Waterside Theatre to host major debate on housing, infrastructure and rural needs in Bucks

The CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, is holding its first Buckinghamshire debate in Aylesbury on April 14

On the agenda will be transport projects and waste management, as well as the impact of major housing developments on the countryside and whether it is possible to balance these economic and environmental priorities.

The speaker panel includes Howard Davidson, the Environment Agency’s director of operations South East; Sue Holden, chief officer of the Chilterns AONB Conservation Board; Miff Chichester, director of St Congar Properties; James Del Mar, head of rural consultancy and the HS2 team at Knight Frank and Paul Wormald, director of planning for waste and energy at Peter Brett Associates.

Christopher Anstey, chair of the county CLA branch, said: “Buckinghamshire is facing significant challenges in meeting increasing demands for new housing and planned infrastructure projects such as HS2 and the East-West Rail Phase 2, without sacrificing the local landscape and the livelihoods of farmers, landowners and rural businesses.

“This event will highlight the issues and look at whether it is possible to achieve a satisfactory balance between these competing demands.”

The CLA debate, which is supported by Handelsbanken and Knight Frank, is free to attend, but all places must be booked in advance. To reserve a place or for more information, call 01264 313434.