Market Hill, Buckingham

Following previous refusals on the site, Warner Planning positively engaged with Buckinghamshire Council and Buckingham Town Council through the Pre-Application process before submitting a full planning application to redevelop this Brownfield site situated within Buckingham Town Centre and the Buckingham Conservation Area. The site is also within the setting of a number of nearby Grade II listed buildings. The site was and continues to be allocated for development within the Buckingham Neighbourhood Plan.

Plans drawn up by Illustrate Architects included 8 dwellings comprised of 5 x 2 bed apartments and 3 x 1 bed apartments, well designed to complement the historic setting of the local area and with a layout that reflects the layout of the site from the 1880’s. The scheme also delivers 174sqm of office accommodation, associated parking, communal amenity space for residents, cycle storage to encourage sustainable travel around the town, EV Charging Points, associated landscaping and a Biodiversity Net Gain of 52% on site.

The application was supported by numerous technical reports and surveys which were commissioned by the applicant with the support of Warner Planning.

This proposed mixed-use development of the site was considered appropriate and policy compliant for the area and concluded to meet the aims of the site allocation.

The proposed design and layout of the scheme was deemed to be a much-improved revision of previous schemes which had been refused on the site. The Case Officer states in their report “The design approach in the massing and placement of the buildings is well grounded in research and understanding of the site and its local context” and goes on to say “The design of the buildings … are considered to be in keeping with the character of Buckingham Conservation Area and to blend in with the surroundings. The design of the proposed buildings responds well to the site and its setting and has been inspired by examples within the town”.

The key challenges included the possible effect on the amenity on existing and future residents which was addressed through careful detailing of openings and limiting all built form to no more than two storeys. A significant benefit of the scheme will be the creation of a safe, clear pedestrian route from north of the site in Summerhouse Hill through to Market Hill and the Town.

On-site parking arrangements were agreed with the Council’s Highway Officers to ensure that sufficient provision for both residential and commercial uses. Parking surveys were commissioned to support the application provided by appointed specialist Transport consultants to demonstrate that locally there was capacity for additional vehicles in the network and supported a bespoke parking provision on the site. The site was also recognised for being in a highly sustainable location near to the local bus stop and other amenities in the Town Centre.

Subject to conditions there were no objections to the scheme from any statutory consultees.

The application was approved by delegated decision in March 2025.

Images courtesy of Illustrate Architects