We asked, you said, we did

Below are some of our recent activities and their outcomes.

We asked

We asked for views on a statutory notice for the proposed closure of The Mary Towerton Primary School at Studley Green, High Wycombe.

The consultation ran from 28 April to 26 May 2023.

This followed an initial consultation on the proposal from 28 February to 2 April 2023.

You said

We received 10 responses to the consultation:

  • 9 online survey responses
  • one email response

Of the 10 responses:

  • 4 (40%) agreed with the proposal to close the school from 31 August 2023 and 6 (60%) did not agree.
  • 5 said they were local residents and one a school staff member

No respondents said they were parents / carers of pupils currently at the school.

We did

On 3 July 2023, the Leader of Buckinghamshire Council approved the closure of The Mary Towerton School with effect from 31 August 2023.

The responses to either consultation did not include any alternative proposals to closure from external organisations or local schools.

We asked

We asked for views on whether you agreed with the proposal to close The Mary Towerton Primary School at Studley Green, High Wycombe.

The consultation ran from 28 February to 2 April 2023.

You said

We received 51 responses to the consultation:

  • 44 online survey responses
  • 7 email responses

Of the 51 who responded, 21 (41%) were in agreement with the proposal to close the school from 31st August 2023; 24 (47%) did not agree; and, 6 (12%) didn’t know or didn’t say.

Of the 51 responses received 45 (88%) said that they understood why the proposal had been made to consult on closure of the school. 3 (6%) said that they didn’t understand the proposal and 3 (6%) that they didn’t know.

We did

Together with the Governing Board of The Mary Towerton School, we have considered the responses to the consultation.

As it did not provide any viable options to support the school remaining open, on Friday 28 April 2023 we published a statutory proposal for closure.

We asked

We asked for views on a proposal to increase fees for taxi and private hire licensing services.

The consultation ran from 15 February to 15 March 2023.

You said

We received 210 responses to the consultation:

  • 199 to the online survey
  • 10 email responses
  • 1 written response

Most respondents (67%) were members of the taxi and private hire trade or trade representatives.

88% of respondents objected to the proposed fees. Main reasons:

  • cost of living impact / affordability
  • increase is too high (higher than inflation)
  • fee is already too expensive
  • not busy enough / not making enough money
  • consumer will be impacted (increased fares, fewer taxis)

53% of respondents said it was not acceptable for the tax-payer to cover the cost of the licensing service. Main reasons:

  • council needs to make cost savings / efficiencies
  • tax-payers should not cover the cost
  • do not accept the increase is needed (costs are already covered)
  • cost of living crisis
  • tax-payers will indirectly cover the cost

More information about the taxi and private hire licensing fees consultation responses (PDF 1.99MB).

We did

At its meeting on 11 April 2023, Buckinghamshire Council approved the proposed Taxi and private hire licensing fees – to take effect on 24 April 2023.

We are required by law to provide the taxi and private hire licensing service. Unless costs are subsidised by the taxpayer, the service should be cost neutral and operate at no cost to the taxpayer.

We asked

We asked for views to help us further shape Buckinghamshire libraries – whether you used a library, or not:

  • your views on draft purpose, vision and 4 priorities
  • what you use libraries for
  • what would encourage you to use your library more

The survey ran from 18 November 2022 to 15 January 2023.

You said

We received 802 responses to the survey.

Views on draft purpose, vision and priorities:

  • 90% strongly agreed / agreed with the purpose and vision
  • 92% strongly agreed / agreed with ‘Culture and learning’ as a priority
  • 91% strongly agreed / agreed with ‘Access, information and inclusion’ as a priority
  • 87% strongly agreed / agreed with ‘Stronger communities’ as a priority
  • 84% strongly agreed / agreed with ‘Health and wellbeing’ as a priority

What respondents use libraries for, top 5 options:

  • 83% - physical book borrowing (including audiobooks)
  • 23% - borrowing ebooks (including e-audiobooks)
  • 14% - use library wi-fi
  • 13% - use public computers
  • 12% - work or study from the library

What would encourage respondents to use libraries more:

  • longer opening hours
  • use for more after hours events
  • improved stock of books

We also ran several engagement events to gather feedback and identify opportunities:

  • staff, volunteer and community workshops
  • stakeholder meetings

More information about what respondents told us is in the Buckinghamshire Libraries Strategy.

