Residents across Buckinghamshire are raising questions and concerns as the county progresses its new Local Plan — a long-term blueprint that will shape housing, infrastructure and development over the next 20 years
What is the Local Plan?
A Local Plan sets a vision for how an area will grow and change. It provides the framework that guides decisions on housing, the economy, community facilities and infrastructure.
This includes:
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How many homes are needed and where they could be built
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Land for jobs and business growth
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Schools, healthcare and community services
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Transport, utilities and other essential infrastructure
Buckinghamshire Council says the plan is designed to help the county remain a thriving and sustainable place to live while protecting valued landscapes and rural character.
Why so many homes?
Under the Government’s current planning rules, councils must calculate housing need using a national formula based on projected growth and affordability pressures.
For Buckinghamshire, this means planning for around 95,000 new homes over the next two decades — significantly higher than under previous calculations.
The council has stated that despite the scale of the target, it remains committed to protecting the Green Belt, supporting well-designed neighbourhoods and strengthening town centres and local economies.
Progress so far
Work on the Local Plan has included gathering evidence on housing need, employment land, transport capacity, environmental impacts, climate considerations and infrastructure requirements.
In 2025, more than 1,300 people took part in formal consultation on early proposals. The council also carried out “Call for Sites” exercises, inviting landowners to suggest land for potential development.
More than 1,400 site suggestions were submitted. Following initial assessments against environmental, infrastructure and planning criteria, around 400 sites have been shortlisted for further technical review.
Next step: Sites Engagement (February to March 2026)
The council has now moved into the next stage of plan-making — an informal sites engagement exercise running from February to March 2026. This forms part of the Regulation 18 stage of the statutory planning process.
The purpose of this stage is to:
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Confirm whether sites are available for development
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Assess their suitability and viability
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Engage directly with landowners and infrastructure providers
The council has clarified that this stage is not a formal public consultation on the final plan, but an important step in refining site options before further drafts are published.
How residents can have their say
Residents are encouraged to follow the progress of the Local Plan and take part in consultation opportunities as they arise.
To view information and submit feedback, visit:
https://yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com/planning/2aa4b313/ (external site)
Community concerns
Some residents and local groups have expressed concern about the scale of growth and its potential impact on traffic congestion, school places, GP services, water and drainage systems, and the loss of countryside.
Others argue that new housing — particularly affordable homes — is essential to help younger families and key workers remain in the county.
The Local Plan will continue to evolve over the coming months, with further consultation stages expected before it is finalised and submitted for independent examination.
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