Rural Strategy - Buckinghamshire County Council

Buckinghamshire& Milton KeynesRural Strategy 2008-2012

Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Rural Strategy 2008-2012The state of ruralBuckinghamshire todayThe Strategy identifies six Priority Themes agreed by all asthe most important areas for action. Alongside these areseveral ‘key considerations’ – issues that have been identifiedas areas of need and opportunity, which relate directly to allof the Priority Themes. The six Priority Themes are:1. Access to Services and Facilities2. Transport3. Rural Housing4. Countryside and Environment5. Economy and Enterprise6. Community Self-confidenceAccess to Services and FacilitiesRural areas of Buckinghamshire still offer many of theaspects associated with an idyllic life in the countryside.Yet the continuing rationalisation and centralisation oflocal services, many of which have acted as the focus forcommunity activity, places this under threat. Within thistheme, a number of key issues are identified:• Post Office provision remains satisfactory, yet theimminent closure programme will reduce service provisionto local communities• Rural communities continue to face the loss of localservices such as banks, job centres pubs and villagestores• Access to hospital and GP services, as well as NHSdental facilities, is a significant challenge for rural residents• Access to primary schools in rural areas remains good,but not for secondary schools exacerbating accessibilityconcerns• Energy choices in rural areas is limited through lackof access to mains gas supplies• Broadband connectivity, performance and coverageremains patchy in rural areasTransportAt first glance, Buckinghamshire is a well-connectedcounty, situated at the heart of the South East motorwayinfrastructure and linked to a number of major airports.However, this is not true for rural communities andtransport has been identified as the single most importantrural concern:• The road system is operating close to capacity; private carownership is high, whilst public transport access is poor• Use of demand-response transport, taxis and walking islow due to a lack of public sector investment• Rural areas suffer from poor road maintenance and safetyconcerns related to speeding and excessive HGV use• Increases in air travel has heightened awareness of noiseand air pollution as well as revised flight path proposals• The need to encourage community led transport solutionsremains a high priorityRural HousingBuckinghamshire is a popular place to live with an excellentlocation in the South East. The range of housing availablein rural areas is wide, moving from one-person flats to largemansions and there is a generally well-maintained socialhousing stock. However, enormous pressures and concernssurrounding rural housing remain, recently highlighted bythe ‘credit crunch’ and its effect on the property market.These include:• High house prices are frequently unaffordable to thosewith local connections• Planning regulations which seek to retain and protect rurallandscapes unnecessarily restrict appropriate housingstock expansion• Good quality rental properties, particularly social housing,are in short supply• Fuel poverty is a prevalent issue due to poor insulation ofolder properties and a lack of affordable fuel supplies• Availability of accommodation suitable for an ageingpopulation along with associated support services isa key concern for the future• Growth Area developments will need to respect housingcontribution to character and ‘sense of place’Countryside and EnvironmentBuckinghamshire and Milton Keynes is blessed with awonderful natural environment, which acts as a benefit toall, positively improving health and well-being and also actingas community and economic asset. Yet, an increasingnumber of challenges threaten the sustainability of our ruralcommunities, in a county where the rural-urban fringe isbecoming more apparent. These include:3

Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Rural Strategy 2008-2012A New Rural Action PlanAn Action Plan has been developed for the Rural Strategy,and is a key element in ensuring practical change isachieved. The Action Plan sets out the actions and outputsthat can be implemented to meet the challenges set outin the Rural Strategy itself. The Action Plan is a workingdocument - the projects it suggests will be worked up inmore detail, and revised and updated over time to reflectnew priorities and developments.Some features of the Action Plan are:Defining the future role of BuckinghamshireRural Affairs Group (BRAG)The Action Plan is a key driver for the future work of BRAG,helping it to focus on the most pressing issues and betterdemonstrate the attributes of rural life in Buckinghamshireand Milton Keynes,Monitoring and review – an evolutionarydocumentThe Strategy will be reviewed and monitored frequently. Byensuring the Rural Strategy and Action Plan are up-to-date,and agreed actions are in place, the relevance of the RuralStrategy is maintained and its value, therefore, to the ruralagenda is assured.An independent exerciseBRAG will play a pivotal role, acting as an independentbody able to assess the relevance of the Rural Strategy, aswell as to monitor the Action Plan and report back on theeffectiveness of its targeted actions through its establishedIssue Groups.Effective ‘rural proofing’The Rural Strategy enables BRAG to hold statutory agenciesand service deliverers to account in ensuring that the needsof rural areas are properly considered.Alignment to local governanceBy linking the Action Plan to the most relevant national andlocal LAA indicators, BRAG is able attribute and measurethe ‘rural element’, further reinforcing the rural contribution tovitality and prosperity.5

Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Rural Strategy 2008-2012Buckinghamshire is a picturesque county, and the naturalenvironment is well preserved. Approximately one third ofthe land area is designated as Green Belt and sits withinthe Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural beauty. Theserural environs play a major role in the county’s economy.Of the many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)within Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes (some 37,600 4 ),many are located in the countryside. The thriving creativeindustries and increasing number of diversification projects,particularly specialising in tourism and local food products,reinforce this economic strength.The county lies within the Milton Keynes and South Midlandsgrowth area, and over the next 30 years will see largescaledevelopments and house-building that will alter thecharacter of many rural landscapes. Other pressures existthat are representative of regional and national issues; theglobalisation of markets, increasing economic competition,food and fuel price fluctuations, agricultural policy reforms,high house prices, the current ‘credit crunch’ and ageingpopulations represent just some of these challenges.Agriculture, for instance, historically a dominant form ofemployment in the county, has seen a sharp decline in itsfortunes. Today, despite farmland covering almost 50%of the land area in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes,agriculture contributes just 0.5% towards the county’sannual Gross Value Added (GVA) 6 .1.2 Profile of a Rural CountyArea covered by the StrategyFigure 5 outlines the county boundary of Buckinghamshire.Since 1997, Milton Keynes has been recognised as aseparate administrative area, yet it continues to form part ofthe ceremonial boundary of Buckinghamshire.The map in Figure 5 clearly illustrates the predominantly ruralnature of the county, interspersed with the major urbanareas of Milton Keynes, High Wycombe and Aylesbury.The southern portion of the county, particularly as it nearsthe boundary of Greater London, is characteristically morebuilt-up, whereas the map highlights the distinct andsometimes sparse rural nature of Aylesbury Vale, Chilternand Milton Keynes.4 Source: Business Link, Enterprise inMKOB Key Statistics, 20086 Source: Buckinghamshire CountyCouncil 2002, MAFF census7 Gross Value Added is the differencebetween output and immediateconsumption for any given industry9

Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Rural Strategy 2008-2012Figure 5 Buckinghamshire and Milton KeynesRural Definition 88 Map sourced from DEFRA Rural Statistics UnitFigure 6 illustrates the rural nature of Buckinghamshireand Milton Keynes within the wider South Eastern context.Sitting within the Home Counties, Buckinghamshireborders some major urban areas including London and thegrowing presence of Milton Keynes. Whilst this has createdobvious pressures on the county’s rural hinterland, andthe areas targeted for growth may further heighten these,Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes remains quite unique inthe South East by retaining its predominately rural character.10

Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Rural Strategy 2008-2012Figure 6 South East Local Authority ruraldistrict classifications 99 Map sourced from DEFRA Rural Statistics Unit11

