Buckinghamshire Council deals with thousands of planning applications every year.

They range from homeowners wishing to build an extension onto an existing property, to big shop expansions, to businesses securing new local offices, and even disputes over trees being cut down.

Here are some interesting examples announced this week.

Chalk Hill Farm in Hyde Heath

Buckinghamshire councillors deferred their decision on whether to progress a planning application for Chalk Hill Farm, having expressed concerns about the ‘large amount of floor-to-ceiling glazing’ proposed in the residential conversion of two barns.

Cllr Jane MacBean, who called the application in, said the amount of glass is “totally unreasonable”, adding the development would have an “extremely detrimental” effect on the Green Belt and the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

She said the “light spillage” from the site would be like “Blackpool illuminations” and requested a deferral of the application so a “more appropriate” glass offering could be sought.

Village Way in Little Chalfont

Chartridge Developments received conditional permission to tear down an existing three-story property on Village Way, so it could build two detached, two-storey homes, with vehicle accesses.

This, despite local fears the new builds will be “overbearing”.

Each of the new properties will have four bedrooms, an integral single garage, front and rear gardens, and three parking bays.

Cllr Des Bray, who called the application in, was the only councillor to vote against it.

Holmer Green Senior School

An “overbearing” air dome installed above the school tennis court is to be taken down after it failed to receive retrospective planning permission.

The school installed the controversial ‘temporary’ feature claiming it would provide additional indoor space for exams, breaks and lunchtimes, PE classes and social distancing.

Its benefits however are not considered to outweigh its harms, according to council documents, and its foundations were dug “before the impact of Covid was even known,” said Cllr Julie Burton.

The dome also prevents natural light from reaching Holmer Green Infant School to an “unacceptable level”, while casting ‘glaring sunlight’ into neighbouring properties.

Cllr Burton branded it a “monstrosity”.

“I think it’s absolutely awful…neighbours have suddenly woken up one morning and this thing has appeared in front of them,” she said.

Adding: “And it wasn’t until [councillors] went round that the headmaster even thought about consulting local people.

“I shall support the decision [to refuse and bring enforcement].”

Mill Lane bridge in Gerrard Cross (Highways)

A ‘stunning’ five-figure fee to paint two road safety signs along a walking route used by schoolchildren left one councillor so astonished he declared he would do it himself for £50.

Cllr Murray Harrold was left so bewildered by a £30,000 estimate to paint ‘two 30mph signs’ on the road near Mill Lane bridge in Gerrard Cross, he jokingly volunteered to do the job himself at a snip of the price.

“I just don’t know where these prices come from, it’s absolutely stunning – £30,000 to paint two signs. Seriously?” he said.

Cllr Chris Brown, mayor of Gerrards Cross Town Council came slicing, saying: “There’s a lot more to it than that.

“I don’t have the full details, but there is a considerable amount of work involved in what we’re doing there.”

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