Two new neighbourhood plans for Buckinghamshire

Democracy and Local Affairs

Following a delay due to Covid-19 regulations, the Great and Little Kimble-cum-Marsh Neighbourhood Plan and the Ickford Neighbourhood Plan were taken to referendum on 6 May 2021 to see if residents within the parishes wanted the neighbourhood plans made part of the development plan. The result of the referendums was that over 88% of those who voted were in favour of the plans.

The Council has now ‘made’ (officially adopted) the neighbourhood plans for both Kimble and Ickford. These neighbourhood plans will be used by Buckinghamshire Council alongside the adopted Local Plan when it considers any planning applications in these areas.

The Decision Statements and finished neighbourhood plans are available to view on the Buckinghamshire Council website:

Buckinghamshire Council and the preceding legacy district councils have supported towns and parishes by helping them to create their own local neighbourhood plans. This became possible under laws created to help local people to be involved in shaping the future of their immediate area. The Localism Act sets out a process for town and parish councils and community groups so they can create their own neighbourhood plan by working with their local planning authority.

Buckinghamshire Council ensures all the legal stages are complied with and organises the referendum – a key stage in the progression of a neighbourhood plan. The council can also provide help, support and advice when asked.

Gareth Williams, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, said:

“We believe in involving people in the planning process as much as we can, which is why we support neighbourhood plans.

“So far, we’ve now made 28 neighbourhood plans, with the Kimble and Ickford neighbourhood plans being the latest additions. These plans empower local people by helping them set the planning policies that help to determine planning applications in their local area.

“However, it’s worth noting that neighbourhood plans need to fit within wider planning policies and that planning applications still need to be approved by planning officers.”

Great and Little Kimble-cum-Marsh Parish Council said:

“We are delighted that the hard work and engagement by our Neighbourhood Plan Working Group and parish residents has led to a successful referendum and plan making. The Neighbourhood Plan will help to preserve the rural character of the parish whilst accommodating future housing development in a sustainable way.”

Ickford Parish Council commented:

“We are delighted that there was such an overwhelming support for the Ickford Plan and that it has now been ‘made’ by Buckinghamshire Council. It justifies all the hard work the team committed to its compilation. Unfortunately it was started too late to curtail two major developments in the village BUT it has forged to shape them, and will undoubtedly help to keep the special identity and rural aspects that are special to Ickford for the next 20+ years.”