Villagers urged to give feedback by Monday as Marsworth faces possible 90‑home development
Residents in Marsworth are being urged to submit their views by Monday on a proposal in the draft Buckinghamshire Local Plan that could see up to 90 new houses built on land behind Stepnells.
The site, owned by the Oxford Diocese, has been identified as a potential development area following the Government’s decision to increase Buckinghamshire’s housing target to 95,000 homes by 2047. More than 50 villagers attended a Parish Council meeting on 9 March to hear the implications.
Traffic and transport concerns: Residents at the public participation discussion heard that the development would require changes to local roads, including widening narrow lanes and addressing bottlenecks at the canal bridges, which currently lack footpaths. A roundabout would be needed at the proposed site entrance opposite College Farm, where cars often descend the hill at speed. If access were also created through Stepnells, a second roundabout would be required at the Vicarage Road/Lower Icknield Way junction.
Public transport was also highlighted as inadequate. Parking at Tring Station is often full by 8am, and villagers said bus services to Tring and Aylesbury would need significant improvement.
Pressure on schools and services: Brookmead School in Pitstone is already full, and not all Marsworth children secured a local secondary place this year. The village has no medical facilities or shops, and doctors and dentists in Tring are reported to be overstretched.
The sewerage system is operating at capacity, and residents noted that water pressure is already so low that the Fire Service has twice had to draw water from the canal to tackle major fires in the past five years.
Environmental impact: The site lies within the Beechwood Special Area of Conservation around Ashridge, meaning Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) would be required. It is also close to the Chilterns National Landscape and the Marsworth Reservoirs SSSI.
Villagers said that 90 new houses would harm views and the amenity of these protected areas. Skylarks breed on the land, which also supports deer, bats, foxes, badgers and migrating geese. Starling murmurations and large numbers of jackdaws roost in nearby woodland.
Wider development pressures: Residents were also asked to consider draft proposals for up to 10,000 homes at Cheddington. Traffic from such a development could double movements along Lower Icknield Way, Marsworth to as many as two million a year in each direction.
The Parish Council is urging villagers who share these concerns to complete the Bucks Council “Your Voice” survey by Monday, to meet the 16 March deadline. Responses should use site reference 760 and the address Land off Lower Icknield Way, Marsworth, HP23 4LW.
The survey is available at: https://yourvoicebucks.citizenspace.com/planning/2aa4b313/
Further information, including the parish clerk’s full meeting report, is available at: https://www.marsworth.org.uk/planning-matters/
CANAL WORK: Locks 42, 43 and 44 on the Marsworth Flight of the Grand Union Canal, remain closed until March 27 at 4pm, while lock gates are replaced. Lock 44 is being worked on, with new gates already in place on the other locks. The towpath is open to walkers.
MARGARET’S MEMORIAL: Margaret Johnson, who was a stalwart of the village and All Saints Church for many years, passed away in January. Her memorial service will be held on Friday March 27 at 1pm at All Saints Church, Marsworth, and then afterwards in the village hall.
TRING PLANT-BASED MARKET: This will be on Sunday March 22, from 10am to 4pm at Market Place, Brook Street, with plant-based street-food, ethical shopping, coffee and live music.
TRING TOWN OF CULTURE BID: Tring Town Council has announced that it is submitting an Expression of Interest to become the UK Town of Culture, 2028! The town has much to offer, from a vibrant arts scene and rich heritage to passionate community groups and local events – a place where culture, creativity and community come together.
HALL CLEANER ROLE: Marsworth Village Hall is looking for a reliable part-time cleaner. The hours are Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:30–5:30 pm, making a total of four hours per week. Contact Iain Puddephatt: [email protected]
JUMBLE SALE: This will be on Saturday, April 11 at the Millennium Hall, Marsworth, from 1pm. More jumble wanted.
ROAD CLOSURE: The Lower Icknield Way below the mini-roundabout is due to be closed from March 25 to 28, while potholes are filled.
RACE NIGHT: Beacon Community Choir is organising a Night at the Races at Marsworth Village Hall on Saturday, May 2 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £12.50 including supper. Doors open at 6.45pm and betting opens at 7.15pm.
TRAINS: Train services will not run from Tring to London Euston and Milton Keynes over the Easter break, particularly on April 7 and 8. So do check services in advance before making plans.
SHAKESPEARE: After seven years, the Pendley Shakespeare Festival is returning to The Dembe Theatre, with A Midsummer Night’s Dream from August 12 to 16.