1.3 Rural Buckinghamshire& Milton Keynes: 2001-2007Buckinghamshire is a rural county, within one of the mostdensely populated regions in Europe; the South East. Fromthe areas of Green Belt in the extreme South to the ChilternsAONB and the more sparsely populated areas in Northernsections, outwardly, it would appear that little has changedover the last 7 years since the previous Rural Strategy wasproduced. However, there are a number of facets to rural lifethat are vastly different today, as rural communities respondto new sets of opportunities and pressures.Year 1995 2000 2005Regional GrossValue Added(millions)Agriculture(millions)Industry(millions)Services(millions)£6,008 £8,389 £9,1711% 0.5% 0.6%29% 21.5% 19.4%70% 77% 80%1.4 A Changing EconomyGVA indexper person(millions)£118 £125 £118It is hard to think of rural England without its historicalassociation with farming and agriculture. This is particularlythe case in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes where largeareas of the county have been devoted to land-based industriesand have supported the livelihoods of many rural communities.However, this traditional way of life has been changing for sometime now. Modern transport continues to make the world asmaller place; the UK has seen its ability to compete both ona global scale, and also nationally, increasingly challenged.Expanding world markets, globalisation and the continuedindustrialisation of many formerly developing nations has seena competition for growers and producers in the county likenever before.The continued decline over recent years in agriculture is clearlyillustrated in the decrease in its contribution to the county’seconomy, falling to 0.6% of the county’s total Gross ValueAdded in 2003 from 1% in 1995, as illustrated in Figure 7.This reduction is also reflected in the numbers of peopleemployed within Agriculture, hunting and forestry in the county’srural areas; 2,565 in total, a small proportion in relation to the18,357 employed in the Real Estate sector by comparison.Figure 7BuckinghamshireGVA trends 10With these global economic changes, farms have been forcedto adapt to economic conditions and market forces leadingto a widespread perception of agricultural de-valuation. As aresult, business diversification has become prevalent in ruralBuckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. Farms and farm buildingsare being adapted for new mixed-use developments cateringfor commercial and industrial space as well as office units.Likewise, opportunities for tourism and attracting visitors torural areas have increased the amount of accommodation onoffer, often in converted barns and other former agriculturalbuildings. This mirrors the position nationally, where totalfarm diversification income exceeded £430 million in 2007 11 .However, statistics illustrate SME location quotients forBuckinghamshire and Milton Keynes in the land-based sectorare slightly less than the expected regional distribution, with acombined figure of 0.6 12 .12

Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Rural Strategy 2008-2012IndustryBucksUrbanTotalFigure 8 Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes employment byindustry type (age 16-74) 13BucksRuralTotalBucks urban- rural split(%)South EastUrban TotalSouth EastRural TotalSouth Easturban - ruralsplit (%)Agriculture, 1,987 2,565 44 - 56 27,285 28,865 49 - 51hunting andforestryManufacturing 37,452 12,491 75 - 25 371,703 99,934 79 - 21Construction 14,433 6,440 69 - 31 211,619 65,707 76 - 24Wholesale and 47,183 15,219 76 - 24 504,852 130,940 79 -21retail trade;repairsTransport, 20,874 6,083 70 - 30 256,859 59,531 71 - 29storage andcommunicationsFinancial 12,057 3,970 75 - 25 157,096 41,068 79 - 21intermediationReal estate, 44,568 18,357 71 - 29 460,568 145,557 76 - 24renting andbusinessactivitiesPublic10,411 5,861 64 - 36 181,049 49,562 78 - 22administrationand defence,social securityEducation 18,389 7,828 70 - 30 232,185 72,975 76 - 24Health and 21,128 8,533 71 - 29 298,491 83,761 78 - 22social workOther12,722 5,661 69 - 31 150,932 47,183 76 - 24community,social andpersonal serviceactivitiesOther industry 11,047 4,196 72 - 28 162,481 48,394 77 - 23Total 252,251 97,204 72 - 28 3,015,120 873 477 78 - 2210 Figures based on Office for NationalStatistics Regional Gross ValueAdded article 200611 Source: DEFRA Farm Diversificationstatistics, January 200812 Source: Business Link, Enterprise inMKOB Key Statistics, 200813 Source: DEFRA Census 2001 andAccess to Services: Focus on RuralAreas Report13