We did

At its meeting on 21 March 2023, Buckinghamshire Council approved the Buckinghamshire Libraries Strategy.

We used your feedback to:

  • update the vision and priorities
  • create short to mid-term objectives and how we will measure success
  • identify four key principles to deliver the strategy:
    • constant service improvement
    • engaging and empowering staff and volunteers
    • developing libraries as hubs – diversifying what libraries offer, based on local need
    • working in partnership

Feedback about what would encourage respondents to use libraries more will be used to help develop what libraries offer.

Buckinghamshire Libraries will work with staff, volunteers, and partners to develop a detailed action plan to achieve the strategy. This plan will be reviewed every year.

We asked

We asked for your views on a draft strategy to support children and young people’s therapy needs in Buckinghamshire.

The consultation ran from 21 November 2022 to 9 January 2023.

During the consultation period we ran a number of stakeholder sessions, including:

  • 2 parent sessions
  • 3 education setting sessions
  • 2 SEND professional sessions
  • 2 Early Help professional sessions
  • 1 Therapist session

We also developed a tailored approach to support children and young people to take part, including a response sheet for non-verbal children and young people, an offer of group or 1:1 feedback sessions, and guidance for parents, carers and professionals.

You said

We received 83 responses to the consultation.

The majority of respondents (67.5%) agreed or strongly agreed with the vision.

The majority of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the three priority areas:

  • 91.5% agreed or strongly agreed with ‘ensuring early identification of therapy support or provision needs’ as a priority
  • 81% agreed or strongly agreed with ‘boosting support available within community and universal settings’ as a priority
  • 84.3% agreed or strongly agreed with ‘ensuring that the right support is in place at the right time and in an accessible location’ as a priority

More information on the consultation approach, analysis and summary of feedback.

We did

We have published the key themes from the consultation responses and what we have done, or are planning to do, as a result.

On 11 August 2023, the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, on behalf of the Leader, approved the strategy for adoption.

We asked

We asked for views on proposals for:

  • Spare Seats Scheme charging options
    • option 1: distance banding (small increments)
    • option 2: distance banding (medium increments)
    • option 3: flat fee
  • updates to our home to school transport policies – to make them easier to understand

The consultation ran from 19 October to 4 December 2022.

You said

Spare Seats scheme charging options

We received 72 responses to the Spare Seats scheme charging proposals.

Spare seat charging options respondents preferred:

  • option 1: distance banding (small increments) - 15.3%
  • option 2: distance banding (medium increments) - 36.1%
  • option 3: flat fee - 40.3%
  • I don’t know - 6.9%

Respondents thought the flat fee option was the:

  • simplest, 83% found the proposal easy to understand
  • fairest, as parents / carers can’t always choose which educational setting their child goes to

Updates to our home to school transport policies

We received 51 responses to the home to school transport policy updates

61% of respondents found the policies easy to understand.

More information about the results of the home to school transport consultation (PDF 0.54MB).

We did

On 19 April 2023, the Leader of Buckinghamshire Council agreed the:

  • flat fee structure for the Spare Seat scheme:
    • £868 for Buckinghamshire residents
    • £1200 for non-Buckinghamshire residents
  • Home to School Transport Policy and Post-16 Transport Policy Statement 2023 to 2024

Following consultation feedback, we have made further updates to the policies to make them clearer:

We asked

Public Spaces Protection Orders are aimed at ensuring public spaces can be enjoyed free from anti-social behaviour. They provide us with legal powers to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in a defined area.

We asked for views on how the PSPO was addressing anti-social behaviour in the area and whether it should be varied and extended for a further 3 years.

The consultation ran from 31 October to 28 November 2022.

You said

We received 17 responses to the consultation:

  • 76% thought there was a problem with anti-social behaviour in the area, 18% didn’t know
  • 12% thought anti-social behaviour had reduced since the PSPO was introduced, 35% didn’t know
  • 94% thought the PSPO should be varied and extended for a further three years, 6% didn’t know.

