Leaders of Chiltern and South Bucks District Councils have responded to the CPRE letter regarding the 2036 local plan.

The Bucks Free Press reported on January 27 that local groups and Councillors, led by the Buckinghamshire Branch of CPRE (The Campaign to Protect Rural England) signed an open letter to the Chiltern and South Bucks Council, calling on them to withdraw the draft Local Plan before it commences a full Public Inspection.

MP Joy Morrissey opposes the plan, as well as Neil Salisbury, Head of Planning at CPRE Buckinghamshire, branding the plan 'out of date'.

The response to the letter said: "We remain committed to putting the Chiltern and South Bucks Local Plan (the Plan) into place.

"It will complete an up to date suite of local plans for Buckinghamshire which will provide the basis for future decision-making by the new Buckinghamshire Council.

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"We see no reason to withdraw the Plan at this late stage in its preparation."

They explained that the Plan promotes a low carbon approach and understands the "requirement for charging points for electric cars and bicycles."

They added: "The Local Plan has been in preparation since 2014, with frequent consultation with residents and stakeholders.

"It has been undergoing scrutiny by independent Government Inspectors since last September.

"Examination hearings will begin in March 2020 for these Inspectors to gather further evidence about the Plan and the substantial evidence base which supports it.

"These hearings will provide an opportunity for those who have participated in the Plan’s preparation to have their say in an open forum in front of independent Inspectors."