A view from our window

The View from our Window W/E 21st August 2026

As we move towards the end of August, attention is increasingly turning to the Bucks Local Plan consultation deadline, Autumn training opportunities and preparations for our Annual General Meeting. Thank you to everyone who has already engaged with these initiatives. There are still some important opportunities to participate, and we encourage councils to take a few moments to review the updates below.

HIGHLIGHTS

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE LOCAL PLAN REGULATION 19 CONSULTATION

Representations on the Buckinghamshire Local Plan 2045 must be submitted by 11.59pm on Sunday 6 September 2026. This Publication (Regulation 19) stage is the final opportunity to make formal representations before the Plan is submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for independent examination. Late representations will not be accepted.

We strongly encourage member councils to review the available resources and consider whether a formal response is appropriate.

BMKALC REGULATION 19 REPRESENTATION TOOLKIT

Parish & Town Council Regulation 19 Representation Toolkit

Supporting Survey

THENAS Survey Homepage

If your council submits a representation, we strongly recommend that you indicate your wish to participate in the Examination Hearing Sessions. If that request is not made now, there will be no later opportunity to seek participation once the Plan has been submitted.

The Plan’s proposals may also have implications for infrastructure and communities in Milton Keynes and neighbouring areas, and colleagues there may wish to consider submitting a response.

REGULATION 19 TEMPLATE LETTERS – ONH PLANNING FOR GOOD

ONH Planning for Good has produced a template letter for parish and town councils wishing to make formal representations objecting to the Regulation 19 Buckinghamshire Local Plan (LP4B).

The template is structured around three of the National Planning Policy Framework tests of soundness:

Justified

The letter challenges:

  • The spatial strategy against reasonable alternatives
  • The breadth and depth of the evidence base
  • Errors and inconsistencies in site assessments
  • The accelerated final stages of the process
  • The lack of firm infrastructure commitments

Effective

The template argues that reliance on a small number of major sites delivered late in the plan period creates significant delivery risk. It suggests that a strategy based on a greater number of smaller sites, distributed throughout the settlement hierarchy and supported by neighbourhood plans, was a reasonable alternative that was not fully explored.

Consistency with National Policy

The template identifies potential conflicts relating to:

  • Neighbourhood planning
  • Housing land supply
  • Small sites
  • Windfall development
  • Transport
  • Density and design
  • Green Belt
  • National Landscapes
  • Heritage assets

The document concludes that the Plan is unsound and includes alternative closing statements for councils wishing either to participate in hearings or simply register comments. Bracketed sections enable councils to include local evidence and examples.

If your council feels this approach may suit its circumstances, please get in touch. It may not be appropriate for every parish or town council.

Cost: £399 plus VAT.

NATIONAL SECTOR UPDATES

We welcome the government’s announcement that the Minister for Local Government, Devolution and Regional Growth role now includes an explicit reference to parish and town councils as one of its key responsibilities.

This is another positive step for the sector and reflects the growing recognition of the important role parish and town councils play within their communities. It demonstrates that the sector’s voice is increasingly being heard at a national level.

CELEBRATE EXCELLENCE IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Nominations are now open for the NALC Council of the Year Award, sponsored by Unity Trust Bank.

This prestigious award recognises councils that:

  • Deliver outstanding services to their communities
  • Build strong partnerships and collaborate effectively
  • Communicate clearly and consistently with residents
  • Demonstrate innovation and forward-thinking leadership

Whether you are a councillor, officer, county association colleague or resident, we encourage you to nominate a council that has made a real difference in its community.

Nomination Deadline: 25 September 2026

Let’s celebrate the parish and town councils that continue to raise standards across the sector.

MARTYN’S LAW: TERRORISM (PROTECTION OF PREMISES) ACT 2025

The Home Office and Security Industry Authority (SIA) are hosting a series of free webinars to help organisations understand the requirements of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, commonly known as Martyn’s Law.

The webinars will:

  • Provide an overview of the Act and its requirements
  • Explain the implementation timetable
  • Offer an opportunity to ask questions directly to Home Office and SIA representatives

The Act received Royal Assent in April 2025 and is expected to have an implementation period of at least 24 months. Whilst there is currently no legal requirement to comply, councils responsible for community facilities, buildings and public events may wish to begin considering the practical implications.

Useful Resources

Martyn’s Law webinar dates:

14th September 2026 

Time: 14:00 – 15:00 

Joining Link:https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/364265772373723?p=Om3zf9Hqq9OkPl33Mf  

Meeting ID: 364 265 772 373 723  

Passcode: nk9Rj3ua 

24th September 2026 

Time: 15:00 – 16:00 

Joining link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/342290239063327?p=9188KgO2EgFECCUzFq  

Meeting ID: 342 290 239 063 327  

Passcode: GB3S8z3H 

(Each session covers the same content, so attendance at one webinar is sufficient.)

BMKALC TRAINING & EVENTS – SEPTEMBER 2026

  • 2 September, 6.30pm (Online)

    The Six Characteristics of a High-Performing Council

BMKALC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

We would like to encourage all member councils to register for the BMKALC Annual General Meeting.

Date: Monday 14 September 2026

Time: 6.00pm to 8.00pm

Venue: Campbell Park Community Hub, Springfield Boulevard, Milton Keynes

Book AGM Tickets

Important Information

  • Attendance is in person only
  • Maximum of two representatives per member council
  • Councillors have one vote per member council
  • Voting representatives must register for a ticket
  • Recommended arrival time is 5.45pm
  • Last entry is 5.55pm

Guest Speaker – Paul Hodson, Town Clerk & Chief Executive, Dunstable Town Council – “When Politics Enters Local Councils”

We look forward to welcoming member councils from across Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes and the surrounding areas.

Please note that Mel is on annual leave until 3rd September. During her absence, all enquiries should be directed to balc@bucksalc.gov.uk, where a member of the team will be happy to assist.

We hope you enjoy the remainder of the summer and look forward to seeing many of you at our September events!

Kind regards,

Lorraine and Jess