370 energy efficient homes approved

A new community offering 370 new homes at Terriers Farm in High Wycombe has been approved by members of Buckinghamshire Council.

Five-star housebuilders Persimmon Homes and Redrow Homes submitted plans for a joint development off Kingshill Road that would bring 370 highly sustainable and energy efficient homes to the Terriers Farm, plus recreation areas, a sports hub and transport hub.

Members of the Buckinghamshire Council Strategic Sites committee debated the application last week before granting a resolution to grant, subject to the Section 106 agreement being finalised.

The new community will include 178 homes that will be offered for either affordable rent through a housing partner, shared ownership or at a discounted sale price for first-time buyers through the First Homes scheme.

Homes will range in size from one to five bedroom and most will feature air source heat pumps. Electric vehicle charging points and low water use fittings will be a standard addition to all properties.

Sports pitches and play areas will be incorporated into the new development, and there will be a mini transport hub located alongside the playing pitches which will feature minibus parking, cycle parking, parcel lockers and bike hire along with a car club charging spot.

Further tree planting will add to the existing green canopy, and the developers will install bird and bat boxes, log piles for reptiles and badger foraging habitats to increase biodiversity.

Through combined planning contributions and Community Infrastructure levy payments, the housebuilders will be investing more than £10m into the local area.

This will fund improvements to Lady’s Mile Path, upgrades to local highways including the double mini roundabouts at Kingshill Road and A404 junction. It will also fund additional school places and improve healthcare provision in the area.

Dan Castle, Managing Director for Persimmon Homes Thames Valley, and John Mann, Managing Director of Redrow Homes South Midlands said: “This application has seen us work proactively together and with the planning team at Buckinghamshire Council to produce a high-quality design that meets local need.

“We are looking forward to building out these homes, with work starting at the end of 2025.”