Buckinghamshire Council agrees RAF Halton plans

18 Jul 2024, 12:25 p.m.

Following a public consultation, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet has now agreed a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for RAF Halton. The SPD will inform the planning and development decisions for RAF Halton near Wendover once it ceases to be a military base in 2027.

RAF Halton was identified as a site for growth in the Vale of Aylesbury Local Plan 2011-2031 (VALP) which was adopted in 2021. Buckinghamshire Council has worked with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (part of the Ministry of Defence) to develop a clear framework and principles for the development of the site as it transfers from military to residential use. These are set out in the SPD, which expands on the objectives previously set out in the VALP.

Peter Strachan, Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet Member for Planning & Regeneration, said:

"The closure of RAF Halton offers an excellent opportunity for the development of a high-quality residential neighbourhood with associated infrastructure, services and facilities including a new local centre, a primary school, and enhanced green spaces.

“With at least 1,000 dwellings on the site (with a minimum of 250 of these being affordable housing), this will make a much-needed contribution to meeting the housing needs of Buckinghamshire residents via predominantly brownfield redevelopment whilst protecting other areas of Buckinghamshire from development.

“Our detailed Supplementary Planning Document outlines the expectations and prerequisites for this project, ensuring that the new neighbourhood aligns with the desires and needs of both incoming residents and existing locals.”