THE demolition of a group of buildings on a ‘mixed use agricultural site’ in favour of two new homes is set for debate – but it could face refusal on grounds it will ‘harm the surrounding area’.

Mr and Mrs Norris and St John Homes (Thames Valley) Ltd seek full planning permission to demolish and remove the existing buildings and hardstanding on a plot of land near Chalkshire Road, in Butler’s Cross.

Bucks Free Press:

PICTURED: A council made mapping of the Butler's Cross site 

In their place they hope to build two detached homes with access and parking.

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However, the proposal “represents inappropriate development as a whole”, council officers say – adding it “will harm the scenic beauty” of the surrounding area.

One property would have three bedrooms, the other two. Each would have two dormers in the front and a single-storey flat roof section to the rear.

A similar application, this time for each property having three bedrooms, was withdrawn in February 2020.

Yet another application to be determined suggests a pair of semi-detached properties.

Bucks Free Press:

PICTURED: The Chalkshire Road plot

The site is a mix of pre-developed and agriculture land, according to council documents. Its uses include “light industrial”, “storage and distribution” and agriculture, the report states.

There is also a bungalow on site.

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Further, “evidence was provided that part of the site had also been used by a local builder to store some materials”. Consequently, the proposal would result “in the loss of a scattered business site”, which “weigh against” it.

Cllr Clive Harriss called in the application, saying: “There is strong support locally for the development and a need for housing of this nature in this village where so little development has taken place over the years.”

Some objections refute this claim and cite “overdevelopment”. Other supporters call it an ‘improvement’.

The matter is due for debate during a West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee, on Tuesday, March 2.

The recommendation is for refusal.

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