VALP MODIFICATIONS

Main Modifications (MMs) are amendments to the Vale of Aylesbury Local Plan (VALP). These have been drawn up by Buckinghamshire Council (BC) because the Inspector requested them following his consideration of the VALP at the examination in public in July 2018. MMs, affecting the future development of the RAF site at Halton, were discussed in April 2021, at a virtual meeting, to which Jonathan Clover, a resident, and others had been invited. Jonathan commented on the need to ensure sustainability by providing appropriate new business and employment opportunities as well as appropriate infrastructure for the new housing development. At present there will only be a new primary school, community centre, and a small retail and services provision. Requests were made by him concerning:

1.encouraging the provision of employment and training uses in the area in existing buildings or facilities where possible 2.developing appropriate further educational opportunities 3.providing new bus routes to towns and villages in the area and expanding the times of services (including more weekend and evening services)

These points reflect local opinions expressed in Wendover Neighbourhood Plan.

Jonathan said, "Here is a chance to create in an imaginative way a new community, building on the past heritage, existing businesses, and new opportunities afforded by, as examples, the green agenda and defence review." BC replied to say that there was sufficient employment land allocated in the VALP as a whole, and none was needed on the development site, although businesses could be established at the airfield (not part of the development site). All the material documents can be viewed on https://bit.ly/2Qn7TUm.

The July print edition of Wendover News will report on issues raised by Halton Parish Council.