Marsworth residents urged to attend parish meeting as developers appeal refusal of 320-home airfield scheme
Residents concerned about the future of Marsworth Airfield are being urged to attend a public discussion at Marsworth Parish Council's meeting on November 9 as developers seek to overturn the refusal of plans for up to 320 homes on the former airfield site.
The meeting, which is open to all villagers, will provide an opportunity for residents to discuss the implications of the appeal and the potential impact on traffic, local roads and village life.
The appeal has been lodged by Ainscough Strategic Land following the rejection of proposals by Buckinghamshire Council and Dacorum Borough Council. It will now be decided by a Planning Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State, through a Public Inquiry. The date and venue will be announced in due course.
The development proposes up to 320 homes, a primary school, community facilities, a rural enterprise hub and areas of public open space. The developer argues that the former airfield is a brownfield site that could help meet pressing housing needs in both authorities.
However, one of the most contentious issues remains traffic.
Residents in neighbouring Long Marston have already expressed concern about the effect thousands of additional vehicle movements could have on local roads. Not to mention school and GP places.
Particular concerns in Marsworth centre on proposals to route traffic through Vicarage Road and Lower End, with developers suggesting traffic lights and a pedestrian lane on the narrow Red Lion Bridge in an attempt to manage flows through the village.
Many local people fear that such measures would simply transfer congestion from one location to another while fundamentally altering the character of rural communities already struggling with increasing traffic levels.
Residents fear additional pressure on roads that are already busy at peak times and during the tourist season around the reservoirs and canal network.
In their appeal, developers argue that highway concerns can be mitigated through road improvements, new walking and cycling links, bus service enhancements and other transport measures.
They also maintain that the scheme would deliver significant benefits, including affordable housing, education provision and community facilities.
The two councils, however, concluded that the site is not a sustainable location for a development of this scale and raised objections relating to highways, landscape impact, environmental concerns and infrastructure.
With the appeal process now under way, local campaigners believe it is important that residents make their views known before decisions are taken that could affect the area for generations.
Marsworth Parish Council will discuss the appeal and its implications at its meeting on 9 November at 8pm, and all residents are invited to attend.
Anyone wishing to add to or amend their comments can do so until 19 November 2026, quoting reference 6013848. Submissions can be made online via Dacorum’s Planning Portal or by post to the Planning Inspectorate’s Slough office.
The Council’s decision and the developer’s grounds for appeal can be viewed on the Dacorum planning website by searching 23/01254/MOA and checking the Related Cases section.
Buckinghamshire Council has also advised that if you wish to make comments, or modify/withdraw your previous representation, you can do so online at https://appeal-planning-decision.service.gov.uk/comment-planning-appeal/6013847.
Marsworth Parish Council says it will mount as strong an objection to the appeal as possible, and notes that two earlier appeals for substantially smaller developments on the site have been turned down in the not-too-distant past.
Marsworth Bonfire Night set to light up the village again
The countdown is on for one of Marsworth's most popular annual events as the village Bonfire and Fireworks Night returns to the Recreation Ground on Saturday, 7 November.
Organisers promise another spectacular evening of fireworks, music, food and family fun following last year's hugely successful event, which attracted visitors from across the local area.
A few extra volunteers are being sought as marshals and for the working party for the great Sunday tidy-up! Message Marsworth Village Hall on Facebook if you can help.
Gates open at 5pm, with the bonfire lit at 6.30pm and the fireworks display beginning at 7pm. Entry on the gate is £6 for adults and £3 for children, with proceeds helping to support the village hall.
Visitors can enjoy burgers, hot dogs, soup, rolls, mulled wine and sweet treats while taking in the display.
Long-time fireworks co-ordinator Paul Rance has once again been busy preparing the show, carefully synchronising the fireworks to music and adding some new sounds alongside familiar favourites.
"We're putting in the extra effort to make it even more fun this year," said Paul. "The budget has increased thanks to the success of last year's display, so we've been able to include more fireworks than usual. Come along - you won't be disappointed."
Parking will be available in the orchard off Watery Lane, while Blue Badge holders can park directly on the recreation ground.
Anyone wishing to contribute suitable burnable material for the bonfire can contact Paul Rance via Facebook or WhatsApp on 07770 587334.
With a reputation for combining a community atmosphere with a spectacular half-hour display, organisers are hoping for another bumper turnout.
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL: Marsworth Christmas Tree Festival is back! This year the theme will be Christmas Carols. Contact Ruth Monks if you would like to decorate a tree. There will also be a jigsaw stall, preserves stall, raffle and refreshments, with donations welcome. It will be on Saturday, November 28, from 10am to 4pm, and Sunday, November 29, from 11.30am to 4pm.
RED LION: There’s a Halloween Dress-up Party on Saturday, October 31, from 7.30pm till late.
And the popular Marsworth pub in Vicarage Road is also planning an Indoor Christmas Market on Sunday, November 15 from 12 noon, featuring some great stocking fillers, cards, cakes, Christmas wreaths and more. Plus there will be a roast wrap food van on hand selling Yorkshire pudding with roast potatoes, veg and meat.
Plus, on Thursday, December 10, there will be a Christmas Wreath Making workshop at 7.30pm for 8pm. £40pp. Email [email protected] to book.
FOOD BANK: Richard Cooper is asking for donations to give those in Marsworth receiving groceries from the Food Bank some special seasonal treats, such as mince pies, biscuits, sweets, wine or beer to make their Christmas brighter.
TWILIGHT MARKET: More stocking fillers are available at the Twilight Market at Victory Hall, Long Marston on Saturday, November 7, from 3pm to 6pm, with a fish and chip van on hand.
ELVIS TRIBUTE NIGHT: This is at the Haldi, Pitstone, on December 8, 17 and 23, with four-course meal. £37.95 per person. Book at thehaldipitstone.co.uk/