Key district players held onto their chains the council’s Annual General Meeting yesterday, where the leader reflected on “fresh challenges and new opportunities” of the past year.

Councillor Nigel Shepherd has been re-elected as chairman of Chiltern District Council (CDC) for a second term, while Cllr Graham Harris will serve another year as vice-chairman.

Cllr Isobel Darby is set to continue as leader, and Cllrs Mike Stannard, Peter Martin, Liz Walsh, Mike Smith and Fred Wilson will remain a part of her cabinet.

In a speech Cllr Darby praised council teams for working “under pressure” in the face of a major authority shake-up, and reflected on the challenges faced by CDC following huge budget cuts.

The formation of the district’s local plan – a blueprint for the housing in Chiltern and South Bucks over the next 20 years – continues “at pace” according to the leader, and the draft proposals are due to be showcased for public consultation next year.

Addressing the council, Cllr Darby said: “2018 has so far been full of challenges and we are sure there are plenty more to follow.

“This said, you never know what you can achieved until you test yourself and that is how you discover your true strength.

“We are incredibly proud of our teams, they are working under a lot of pressure and they just keep on giving.”

The council also continues to work with HS2’s community engagement team and contractors on the controversial high speed rail project, to ensure the environment is protected, and its impact on communities is minimal.

The leader closed by encouraging the community and stakeholders to send their views on the creation of a ‘super council’ Bucks to government before the deadline on May 25.

Representations can be sent to james.brokenshire@communities.gsi.gov.uk

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