beeches Special Area of Conservation as the proposal would not contribute satisfactorily to mitigate its impacts in this respect. In the absence of a planning obligation to secure suitable strategic access management and monitoring, to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority, the proposal is contrary to Core Policy 9 of the South Bucks Core Strategy (adopted February 2011), Burnham Beeches Special Area of Conservation Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Strategy SPD, and Section 15 of the NPPF.
We refer you to our newly adopted neighbourhood plan which can be viewed on our website but should be being used by Planning Officers for every application now is available on our website.
Sections LB01 and LB04 apply.
PL/25/1803/FA 10 Sefton Close, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, SL2 4LJ
Part single, part two storey rear extension and side extension, extension of front porch.
Parish Comments: Object Overdevelopment of site. Appendix 8 of the Local Plan section (3), 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 and 7.4 apply.
The proposed development, by virtue of a combination of its size, scale, massing, style and proximity to the sites flank boundaries, would appear over dominant, obtrusive and out of keeping, as well as appearing as a cramped overdevelopment of the site. As such, it would have an adverse impact on the street scene and the character and visual amenities of the area. Therefore, the proposal is contrary to policies H9 and EP3 of the South Bucks District Local Plan (adopted March 1999), and policy CP8 of the South Bucks Core Strategy (adopted February 2011), and the NPPF. Furthermore, the proposed development would not reflect the form or height of existing buildings on this designated Formal Suburban Road, to the detriment of its appearance and character and contrary to the content of the South Bucks Townscape Character Study.
We refer you to our newly adopted neighbourhood plan which can be viewed on our website but should be being used by Planning Officers for every application now and is available on our website. v
Sections LB04 applies.
PL/25/3541/PAPCR Sefton Park, Bells Hill, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire
Prior approval for the change of use from Commercial, Business and Service use (Class E) to residential use (Class C3) (Schedule 2, Part 3, Class MA)
Prior Notification under Class MA of Part 3, Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 for change of use from commercial, business and service (Use Class E) to 14 residential flats (Use Class C3)
Parish Comments: There are concerns around public transport and its lack of infrastructure within the locality. The only public transport is an infrequent bus service.
Even though there is a network of paths and cycle routes, they are not all accessible or usable at this point. The Parish Council have undertaken a survey of all footpaths recently for its Neighbourhood Plan, many of the paths are impassable, gates or styles are also broken, none are suitable for a push chair, buggy or wheelchair users. As this development progresses and increases our population the Parish Council would like to request a Section 106 to contribute towards a project to address these problems and make them accessible to bicycles and buggies etc. We believe our Neighbourhood Plan sets this out as below:
Stoke Poges Neighbourhood Plan (2020–2042)
2.3.8 The Neighbourhood Plan Objectives are as follows:
Connected Buckinghamshire provide efficient and reliable transport network
Growing Buckinghamshire secure good road, public transport, cycle and walking
infrastructure and service provision to meet the needs of residents
Healthy, Safe and Sustainable Buckinghamshire promoting sustainable transport
choices and access to opportunities
Empowered Buckinghamshire allow everyone to access the educational, work and
social opportunities they need
2.3.9 The Plan states that public transport and other sustainable transport methods such as
walking and cycling should be encouraged as much as possible to ensure settlement areas
are well-integrated and connected.
AMENDED PLANS
PLANS FOR INFORMATION ONLY
TREE PRESEERVATION ORDER
NOTED APPENDIX 3
PLANNING DECISIONS
PL/25/2010/FA Huntsmoor, Templewood Lane, Farnham Common, Buckinghamshire, SL2 3HW
The erection of an oak-framed domestic garage with a first-floor room over with a sunroom linking it to the host dwelling.
Parish Comments: Object, policies GB1, EP3, H9 all apply. The Green Belt 50 rules also apply. This is over dominant. The NPPF Page 39, No.12, paragraph 132 also applies, Achieving well designed places.