Responses from Thames Valley Police indicate complaints have reduced. Police and council officer patrols have seen a decrease in anti-social behaviour.

For more information, please see the consultation findings report (PDF 0.53MB).

We did

On 15 February 2023, the Leader of Buckinghamshire Council agreed to vary and extend the High Wycombe Town Centre Public Spaces Protection Order for a further three years.

Without this order there is likely to be an increase in the frequency or seriousness of anti-social behaviour.

We asked

Public Spaces Protection Orders are aimed at ensuring public spaces can be enjoyed free from anti-social behaviour. They provide us with legal powers to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in a defined area.

We asked for views on how the PSPO was addressing anti-social behaviour in the area and whether it should be extended for a further 3 years.

The consultation ran from 31 October to 28 November 2022.

You said

We received 28 responses to the consultation:

  • 54% thought there was a problem with anti-social behaviour in the area, 18% didn’t know
  • 57% thought anti-social behaviour had reduced since the PSPO was introduced, 38% didn’t know
  • 82% thought the PSPO should be extended for a further three years, 4% didn’t know.

Responses from Thames Valley Police indicate complaints have reduced. Police and council officer patrols have seen a decrease in anti-social behaviour.

For more information, please see the consultation findings report (PDF 0.53MB).

We did

On 15 February 2023, the Leader of Buckinghamshire Council agreed to extend the Dorney Lake Public Spaces Protection Order for a further three years.

Without this order there is likely to be an increase in the frequency or seriousness of anti-social behaviour.

We asked

Public Spaces Protection Orders are aimed at ensuring public spaces can be enjoyed free from anti-social behaviour. They provide us with legal powers to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in a defined area.

We asked for views on how the PSPO was addressing anti-social behaviour in the area and whether it should be extended for a further 3 years.

The consultation ran from 31 October to 28 November 2022.

You said

We received 9 responses to the consultation:

  • 89% thought there was a problem with anti-social behaviour in the area, 11% didn’t know
  • 33% thought anti-social behaviour had reduced since the PSPO was introduced, 44% didn’t know
  • 100% thought the PSPO should be extended for a further three years

Responses from Thames Valley Police indicate complaints have reduced. The order has been a key part of police responses to incidents and when policing annual events.

Police and council officer patrols have seen a decrease in anti-social behaviour.

For more information, please see the consultation findings report (PDF 0.53MB).

We did

On 15 February 2023, the Leader of Buckinghamshire Council agreed to extend the Desborough Road, High Wycombe Public Spaces Protection Order for a further three years.

Without this order there is likely to be an increase in the frequency or seriousness of anti-social behaviour.

We asked

Public Spaces Protection Orders are aimed at ensuring public spaces can be enjoyed free from anti-social behaviour. They provide us with legal powers to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in a defined area.

We asked for views on how the PSPO was addressing anti-social behaviour in the area and whether it should be extended for a further 3 years.

The consultation ran from 31 October to 28 November 2022.

You said

We received 33 responses to the consultation:

  • 48% thought there was a problem with anti-social behaviour in the car parks, 33% didn’t know
  • 27% thought anti-social behaviour had reduced since the PSPO was introduced, 58% didn’t know
  • 88% thought the PSPO should be extended for a further three years, 6% didn’t know.

Responses from Thames Valley Police indicate complaints have reduced. The order has been a key feature of police operations to tackle anti-social behaviour in these car parks.

Police and council officer patrols have seen a decrease in anti-social behaviour.

For more information, please see the consultation findings report (PDF 0.53MB).

We did

On 15 February 2023, the Leader of Buckinghamshire Council agreed to extend the Chiltern area car parks Public Spaces Protection Order for a further three years.

Without this order there is likely to be an increase in the frequency or seriousness of anti-social behaviour.

We asked

Each year we must prepare a budget. All councils have a legal duty to limit their spending to the income they receive each year - our budget must balance.

Most of our annual budget needs to be spent on the services we are required by law to provide, such as social care for adults and children.

We consulted on the proposed budget allocation and service priorities from 12 October to 20 November 2022.

