Archived press release

Date Published: 19/04/07

Regeneration proposals for Buckingham took a step forward this week after Aylesbury Vale District Council unveiled guidelines for the redevelopment of part of the town centre. Planning and design guidelines drawn up by the council have outlined a...

Regeneration proposals for Buckingham took a step forward this week after Aylesbury Vale District Council unveiled guidelines for the redevelopment of part of the town centre.

Planning and design guidelines drawn up by the council have outlined a vision that could see a significant change to a large area of mainly undeveloped land behind Market Hill and West Street.

The council has produced a set of guidelines for a number of reasons – to provide planning guidance on the development of land and buildings within the Market Hill area and also to attract national retailers into Buckingham as a means of boosting the local economy. Although the development will be residential-led, it will include a mix of retail units large enough for major retailers.

There will also be an opportunity to improve and expand upon the leisure provision adjacent to the development area, with the potential to enhance and bring into use the woodland area off Western Avenue.

At this stage there are no firm development plans for the site, but the guidelines approved by the council will now open the door for developers to come forward with proposed schemes that will enable this part of the town centre to grow for the next generation of shoppers.

John Byrne, Head of Planning Services at AVDC, said: “A thriving Buckingham town centre is essential for the regeneration of the whole area. These guidelines provide a framework for improvements which will help the town centre reach its full potential for the benefit of everyone who lives, works or visits there.

“The council’s vision for the Market Hill area creates opportunities for modern development while respecting the distinct character and heritage that makes Buckingham special. There are no firm plans for the site as yet because there is still a tremendous amount of work to be done, but the first steps have been taken which is great news for the town.”

The proposed development site extends from the woodland near Western Avenue in the west, to Moreton Road in the east, with its northern limit behind homes on Overn Crescent.

AVDC consulted Buckingham Town Council and district councillors representing the town during the preparation of the planning and design guidelines. Although these guidelines outline the council’s vision for the site, the advice contained within is informal and any planning application received will be determined against the background of current policy and in light of any technical advice received.

The council will now be working with the major landowners in the Market Hill development area to come up with a strategy for redeveloping the site.