There was a loss of the original garage in a previous application which was turned into habitable accommodation, this has now led to the applicant wanting to build another garage.
This proposal, together with previous extensions that have been carried out to the dwelling house would, by virtue of the resultant size and scale of the building when considered in relation to the original building and its potentially intrusive impact upon its setting in the landscape, contribute to the erosion of the Greenbelt which, individually and when considered in the context of accumulation of other similar proposals, would detrimentally affect the aims objectives go the Greenbelt. As such, the proposal is contrary to Policies GB1 and GB10 of the SBDC Local Plan (adopted March 1999)
This proposal, if permitted, would be likely to act as a precursor of further applications for similar types of development within this part of the Greenbelt, which the Planning Authority would find increasingly difficult to resist and which, which, cumulatively, would seriously prejudice the openness of the Greenbelt and the aims and objectives of Greenbelt policy.
Hereby Permits
PL/25/1667/FA 11 Sefton Paddock, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, SL2 4PT
Proposed part two storey side extension and part single storey rear extension with pitch tiled roofs and 1 No. roof window in rear single storey extension.
Parish Comments: No Comment.
Withdrawn
PL/25/1703/PAPCR Prior approval for the change of use from Commercial, Business and Service use (Class E) to residential use (Class C3) (Schedule 2, Part 3, Class MA) Building E, Sefton Park, Bells Hill, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, SL2 4HD
Prior Notification under Class MA of Part 3, Schedule 2 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 for change of use from Commercial, Business and Service (Class E) to 46 self-contained flats (use class C3 Residential)
Parish Comments:
There are concerns around public transport and its lack of infrastructure within the locality. The only public transport is an infrequent bus service.
Even though there is a network of paths and cycle routes, they are not all accessible or usable at this point. The Parish Council have undertaken a survey of all footpaths recently for its Neighbourhood Plan, many of the paths are impassable, gates or styles are also broken, none are suitable for a push chair, buggy or wheelchair users. As this development progresses and increases our population the Parish Council would like to request a Section 106 to contribute towards a project to address these problems and make them accessible to bicycles and buggies etc. We believe our Neighbourhood Plan sets this out as below:
Stoke Poges Neighbourhood Plan (2020–2042)
2.3.8 The Neighbourhood Plan Objectives are as follows:
Connected Buckinghamshire provide efficient and reliable transport network
Growing Buckinghamshire secure good road, public transport, cycle and walking infrastructure and service provision to meet the needs of residents
Healthy, Safe and Sustainable Buckinghamshire promoting sustainable transport choices and access to opportunities
Empowered Buckinghamshire allow everyone to access the educational, work and social opportunities they need
2.3.9 The Plan states that public transport and other sustainable transport methods such as walking and cycling should be encouraged as much as possible to ensure settlement areas are well-integrated and connected. Prior Approval Given.
ENFORCEMENTS
APPEALS
PL/24/0723/FA Lynwood, 4 Clevehurst Close, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, SL2 4EP.
Erection of a two and half storey building comprising nine apartments following demolition of the existing building, formation of additional access onto the highway, parking and landscaping including bin and cycle stores.
Parish Comments: Object.
The proposed replacement dwelling, by virtue of a combination of its size, scale, massing, would appear over dominant, obtrusive, incongruous and out of keeping in the street scene and not compatible with the scale and spacious pattern of development in the surrounding area. Although the plot is large and allows reasonable gaps to both side boundaries, the proposed house would appear overlarge.
The proposed dwelling would not respect the proportions and semi-rural nature of development seen elsewhere within Clevehurst Close and would as a result cause significant harm to the character and appearance of the area. Given this, the proposed replacement dwelling would fail to accord with the aims of the NPPF, C1 of the National Design Guide, the South Bucks Residential Design Guide, the principles and guidance set out within the Townscape Character Study 2017.
