Hanslope and Penn Neighbourhood Plans Made

We are delighted that two of our Neighbourhood Plans: Hanslope and Penn, have recently passed through referendum and have now been made.

Hanslope Neighbourhood Plan

The Hanslope Neighbourhood Plan Review, ‘Made’ in March 2025 updates the plan to reflect changes in the village over the past few years – including the completion of several housing developments – while remaining rooted in the community’s clear ambition to maintain its rural character, support local facilities, and manage growth sensitively. 

ONH were delighted to return to the Parish and support Hanslope Parish Council alongside the local Steering Group in preparing this updated plan. The Review introduces revised development boundaries, updates local green space designations, reinforces the importance of key views, community facilities, and rural employment opportunities. Most significantly, the Review took the principle of the Local Gap between two settlements which was identified in an appeal decision and formalised it into planning policy, in addition to identifying its limits on a map. This adds greater clarity for future applications coming forward within the Local Gap and seeks to prevent the visual coalescence of the settlements. 

“Hanslope Parish Council and the NP Steering Committee, are delighted to have progressed our Neighbourhood Plan (Review) to the status of ‘Made’, ably guided by the expertise of consultants ONH.” Gill Merry, Clerk to Hanslope Parish Council

 Images of Hanslope courtesy of Hanslope Parish Council

Penn Neighbourhood Plan

We’re delighted to announce that Buckinghamshire Council has formally ‘made’ the Penn Parish Neighbourhood Plan (PPNP), following a successful referendum. The Plan has been led by a dedicated steering group of local residents and parish councillors, with professional support from Leani Haim, Planning Director at ONH.

Unlike many neighbourhood plans prepared outside the Green Belt, Penn Parish could not rely on site allocations; instead it adopts a proactive approach to ensure that any new proposals deliver high-quality, context-sensitive development that respects local character; promote environmental sustainability and resilience; and safeguard valued green infrastructure, recognising that almost 80% of the parish lies within the Green Belt and a National Landscape (formerly AONB).

“What stood out for me within the Plan was the identification of locally significant streetscape views in each of the picturesque and historically rich settlements of Penn, Penn Street, Winchmore Hill, Knotty Green and Forty Green. These local viewpoints are essential to residents’ experience of the village character and the approach ensures that all future development must demonstrate how it respects and enhances local distinctiveness, with key views included on detailed policy maps. The Plan also acknowledges that achieving Passivhaus (or equivalent) standards may sometimes conflict with local design guidance. To reconcile this, policies allow flexibility—particularly in building orientation and density—so that schemes can both contribute to our climate-action goals and respond sensitively to local form. Another notable success is the designation of Wichert Close Wood as a Local Green Space. Although it has no public access, the woodland’s vital role in the community’s identity and biodiversity was recognised.” Leani Haim, Planning Director ONH

“The Penn Neighbourhood Plan was a vital opportunity for our community to shape its future. By listening to residents and working collaboratively, we’re building a vision that protects the character of Penn while embracing thoughtful growth and sustainability. ONH’s input was invaluable in guiding us to asuccessful Neighbourhood Plan.” Penn Parish Council

Images of Penn courtesy of Penn Parish Council