Security, roads and planning: news from Penn Parish Council

Strengthening Local Safety and Security

Penn Parish has been working closely with Thames Valley Police to support residents to create safer, more connected villages. Three joint events have taken place across the parish, most recently on 18^th February in Winchmore Hill.  We are very grateful to Sgt Matt Cummings and his team for their assistance in improving safety and security across the parish. Briefing notes will be available after the final event on 17^th March.

Highways Matters

Road issues remain a priority this month, with potholes, drainage, and resurfacing raised with Buckinghamshire Highways. The parish’s Highways Committee is following up reported defects and thanks residents for continuing to flag problems as they arise. Please continue to report issues online, if possible, with a photograph, if it is safe to do so.

Planning Issues

Planning continues to be a concern for residents this quarter, with planning developments beyond the parish boundary raising questions about long‑term impact on parish roads and infrastructure.  While these developments sit just outside Penn Parish, their scale means the parish is likely to feel secondary effects—particularly increased traffic on approach roads, pressure on local amenities, and changes to the rural character of the wider area.

Our Planning Committee is monitoring Buckinghamshire Council’s evolving Draft Local Plan on which we commented back in October.  Publication last month of an interactive map of sites, where housing development is being considered is a useful step, as it highlights the Unitary Council’s thinking about where they feel development can be best accommodated. The Horsfield’s site off the A404 and Penn Racing Stables, were both appraised and both have been judged as unsuitable for various reasons. But much work remains to be done. With a target of 95,500 examination of our Green Belt (which could be Grey Belt?) is very likely, as the other options coalesce, if we are to meet the huge housing target. Central Government had said the Local Plan must be published for consultation no later than 23^rd July 2026. Ministers have raised questions about the Council’s timetable and planned consultation process?  Local Plan link: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy/local-planning/buckinghamshire-local-plan/

Festival for Penn

For the second-year running, the upcoming Oh Shala Festival promises a very different atmosphere—focusing on wellness, workshops, and community connection rather than the traditional music‑festival format. Expect yoga, drumming, meditation, and family‑friendly activities throughout the weekend in Penn Street, 10-12^th July 2026 (https://www.ohshalafestival.com/).

Mike West, Chair Penn Parish Council

www.pennparishcouncil.gov.uk

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