You said

We received 1,805 responses to the consultation:

  • 1,797 from residents
  • 8 from organisations

Views on proposed allocation of annual budget for 2023 to 2024:

  • 34% of respondents agreed with the proposed allocation of Buckinghamshire Council’s annual budget for 2023 to 2024
  • 30% of respondents disagreed with the proposal
  • 36% of respondents neither agreed nor disagreed with the proposal

The top 10 services where respondents felt we should prioritise funding:

  1. Care and support for older people and vulnerable adults (67%)
  2. Road maintenance (47%)
  3. Educational services (41%)
  4. Community safety (35%)
  5. Housing (31%)
  6. Protecting the environment (30%)
  7. Services and support for children and young people (30%)
  8. Waste collection (22%)
  9. Maintaining parks, open spaces, playing fields and the countryside (22%)
  10. Pavement maintenance (20%)

The top 10 services where respondents felt we should not prioritise funding:

  1. Car parking (39%)
  2. Culture and tourism (39%)
  3. Public Health services (38%)
  4. Maintaining street furniture (33%)
  5. Maintaining rights of way (30%)
  6. Services to attract and support local businesses (27%)
  7. Library services (25%)
  8. Trading standards (23%)
  9. Local regeneration (23%)
  10. Sport and leisure services (21%)

More information about the budget consultation results (PDF 1.58 MB).

We did

The consultation results were reviewed by Cabinet, alongside the final budget report, at its meeting on 5 January 2023.

During the week of 9 January 2023, the Budget Scrutiny Select Committee Inquiry reviewed and challenged the budget proposals.

They made recommendations on potential changes to the budget which were presented to Cabinet on 14 February 2023.

At its meeting on 22 February 2023, Buckinghamshire Council approved the proposed budget allocation for 2023 to 2024.

Details of all the proposed budget changes (PDF 0.19MB).

We asked

We asked for views on the draft Aylesbury Vale Area Design Supplementary Planning Document.

The consultation ran from 21 September to 2 November 2022.

You said

We received 72 responses to the consultation.

As part of the process of developing planning policies, we have published the responses received in a Consultation and Adoption Statement.

We did

In the Consultation and Adoption Statement, we have published our response and what modification was made, if any, for each comment we received.

On 26 June 2023, the Leader of Buckinghamshire Council approved the Aylesbury Vale Area Design Supplementary Planning Document for adoption.

We asked

Every year, the Safer Buckinghamshire Board runs a survey to understand community safety concerns from the past 12 months, including:

  • the impact of crime, anti-social behaviour, drug and alcohol issues where you live or work
  • your experience of reporting crimes
  • how safe or unsafe you feel

The survey ran from 5 September to 30 October 2022.

You said

We received 1,264 responses to the survey.

Top concerns related to crime in 2022:

  • fraud / scams, including online (67% of respondents thought this was a ‘Very big’ or ‘Fairly big’ concern)
  • theft from a motor vehicle (52%)
  • criminal damage (49%)
  • cyber-crime / cyber-bulling (44%)
  • theft of a motor vehicle (43%)
  • theft of equipment / tools from van (42%)
  • shed / garage burglary (41%)

Top concerns related to anti-social behaviour in 2022:

  • speeding (66% of respondents thought this was a ‘Very big’ or ‘Fairly big’ concern)
  • fly tipping (65%)
  • parking (56%)
  • criminal damage / vandalism (48%)
  • dog fouling (44%)

Top concerns related to alcohol and drugs in 2022:

  • discarded drug paraphernalia, including cannisters speeding (43% of respondents thought this was a ‘Very big’ or ‘Fairly big’ concern)
  • drug use (43%)
  • behaviour related to drug use (42%)
  • supply / selling of drugs (42%)
  • drug possession (39%)
  • alcohol disorder / behaviour (44%)

We asked how safe or unsafe respondents felt in their local area at the following times:

  • outside in the daylight, alone. 87% of respondents felt safe and 13% felt unsafe
  • outside after dark, alone. 53% of respondents felt safe and 47% felt unsafe
  • when on public transport. 87% of respondents felt safe and 13% felt unsafe

More information about what you told us is in the Safer Buckinghamshire Strategy 2023 to 2026.

