A tranquil Buckinghamshire village, home to just 113 residents, is facing a dramatic transformation with proposals to build 8,000 new homes around it. Beachampton, nestled between Buckingham and Milton Keynes, is a key component of Buckinghamshire Council's ambitious local plan, which aims to deliver 90,000 new properties across the region by 2045.
The current village comprises only 65 properties, a village hall, a church, and a pub. Residents like Alison Huizeling, who has lived in Beachampton for a decade, fear the extensive development will irrevocably alter the landscape and natural beauty of the area. Concerns have also been raised regarding the suitability of the location for such a large influx of people, particularly concerning job opportunities and transport links, given its distance from major commuter hubs and existing infrastructure.
Steven Broadbent, the Conservative leader of Buckinghamshire Council, stated that the government mandates significant housing growth, and the council's role is to manage this expansion effectively. He emphasised that the draft local plan represents an opportunity to maintain local control and strategically plan for future growth, ensuring that homes, jobs, and essential infrastructure are developed concurrently while protecting green belt land.
Another long-term resident, Steph Harwood, who moved her family to Beachampton 20 years ago, questioned the rationale behind creating a new town so close to Milton Keynes, which she believes is already overpopulated. She also highlighted the village's historical lack of investment in infrastructure, such as road maintenance and snow clearance, suggesting it often feels overlooked by the wider council area. Furthermore, Harwood raised critical environmental concerns, noting that much of Beachampton is prone to regular flooding and that building on natural floodplains could have significant downstream impacts on areas like Milton Keynes and Bedford.
Beachampton was previously considered for a government new towns scheme but was not ultimately shortlisted. Instead, it has been incorporated into Buckinghamshire Council's local plan alongside eight other urban areas, including Aylesbury, Haddenham, and Winslow. The proposals are currently subject to a six-week public consultation, providing a final opportunity for residents and interested parties to comment before the plan is submitted to the government by 31 December 2026.