New homes, additional jobs and retail developments are high on the list of priorities for South Bucks District Council as they look to seek the views of residents ahead of publishing a blueprint for the future of the area.
A public consultation will start tomorrow and will continue for about eight weeks as the council aims to find out what community groups, businesses, developers and residents want to see in the district over the next 20 years before publishing their new Local Plan.
SBDC portfolio holder for sustainable development, Roger Reed, said: “South Bucks is in an area of high development pressure, limited development opportunities with towns and villages surrounded by green belt, valuable countryside, open space and areas needing protection whilst on the other hand we need to provide for a significant number of people struggling to access affordable housing.
“This Local Plan will need to address these types of problems in order to achieve the right balance of new development in the future.
“I encourage everyone in the district to have their say so that together we can look at finding positive solutions for the growth needed to provide enough jobs, new homes and business space, protect important open spaces and countryside and create better facilities for future generations.
“This will be an incredibly important plan and we must together get it right.”
As well as being able to have their say on important issues within the district, councillors are also asking for site suggestions for where development would be suitable.
The Local Plan will highlight the “vision and strategy” of the district until 2036 and new policies will be used to determine future planning applications.
It is also hoped site specific land use allocations and development proposals will meet future needs for housing, employment, shopping, community facilities and open space.
This public consultation will end on April 24.
For more information about the Local Plan or to take part in the consultation please visit www.southbucks.gov.uk/haveyoursay For more on the consultation, speak to the Planning Policy team by calling 01895 837339 or email ldf@southbucks.gov.uk
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