We did

At its meeting on 9 May 2023, Buckinghamshire Council agreed the Safer Buckinghamshire Strategy 2023 to 2026.

The strategy sets out priorities to 2026 for Buckinghamshire to be one of the safest places to grow up, raise a family, live, work and do business.

We used your views, a strategic assessment of community safety and other insight to create 5 priorities:

  • neighbourhood crime – working in partnership to tackle crime hotspots and raise awareness of fraud, scams and cybercrime
  • anti-social behaviour – tackling repeat victimisation and encouraging reporting as well as working with partners to address concerns
  • serious violence – raising awareness and supporting early intervention / prevention for young people at risk
  • violence against women and girls – education and training of professionals to increase awareness and increasing confidence in reporting
  • exploitation of vulnerable people – identifying places where there is an exploitation risk and making sure communities can recognise the signs and report concerns

The priorities focus on known causes of crime and concerns of people in Buckinghamshire. Each priority will have a partnership action plan – to reduce crime and increase community safety.

The Safer Buckinghamshire Board will continue to work with local communities to understand concerns and deliver these priorities.

More information about each priority, and how the partnership will deliver them, is in the Safer Buckinghamshire Strategy 2023 to 2026.

We asked

We asked for views on 6 proposed traffic calming measures along London Road, Aston Clinton. The measures aimed to reduce vehicle speeds, reduce ‘rat-running’ and improve pedestrian safety.

The consultation ran from 17 August to 16 September 2022.

You said

We received 148 responses to the consultation:

  • 129 online survey responses
  • 19 email responses

Respondents to the online survey were asked whether they supported or opposed the 6 traffic calming proposals:

  • two raised tables on London Road - 76% strongly supported / supported, 20% opposed / strongly opposed
  • four pairs of speed cushions - 65% strongly supported / supported, 31% opposed / strongly opposed
  • introducing time limited parking - 53% strongly supported / supported, 22 % opposed / strongly opposed
  • use of street print coloured textured surfacing - 67% strongly supported / supported, 11% opposed / strongly opposed
  • relocation and installation of new post and bus stop flag - 60% strongly supported / supported, 11% opposed / strongly opposed
  • double yellow lines on London Road - 78% strongly supported / supported, 10% opposed / strongly opposed

We have responded to comments received during the consultation (PDF 0.13MB).

We did

There have been no significant changes to the proposed designs for zones 2, 3 and 4.

We have heard views on future phases of traffic calming, particularly in zones 1 and 5 where you enter Aston Clinton. Where feasible, we are proposing to introduce some of these measures earlier than planned.

Following the Leader decision on 23 January 2023, the project team will:

  • complete a detailed design for the scheme, following public feedback
  • proceed with the construction of the Aston Clinton traffic calming scheme

Keep up to date on the progress of the Traffic calming: London Road, Aston Clinton project.

We asked

We are replacing the former district councils self-build registers with a single register for Buckinghamshire.

The self-build and custom housebuilding register is a record of people looking to acquire land within their area, to build a home.

We asked for views on:

  • Our new approach
  • The introduction of a local connection test that will split the register into 2 parts

The consultation ran from 27 June to 8 August 2022.

You said

We received 74 responses to the consultation.

Over 80% of respondents lived in Buckinghamshire and there was overwhelming support for the introduction of a local connection test.

Just under half agreed with the local connection criteria and the length of connection required. Roughly equal amounts of respondents wanted either longer (16%) or shorter (13%) connection periods.

Of the respondents who made further comments, the main concerns / issues raised were:

  • people living close to the council boundaries will be disadvantaged as well as those who have an historic connection to the council area but have moved away for study or work
  • the criteria "About to take up employment" is not a local connection but an anticipated future local connection and therefore should not be part of the criteria
  • with ‘having immediate family’, respondents want the term 'immediate' to be made clear as to its meaning in relation to the local connection test

We did

On 15 September 2022, the Leader of Buckinghamshire Council agreed to implement a single self-build and custom housebuilding register, incorporating a local connection test and administration fees.

