Improving driver safety and creating new jobs

What we did:

Planning approval for the development of the former RAF airfield in Finmere, creating a new petrol station and drive-through coffee shop with associated infrastructure, was previously refused by Buckinghamshire Council in January 2022.

Not in use as a working air base since July 1945, land on part of the site was being used more recently for car boot sales and motorcycle training.

Our team of consultants worked to address issues initially raised by the council in its refusal notice. This included factors relating to principle of development, sustainable transport, design, landscape impacts and ecology. Public safety was also a key consideration, given the proximity of the site to an active aerodrome from which private flights still operate.

The appeal found there would be several benefits to the development, including the creation of 40 new jobs and improving driver safety by providing an area to break journeys, and would not generate additional noise and pollution as per some initial concerns, as it would principally cater to existing road users travelling on the nearby A421/A4421.

As a result, permission was granted via appeal following a two-day hearing in Aylesbury.

What our client said:

“Matthew Wyatt’s initial advice regarding strategy was clear and assisted in navigating the way forward for all involved. He was very efficient in the preparation of the planning hearing and hands on and approachable with his management of the team.

“Matthew engaged closely with the Local Authority and Planning Inspectorate in the period building up to the hearing and during the event itself and was confident in his response to any questions posed by the Inspector and astute when required to rebut comments made by the Local Authority representative.

“In summary, Matthew’s management and performance of the appeal was key to a positive outcome.”

Nathan Tonge, Senior Planner – Property team, Euro Garages Limited