The importance of rural areas to the economy in termsof other services outside of agriculture is illustrated in theincreasing numbers of small and medium-sized enterprises(SMEs) in the countryside. Local profiles show that anumber of sectors in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynesdisplay an SME distribution that is around or above theregional average, notably tourism. A large proportion ofthese SMEs are also home-based, approximately 43% 14 .Local support for farms and in particular local produce hasbeen increasing in recent years, through the work done bystrategic groups such as the Bucks and Milton Keynes FoodGroup. The termination of CAP 15 payments too, has seenfarmers in a better position to respond to the demands oflocal markets.A more recent issue of prominence has been that ofincreasing food and fuel prices in the UK. With national foodand fuel supplies operating under trade deficit conditions,the country has become more susceptible to externalmarket forces than many of its European and Internationalcounterparts.On a global scale, a combination of population growthand the impacts of climate change have seen crop yieldsdiminish, forcing prices to rise by up to 60%. Similarly, theincreased use of crops for fuel rather than as food and theincreased consumption of rapidly developing economies ofcountries such as China and India, has seen the shortfallfor certain food types become more pronounced. Withthe world’s population due to grow from 6.6 billion to 8.3billion by 2030 16 , the trend looks set to continue. Fuelprices too have seen huge increases as our reliance onnatural resources has meant supplies of oil and gas havesignificantly reduced. Indeed, in the past 12 months,wholesale gas prices have risen by 160% and householdenergy bills are up by approximately 10%. This has ledto consumer inflation prices pushing towards 4% anduncertainty about future economic prospects.The results of these global economic changes are, moreover,now being felt at a national level, and crucially, within therural communities of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.Whether it is associated increased costs in transportprovision and upkeep or higher heating and fuel bills;many families and rural businesses are struggling to makeends meet. The same applies to the agricultural industry,with increasing prices and more changeable yields thesustainability of many farms has been called into question.Yet, opportunities to regenerate the agricultural economymay be forthcoming from this period of change. Theeffects of a reliance on the imports of food and fuels hasseen a renewed acknowledgment of the importance ofself-sufficiency and the ability of our rural areas to respondto these needs. Agriculture in particular may be presentedwith an opportunity to undergo a period of growth one againas the country turns to its own resources to solve ongoingissues of its capacity to sustain a food supply. South Eastfigures reflect this upturn as farm business income fromcereals has increased from £21,997 to £67,460 17 .1.5 EnvironmentalsustainabilityWith the effects of global warming and climate changebecoming more apparent, recognition of the need toconserve and protect our landscapes has increased greatly,reducing our carbon footprint as a nation. Farmers arebeginning to capitalise on this opportunity by growingalternative fuel sources, such as bio fuels, whilst alsodeveloping integrated tree coppicing infrastructures. Theincreasingly widespread utilisation of energy efficient andsustainable technology in rural schools, business and homesis further evidence of this –environmental sustainability hasaffected almost every realm of rural life today. Figure 9 (acomposite of sustainability indicators measured againstthe national average score) below illustrates the effects ofthis greater emphasis on environmental sustainability andthe performance of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes inrelation to the rest of the country.Figure 9 Buckinghamshire andMilton Keynes EnvironmentalSustainability (2006) 18ChilternEnvironmentalsustainability (2006)South BucksWycombeMilton KeynesAylesbury Vale0 47 94 14114

Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Rural Strategy 2008-2012With increasing pressure on the roads and more visitorstaking advantage of the countryside, Buckinghamshire’ ruralareas have faced growing environmental issues and localinitiatives have emerged to reflect this. From the take-up ofenvironmental stewardship to a commitment to reduce CO2through initiatives such as car sharing and improving publictransport provision, sustainability is a hugely important issue.In 2007 in particular, the potential effects of Climate Changewere more evident than ever in the county with a series offreak weather events, most notably the floods during thesummer, and the increasing impact seasonal fluctuations arehaving on crop yields.1.6 HousingHousing affordability is another major issue. With averageprices at an all-time high, the difficulties associated withbuying and retaining a home have intensified. From June2006 to June 2007 alone, the county saw a 6% increase inthe cost of a home rising to £361,516 19 . Beaconsfield, oneof the county’s Market Towns, has been identified as themost expensive town in the UK, with an average house priceof £574,211, some £250,000 greater than the closest rival inGloucestershire. These dramatic increases in prices acrossthe county are illustrated in Figure 10 below.As of June 2008 however, economic forces have changeddrastically and the housing market has seen a remarkablereversal in fortunes. The ‘credit crunch’ affecting financialinstitutions has reduced the borrowing capacity of manyhigh profile mortgage companies, leading to the withdrawalof certain mortgage offers and an increase in interest rateson existing ones. The result has seen a previously buoyanthousing market stagnate as confidence in house priceshas dropped and many homebuyers now face difficultiesin securing a mortgage. Demand for housing, particularlyin rural areas remains high, but it remains to be seen whatthe long-term effects of this financial period will be on housebuilding figures, particularly in the growth area.The lack of affordable housing in rural areas is furtheraccentuated with much of the county located withinprotected landscapes where building is tightly controlled. Adecrease in accommodation for rent has become a concernand one that is likely to intensify if not addressed, particularlywhen associated with social housing requirements. Marketforces play a significant role here, and future adjustmentscould determine whether prices decrease, or indeed rise.1.7 A period of growthBuckinghamshire lies within the Milton Keynes and SouthMidlands (MKSM) growth area. Since the announcement byGovernment of its intention to go forward with proposals todevelop the MKSM, coordinated work has been underwayto plan for growth and to better realise the effects at groundlevel. With work on new residential areas such as Weedonand Berryfields underway since 2006, the scale of thegrowth is now clear. As part of a greater area incorporatingNorthamptonshire and Bedfordshire, the population as awhole is predicted to increase by as much as 400,000.Some of the key statistics are outlined in Figure 11.Average annual house pricesFigure 10 Changes in houseprices (1998-2007) 20480000.00440000.00400000.00360000.00320000.00280000.00240000.00200000.00160000.00120000.0080000.0040000.000.001998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007Source: Local knowledge; Property prices, Land RegistryNotes: Reproduced under the terms of the Click-Use LicenceAylesbury Vale Chiltern Milton KeynesNational Average South Bucks Wycombe14 Source: Business Link, Enterprise inMKOB Key Statistics, 200815 CAP refers to the Common AgriculturalPolicy, a system of European Unionagricultural subsidies and programmes,representing approximately 44% of theEU’s total budget.16 Source: Ernst and Young Report, 200817 Source: SEE-IN Rural South EastEvidence Base Report 200818 Source: Local Knowledge; GeneralisedLand Use Database; Census 2001;General Quality Assessment Survey;Indices of Deprivation; Best ValuePerformance Indicators19 Source: The Land Registry for Englandand Wales20 Source: Local Knowledge, Propertyprices, Land Registry Notes15

Local Authorityarea2001 actualnumber ofoccupiedhouseholds2001 to 2021growth inhomes%GrowthAylesbury Vale 64,500 15,000 23%Bedford, Kempston,North Marston Vale108,200 19,500 18%Corby, Kettering &Wellingborough118,000 34,100 29%Luton, Dunstable,Houghton Regis, 116,500 26,300 23%Leighton, LinsladeMilton Keynes 83,400 44,900 54%Northampton 80,800 30,000 37%Figure 11 MKSMgrowth figures 21Total 571,400 169,800 30%With an additional 59,900 homes and matching jobopportunities to be realised by 2021 in Aylesbury Valeand Milton Keynes alone, an increase of some 41% from2001 levels, the makeup and character of certain parts ofthe county’s rural areas are set to change considerably.An expected 4,400 homes will be built in areas definedas ‘rural’ within Aylesbury Vale 22 and the sheer scaleof the development proposals will present a number ofopportunities and possible threats to rural communities.The nature of this growth and its implementation at a localcommunity level will be vital in ensuring the rural character ofthese areas is not put at risk. Indeed, the community-drivennature of rural communities will play a key role in ensuringthe sensitive integration of new housing and employmentas development progresses, providing this is acknowledgedand supported by the agencies responsible for securing thenecessary development.The rate of this expansion is noteworthy, being staggeredover a 20-year period. There is increasing pressure toensure the delivery of these housing targets and the pace ofthis development, particularly in and around Milton Keynesis likely to quicken. Whilst being recognised within policyand implementation strategies, it is vital that the nature andspeed of this development is matched with new employmentopportunities and an appropriate infrastructure, delivered ina manner that both respects and enhances the character ofrural communities.1.8 Transport and accessto servicesThe rationalisation of services continues, not only in therural areas of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes, but alsothroughout the United Kingdom. This has had a significantimpact on rural communities and their ability to accessservices that have long been associated with the vitality ofcountry life. From the gradual decline of public amenitiessuch as Post Offices, banks and medical services, tothe increased distances required to reach such services,particularly hospitals and specialist healthcare treatment,rural life has felt the full impact of further service and amenitycentralisation into urban areas. Indeed, the impendingPost Office closure programme is likely to herald the lossof approximately 18-20% of existing Post Offices, someof which will significantly impact rural community serviceprovision. This has compounded the challenges for certainage groups, particularly the elderly and younger generationsfor whom local services and amenities are both a lifeline anda key resource.21 Figures sourced from MKSM sub-regional strategy,March 200522 Source: South East Plan, March 200623 Source: 2007 Commission for Rural CommunitiesState of the Countryside Report24 Source: Commission for Rural Communities Reportof the Rural Advocate 200716

Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Rural Strategy 2008-2012Linked to changing service provision and rural access, theneed to travel further has become more apparent, and hasincreased the pressure on forms of rural mobility, particularlythe private car and public transport. Although there havebeen some improvements in relation to bus servicesand the number and quality of routes, and frequency ofservices, car use dominates rural access. Aligned to this,issues of pollution, congestion, parking and road safetyare increasingly a concern for rural communities. Roadmaintenance too has come under increasing scrutiny asgreater levels of traffic, including HGVs, look to utilise countryarteries and rural lanes, having an impact both on thequality of the surface, but also on the nature and characterof the communities themselves. Further public transportimprovements have been ongoing, such as the creation ofnew transport hubs in High Wycombe and Aylesbury, andwith the impending creation of the new Aylesbury parkwayrailway station. However, many of these projects will benefitprimarily urban areas, whilst the much needed east-west raillink proposals, remain just that and have yet to go beyondthe planning stage.1.9 CommunitysustainabilityThe cohesion and self-confidence of rural communities inBuckinghamshire and Milton Keynes is a key componentto their continuing vitality and diversity. Since 2001, certainissues have emerged to put this under threat. Whilst inwardmigration continues to see more people moving back to thecountryside, some 75,000 23 nationally in 2004/05, issuesaffecting community cohesion persist. Certain elements ofcrime, and in particular the perception of anti-social behaviourhave become increasing concerns for rural communities andstrategies developed in partnership with Thames Valley Policehave had mixed results in dealing with this.Encouraging engagement in local political processes has alsoproved to be difficult. The confidence to influence positivechange through Community Plans and other such initiativeshas been welcomed in many areas, but in others thetraditional cohesive and collective nature of rural communitieshas declined as services and jobs move away and villagesbecome more dormitory in nature.struggling to cope and there is an acknowledged lack ofinvestment in the necessary support services to facilitate aneffective voluntary sector, a fact re-iterated in the ‘Change-Up’ Report in 2006. Proposals to increase Gypsy andTravellers’ facilities with an additional 53 sites across thecounty’s rural areas by 2011 further highlights the increasingpressures that may be put on these support services as away of ensuring community cohesion.Finally, new methods of assessing deprivation levels too,have highlighted that the perception of better rural standardsof living generated by traditional measures of deprivation isnot always entirely accurate (see Appendix). This mirrorsworrying national trends, where almost 1 million 24 ruralhouseholds have been identified as living in poverty, withsimilar issue associated to the community coming to the fore.Whilst many elements of rural life remain closely associatedto an idyllic vision, it’s important therefore, that the corevalues that sustain the reality are not lost.1.10 TechnologicaladvancementsThe effect of technology on virtually all facets of life, whetherthey are rural or urban, has also been substantial. Bycomparing rural life in 2008 to as little as 10 years ago, theimpact is clearly illustrated. Advancements in broadbandand ICT have allowed for increased business opportunitiesin rural areas and remote access to vital services suchas banking and libraries. Technological advancementsin housing construction have reflected the desire to bemore environmentally sustainable through the use of newtechniques and materials. Agriculture too, whilst no longerthe dominant rural industry it once was, has benefited greatlyfrom the effects of technology in the last decade. Fromadvancements made in farm machinery, to the ability to growcrops out of their traditional seasons, the implementation oftechnological progress has continued to act as a key driverin ensuring the sustainability of agriculture in the county.This outlines just a few of the effects of technology, a factorthat will no doubt continue to be a major influence in thedevelopment of our rural communities.With a loss of vital local services, there has been anincreasing pressure on the voluntary sector, particularly asLocal Authorities look to devolve more operations to groundlevel. Unpaid care levels, as an example, illustrate this pointclearly, with rural areas having a strong reliance on this sortof service. Yet voluntary and community organisations are17

