Councillors approve plans for 259-home development on the edge of Hazlemere

Plans submitted by Bellway for 259 new homes on the eastern edge of Hazlemere have been approved by councillors.

Members of Buckinghamshire Council’s strategic sites committee voted by eight to one to grant planning permission for the scheme, subject to the completion of a legal agreement which will secure developer contributions towards local services and infrastructure.

Pennwood Grange, as the development is to be known, will comprise a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, and two, three, four and five-bedroom houses alongside public open space, a multi-use games area and children’s play area.

The development will be built on a 21-acre site located to the north of Amersham Road, between Badger Way and Tralee and Orchard End Farms.

Jamie MacArthur, Regional Planning Director for Bellway, commented: “Our Pennwood Grange development will make a significant contribution towards the area’s housing supply, and also provide new public open space, play equipment and enhance existing woodland.

“We have worked closely with the council’s planning officers to design a suitable scheme which meets the needs of the local community, and have made revisions to our original proposals in response to their feedback.

“This includes a reduction in the number of homes from 290, the introduction of a multi-use games area and the retention of the central hedgerow running through the site.

“As well as a mix of apartments and houses for the private market, Pennwood Grange will provide a substantial proportion of affordable homes for local people unable to get onto the housing ladder.

“The homes have been designed to reflect the existing buildings along Amersham Road and the retention of trees and hedgerows along the frontage will help it blend in with the surrounding countryside.

“We are naturally pleased that the committee voted to approve our plans in line with the planning officer’s recommendation and we look forward to working with the council to finalise the legal agreement and secure planning permission in the coming months.”

Pennwood Grange will comprise 135 private homes, including 13 custom build plots in line with the council’s requirements. There will be 124 affordable homes, including a mix of low-cost rent, shared ownership and ‘First Homes’, properties available at a discount to first-time buyers.

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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