As such, it would have an adverse impact on the street scene and the character and visual amenities of the area. Therefore, the proposal is contrary to policies H9, H11 and EP3 of the South Bucks District Local Plan (adopted March 1999), and policy CP8 of the South Bucks Core Strategy (adopted February 2011), also contrary to Appendix 8 of the South Bucks District Local Plan (adopted March 1999, Consolidated September 2007 and February 2011) and the NPPF. Furthermore, the proposed development would not reflect the form or height of existing buildings on this designated woodland road which is a lovely semi-rural street characterised by individual detached dwellings, therefore detrimental in its appearance and character and contrary to the content of the South Bucks Townscape Character Study.
There will also be loss of trees, and no Arboriculture Reports have been submitted to show how loss or potential damage to trees can be mitigated.
Lack of onsite parking we believe to be contrary to appendix 6 of the South Bucks Local Plan. As pointed out by the applicant there are no pavements in Clevehurst Road therefore pedestrians have no choice but to walk in the road. The location of this proposal is near to a T junction at a busy main road, therefore parked cars near the junction will be dangerous for drivers and pedestrians. Stoke Poges does not have any major transport links and an infrequent bus service therefore most people rely on their car.
The proposed demolition may cause harm as there is potential for European Protected Species (Bats) or other protected species to be present on site which would be impacted. The application has failed to provide survey information to demonstrate whether any protected species are present on site and whether the proposal would be likely to harm the habitat of a protected species and if so, what mitigation might be considered to address any harm. The removal of the mature hedge is also detrimental to the woodland road. As such, the application is contrary to policy CP9 of the South Bucks Core Strategy (adopted February 2011) and the requirements of the NPPF.
The occupants of the proposal would add to the recreational disturbance of the Burnham Beeches Special Area of Conservation as the proposal would not contribute satisfactorily to mitigate its impacts in this respect. In the absence of a planning obligation to secure suitable strategic access management and monitoring, to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority, the proposal is contrary to Core Policy 9 of the Core Strategy and Section 15 of the NPPF
This proposal, if permitted, would be likely to act as a precursor to further applications for similar types of development within Stoke Poges, which the Planning Authority would find increasingly difficult to resist.
We would like to draw your attention to the Stoke Poges Design and Guidance Codes of the Neighbourhood Plan September 2023 page 63 onwards.
Please see policies:
LB01 Patterns of development and
LB03 Preserving and promoting local vernacular.
AM02 Parking typologies.
LS02 Wildlife and biodiversity.
SF01 Sustainable Buildings.
SF02 Water management and SuDS
4.2 PART 1. GENERAL DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS:
The scope of the design code is not limited to large interventions within the main settlement area but also within the wider rural setting as well as individual small-scale developments. Creating good places demand a focus on achieving quality and this needs to be embedded in the heart of the process. Development should demonstrate synergy with, and be complementary to, existing settlement in terms of physical form, movement access, and land use type.
Development should relate sensitively to local heritage buildings, topography.
Development should reinforce or enhance the established character of the settlement.
Development should reflect, respect and reinforce local architecture as many vernacular features as is practicable.
Development should respect surrounding buildings in terms of scale, height, and massing.
Net Zero aims should be integrated, and development should adopt low energy and energy generative technologies within the development at the start of the design process.
Development should use nature-based water management solutions SuDS 14 to manage on-site water and boost biodiversity habitat.
This has now been completed via regulation 14. Which can be found on our website.
4. Decision-making
48. Local planning authorities may give weight to relevant policies in emerging plans according to:
(a) the stage of preparation of the emerging plan (the more advanced its preparation, the greater the weight that may be given).
(b) the extent to which there are unresolved objections to relevant policies (the less significant the unresolved objections, the greater the weight that may be given); and
(c) the degree of consistency of the relevant policies in the emerging plan to this Framework (the closer the policies in the emerging plan to the policies in the Framework, the greater the weight that may be given)
We will be writing to all three County Councillors to ask them to call this in based on the comments above.
Hereby Refuses Permission
Appeal
Appeal Dismissed