MP and a government agency object to Wycombe Wanderers’ plans for new training ground on Bucks green belt
An MP and a government agency have both objected to Wycombe Wanderers’ plans for a new training ground on green belt land in Bucks.
Beaconsfield MP Joy Morrissey has urged Buckinghamshire Council to refuse the proposals. The Environment Agency has also objected and recommended refusal in the absence of an adequate flood-risk assessment.
The Chairboys’ plans would reduce South Buckinghamshire Golf Course from 18 holes to 12, with a separate six-hole academy course and practice range. The club also wants to build a performance centre, an indoor pitch and nine outdoor pitches, bringing its first team and academy together on one site.
At neighbouring Farnham Park Playing Fields, the proposals include a community sports hub, a floodlit 3G pitch, five covered padel courts and a walking route.
In her objection, Ms Morrissey described the scheme as a “substantial, private and secured professional football training complex” on land that currently provides open recreational space.
She said the club had not clearly demonstrated the “very special circumstances” needed to justify the development in the green belt.
The Conservative MP also raised concerns about public access and the reduction in golf provision. Her representation says the plans would involve the loss of more than 400 trees.
The Environment Agency said the submitted flood-risk assessment did not adequately consider extreme flooding, climate change, or safe access and escape routes.
The agency raised concerns about development in areas at risk of flooding from watercourses on the site. It said its objection could be overcome if the club submitted a revised assessment addressing its concerns.
The Stoke Poges Task Force has separately asked the Secretary of State to call in the application for independent determination.
It cited the green belt development, the loss of public recreational land and uncertainty over the scheme’s claimed benefits. It also pointed to Buckinghamshire Council’s roles as planning authority, landowner, charity trustee, contracting party and financial stakeholder.
The task force said its request concerns who should decide the application, rather than whether permission should ultimately be granted or refused.
Wycombe Wanderers took over the course and playing fields in August through a partnership with Buckinghamshire Council. The council is due to decide the application by January 21, 2027.
Planning documents say the previous operating arrangements were financially unsustainable and investment was needed. The club has said the facilities would meet Category 1 academy standards and bring its first team and youth development operations together.
The applicant argues the sporting and community benefits amount to the “very special circumstances” needed to justify the development. The proposals would also affect two footpaths, according to the application.