Following the consultation, we have:

  • retained the 2-year criteria. People who live close to the  Buckinghamshire boundary, as well as those who have historic connection to the council area, can register to be placed on part 2 of the self-build register
  • removed the words ‘about to take up employment’ and replaced them with ‘persons must be in a permanent or in a continuous temporary employment within the council area for at least 2 years’
  • clearly defined ‘immediate family member’ on our website and on the registration form, to include parents, children, siblings or spouses

For more information, please see the self-build and custom housebuilding register webpage.

We asked

Public Spaces Protection Orders are aimed at ensuring public spaces can be enjoyed free from anti-social behaviour. They provide us with legal powers to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in a defined area.

We asked for views on how the PSPO was addressing anti-social behaviour in the area and whether the PSPO should be extended for a further 3 years.

The consultation ran from 27 June to 25 July 2022.

You said

We received 27 responses to the consultation.

78% agreed with extension of the PSPO. 59% thought there was a problem with anti-social behaviour in the area, 11% didn’t know.

For more information, please see the consultation findings report (PDF 0.83MB).

We did

On 5 October 2022, the Deputy Leader, on behalf of the Leader, of Buckinghamshire Council agreed to extend the Chiltern Alcohol Restrictions Public Spaces Protection Order for a further 3 years.

Representations were received requesting the inclusion of drugs paraphernalia in the order.

After research and discussion, it was felt that this would be unenforceable due to the forensic proof required and resource needed.

We asked

Public Spaces Protection Orders are aimed at ensuring public spaces can be enjoyed free from anti-social behaviour. They provide us with legal powers to deal with a particular nuisance or problem in a defined area.

We asked for views on how the PSPO was addressing anti-social behaviour in the area and whether the PSPO should be extended for a further 3 years.

The consultation ran from 27 June to 25 July 2022.

You said

We received 7 responses to the consultation.

100% agreed with extension of the PSPO.

  • 14% thought there was a problem with alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in the parks listed, 71% didn’t know.
  • 14% thought there was a problem with anti-social use of mechanically propelled vehicles in the parks listed, 71% didn’t know.

For more information, please see the consultation findings report (PDF 0.83MB).

We did

On 5 October 2022, the Deputy Leader, on behalf of the Leader, of Buckinghamshire Council agreed to extend the Aylesbury Vale Parks and Open Spaces Public Spaces Protection Order for a further 3 years.

We asked

All Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWB) have a responsibility to publish a Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment (PNA).

The purpose of the PNA is to:

  • Support local commissioners in decisions about services delivered by community pharmacies
  • Support NHS England in their decision-making process. This is related to applications for new pharmacies or changes at existing pharmacies

We consulted on the draft PNA for Buckinghamshire from 23 May to 24 July 2022.

You said

We received 36 responses to the consultation, 29 via the consultation survey.

29 responses were from members of the public, the other responses were from:

  • Jardines Pharmacy
  • Pharmacyspace
  • Boots UK Limited
  • Berryfields Parish Council
  • NHS England
  • Healthwatch Buckinghamshire
  • Swan Practice, Buckingham

A number of survey respondents to did not agree with the findings:

  • 14% felt that the PNA reflected the current provision of pharmacy services within their area and agreed with the conclusions
  • 79% felt there were gaps in service provision where the PNA did not find any

We received 17 comments about the Berryfields Estate development.

For more information about the consultation responses, please see ‘Appendix D - Consultation report’ Buckinghamshire Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2022 to 2025 (PDF 5.30MB).

We did

On 22 September 2022, the Health and Wellbeing Board reviewed the draft PNA and consultation responses.

The Buckinghamshire Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2022 to 2025 (PDF 5.3MB) was adopted to cover 1 October 2022 to 30 September 2025.

Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment steering group response to the consultation:

The steering group appreciates the time and consideration that members of the public and stakeholders have taken to respond. The group acknowledges the enthusiasm for a pharmacy within the Berryfields Estate.

The PNA is carried out using a fair and systematic process set out by the Department of Health and Social Care. It is also reviewed by the HWB every three years or if there are changes in local pharmacy provision, or local need.

