Catesby Estates and Strategic Land Site In Beaconsfield

Evolution Of Our Proposals

The first round of public consultation finished on Sunday 23rd June 2024.

During this time we hosted design led events providing an opportunity for local stakeholders to provide early input into the landscape, streetscape, community facilities and design. This was supported by a website and online survey.

We are now in the process of collating the feedback received and using this to inform the design process further.

We will update this website and provide a further opportunity to provide feedback on the proposals in due course.

Background

In 2022, The Portman Estate’s appeal against the decision of Buckinghamshire Council to refuse planning permission for the redevelopment of the land at Beeches Park, (adjacent to Amersham Road and Minerva Way) Beaconsfield was dismissed.

Having reflected on the Appeal Decision the Portman Estate is now looking to move forward with a different approach for the redevelopment of the land.

To facilitate this, the Portman Estate has selected Catesby Estates, a specialist land promoter, to prepare and progress revised proposals for the site.

Catesby Estates are one of the UK’s leading strategic land promoters, focusing on the delivery of residential planning permissions with a strong emphasis on sustainability and good design.

Ed Barrett, Area Planning Director for Catesby Estates said; “We will be seeking to work closely with Buckinghamshire Council, Beaconsfield Town Council and other local stakeholders to bring this site forward to deliver a sensitively designed and sustainable residential development.”

“This site has the potential to deliver community facilities and new homes including affordable housing, in an area where over the last year the average house price is four times the UK average.”

During March 2024 Catesby Estates submitted an EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) screening request to Buckinghamshire Council to determine whether a future revised planning application would require an Environmental Impact Assessment or not.

The reference number for this is PL/24/0950/EIASR.

More information is available on the Council’s website at www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-applications/ and selecting either the Chiltern or South Bucks local area link.

Our Approach To Public Consultation

Catesby Estates help deliver sustainable developments and homes where people have the opportunity to take their first steps on the housing ladder, buy a family home, or downsize.

Our developments help maintain and enhance the vitality of existing communities through job creation and socio-economic growth.

Considerations for the environment and sustainability are at the forefront of our decision-making process. For example electric charging points, early landscape planting and biodiversity improvements are just some of the features included in our sites.

All our sites provide policy compliant levels of affordable housing, and significant public open space as a key feature.

We consult with leading ecology and landscaping experts to ensure ample public space is provided within developments for both residents and local wildlife to flourish.

By approaching residential development in the right way, we can leave a positive legacy for a local community

We look to involve the community at an early stage, so they can help inform our final proposals, helping to underpin the vision of our developments.

We are always happy to engage with local residents, community groups, elected representatives and other key stakeholders.

This enables us to better understand the local issues and seek to offer real tangible benefits to the local community.

You can contact us using the 'CONTACT US' button on this web page or via email at info@catesbyestates.co.uk or via telephone on 01788 726810.

Site Specifics

57.6 Acre Site (23.3 Hectares)
Delivery Of New Homes For The Area
New Homes. A range of new homes with a potential mix of home sizes ranging from 1 to 5 bed, houses and apartments.
Public Open Space. There are significant areas of new public open space proposed including equipped and natural children’s play areas.

The majority of the existing site is currently private land, which means there is no permitted public access.

Significant areas of new public open space and children’s play area will be delivered as part of the proposals, providing attractive leisure spaces and helping to promote healthy lifestyles.

The new open space will include the creation of green links and walkways within a natural setting, forming a connection with new and retained habitat / ecological features.
Community Hub. There is potential for a new community hub facility to serve both new and existing Beaconsfield local communities.

This could include shared spaces and facilities for people who work from home, to a community cafe or yoga studio
Highways And Access. Access to the site will be provided via new junctions formed with the Beaconsfield Eastern Relief Road and Amersham Road.

These accesses will serve vehicles as well as pedestrians and cyclists and will be compliant with local and national design guidance. There will be no vehicular link between the Relief Road and Amersham Road within the site.
Flooding and Drainage. The site is in Flood Zone 1 which is land at the lowest risk of fluvial (river) flooding.
Ecology. Habitats of ecological value within the site, such as woodland, mature trees and ponds will be retained and protected. We are seeking to create new ecologically valuable habitats, and improve management of existing habitats, as well as public open space for residents.
Climate Change And Sustainability. Homes both new and existing account for 20% of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK.

To mitigate climate change, as well as help keep down household energy costs, the proposed homes will include low carbon renewable energy technologies such as air source heat pumps, solar photovoltaic panels (PV) and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Sustainable Development. We are seeking to promote walking and cycling, with improved connections to Beaconsfield town centre and the railway station, therefore reducing reliance on the car.

Additional points of pedestrian and cycle access will be provided onto the Beaconsfield Eastern Relief Road, Amersham Road and Minerva Way.

It is envisaged that the proposals will include a high quality on-site network of walking and cycling routes that will in turn link to improvements for pedestrians and cyclists on the surrounding highway network including on and off road routes and crossings.