It’s not just about housing and infrastructure; alongside homes we also planning for new jobs over the next 15 years. Being a Garden Town will make Aylesbury a more attractive place to live and work. This will businesses a further incentive to locate in and around the town, resulting in many opportunities for employment, both directly and indirectly. In 2015, three strategic sites in the Aylesbury Vale area, at Silverstone, Westcott Venture Park and Arla/Woodlands (near Aylesbury) secured Enterprise Zone status, which helps to attract businesses to the area.

FAQs Archive - Aylesbury Garden Town

Q: I have a disability – can you provide the Masterplan in alternative formats?

Yes, we can supply a large print version of the Draft Masterplan, or a USB stick with the document on it. Please contact us to discuss your needs on 01296 585279, or contactus@aylesburygardentown.co.uk

Q: What is the difference between the VALP and the AGT Masterplan?

The VALP is the statutory plan (required by law) for the whole of the district of Aylesbury Vale, covering the period through to 2033. It sets out how the district will accommodate national housing growth demand and encourage more investment, employment and opportunity, thus enabling Aylesbury Vale to thrive. It meets the need for 28,600 new homes in the Vale by 2033, over half of which are either already built or have planning permission. The policies in the VALP identify Aylesbury as a Garden Town and recognise the key role that the town will play as the county town for Buckinghamshire and a focus for economic growth and development. The VALP was submitted for examination in February 2018, following extensive public consultation and involvement. Following the examination hearings in July 2018, the plan has reached the next key stage in the process during 2019, which has been to assess the public comments received on the main modifications proposed as part of the hearings. An independent planning inspector will then make a final decision; and if the plan is deemed to be sound it will be adopted by the local authority. The AGT masterplan will provide further guidance in relation to the policies contained in the VALP and looks beyond the period of the local plan (2033), identifying further opportunities and aspirations, setting out clear ambitions and an identity for the Garden Town to 2050. The Masterplan is not a statutory plan; but will become council policy. It will therefore be document used to inform wider local authority decision making on implementing the aspirations for Aylesbury and acts as a promotional for future funding bids.

Q: Doesn’t the Vale of Aylesbury Local Plan (VALP) include proposals for the future of Aylesbury?

Yes; and the AGT Masterplan will adhere to the policies set out in the VALP.

Q: What will it mean for the villages around Aylesbury?

We will protect and enhance the character and setting of the historic villages around Aylesbury. Improved cycle and pedestrian links will connect the village settlements that surround the town. We want to work closely and positively with all the villages to help make sure Aylesbury’s Garden Town status benefits everyone.