The steering group reviewed the provision of pharmacy services for the Berryfields Estate development. They considered the current population, projected population increases, accessibility, deprivation and population make-up.

The PNA considers that there are no gaps in the current and future provision of essential services to 30 September 2025.

The HWB will review the conclusions periodically in response to any unforeseen changes in pharmacy provision up to 2025. It also recommends a review of its findings considering the progression of the Berryfields Estate development in the next PNA.

For more information about the steering group's response, please see ‘Appendix D - Consultation report’ Buckinghamshire Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment 2022 to 2025 (PDF 5.30MB).

We asked

We have a legal duty to prepare and publish an Accessibility Strategy.

This outlines our responsibilities, as the local authority, as well as those of maintained schools, to ensure that all students can access the education and opportunities that best suit their needs.

We launched a consultation with our key partners to shape the final version of the strategy. This was aimed at:

  • Maintained Schools in Buckinghamshire. These include mainstream schools, Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), Additionally Resourced Provision (ARPs) and Special schools
  • Other educational providers such as independent schools and further education providers
  • Parent / carer representative groups (e.g., FACT Bucks, SENDIAS)
  • Early years providers

The consultation ran from 8 June 2022 to 18 July 2022.

You said

We received 8 responses to the consultation:

  • 63% (5 in total) were from an educational professional in Buckinghamshire e.g. headteacher / school business manager / SENCo
  • 37% of responses (3 in total) were from parents / carers of children / young people currently in education in Buckinghamshire
  • 1 respondent said that they were both an educational professional and a parent / carer of a child / young person currently in education in Buckinghamshire

75% of respondents agreed that the strategy was easy to understand. One respondent said that the language used in the strategy could be made more reader friendly.

We did

We used the consultation feedback to update the final strategy:

  • Language in the strategy was reviewed and wording adapted, where possible
  • Comments about school responsibilities were shared with maintained schools - for guidance on training and updating skills for all school staff
  • Comments about Buckinghamshire Council responsibilities were shared with the Integrated SEND service for review

On 17 November 2022, the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, on behalf of the Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, approved the Accessibility Strategy 2022 to 2025. The strategy was then published on our website.

We asked

We asked for views on the draft development brief for Land off Amersham Road in Hazlemere.

The consultation ran from 6 June to 18 July 2022.

You said

We received over 100 responses to the consultation.

Responses via the consultation webpage were very supportive of the development brief objectives, notably objective 2 creating a comprehensive development.

The main themes from respondents are outlined below:

  • The boundaries from residential properties on Inkerman drive are shown as being part of the site allocation
  • The wording “services easement” is unclear
  • The “existing garden depth from rear boundary” is unclear
  • There was a need to clarify a number of terms in the maps and keys
  • The site boundary does not match the Wycombe District Local Plan site allocation
  • The access onto Wycombe Road should be removed from the site boundary
  • Figure 10 only shows one of the two potential access points

For more information about the consultation responses, please see the:

We did

Following the consultation, we have considered the consultation responses and reviewed the contents of the brief before publishing the final version (PDF 9.01MB).

Your feedback helped shape the development brief. The changes made to the development brief in response to the consultation are:

  1. In relation to the properties on Inkerman Drive, we confirm that they are not part (and never were) of the proposed development area. We have therefore corrected this perception in the brief, by shading the gardens in on the figures and annotating this to be land excluded from the development
  2. The wording on Figure 4 key was changed to say from “Services easement” to “Overhead powerline and easement”
  3. The wording on Figure 5 key was changed to say “existing rear garden depth (metres)” instead of “existing rear garden depth from boundary”
  4. The terms “development back” were changed to “back of development” on Figure 9
  5. The “Overhead powerline and easement” constraint was added to Figure 8 Constraints and opportunities, and corresponding key
  6. Figure 10 has been corrected to show the two potential access points.
  7. The site allocation boundary is now consistent with the site allocation in the Local Plan. The inset at Figure 10 illustrates that the Wycombe Road access is in Inland Homes control
  8. The site area has been changed to “approximately 13ha” to simplify the description in section 1.1