2. A new Rural Strategy2.1 Why do we need anew Rural Strategy?A Rural Strategy was first prepared in 1999 covering Buckinghamshire and MiltonKeynes. Whilst this was an extensive piece of work that raised the profile of rural issuesand was revised in 2001/2002, its relevance as an effective document has increasinglydwindled over time. The pressures on rural life and the increasing magnitude of theissues facing rural communities, some of which are unique to the area, now requireserious attention to ensure that our rural communities remain strong, vibrant andsustainable. Changes in the political landscape and the introduction of new forms of localgovernance, such as Local Area Agreements, mean opportunities to tackle rural concernsand to maximise positive influence are now greater than ever.The Rural Strategy has been produced by Buckinghamshire Rural Affairs Group (BRAG),in partnership with Milton Keynes By acting as the independent voice for the county’srural communities, BRAG is able to facilitate a strategy that is truly representative of rurallife in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. In outlining the most prominent challengesfacing rural life today, and through the strategic action plan, the Rural Strategy aims tofurther highlight the rural agenda and secure a prosperous and sustainable future for ourrural communities.2.2 A practical anddynamic strategyThe Rural Strategy has been designed to be an accessible and succinctreference point to the most pertinent issues in the county, presenting materialin a format that is concise, backed up by statistical research and promotingpractical action. The Action Plan ensures that the Rural Strategy is morethan a policy document; it identifies real gaps in support and provisionto offer the opportunity for organisations to act accordingly. The RuralStrategy is an effective advocacy tool, ensuring that the rural agendagains a better sense of clarity and understanding, and that ruralissues are prioritised appropriately.

Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Rural Strategy 2008-20122.3 Development of aRural StrategyBRAG analysis ofexisting Bucks andMK Rural StrategyBRAG Steering Groupagreement - proceedwith new Rural StrategyBRAG revival meeting– desire for RuralStrategy renewalBRAG Rural StrategyWorking Groupestablished.Research underwayIssues Paper outlininginitial research circulatedat BRAG ConferenceIssues Paperconsultation ends.Work on Draft beginsDraft Rural Strategycirculated for fullconsultationWoburnSands workshopAston Clinton workshopBeaconsfieldworkshopConsultation ends.Feedback integrated.Rural Strategy 2008-2012launchedFigure 14 Rural Strategydevelopment process19

2.4 Buckinghamshire RuralAffairs Group (BRAG),in partnership withMilton KeynesBRAG is the independent voice for rural Buckinghamshireand Milton Keynes. Through a partnership of countywiderural stakeholders, it provides the primary forum forrural strategic issues within the county and seeks toact as the key driver in ensuring a sustainable future forrural communities. By linking to both local and centralgovernment, BRAG seeks to highlight and campaign for ruralissues at the very highest level.Established in 2002, BRAG was integral in a countywideresponse to two major issues at the time, namely CAP reformand the Foot and Mouth crisis. In 2006, a consultationevent was held where an overwhelming level of support sawa commitment to reinforce BRAG as the county’s focus formodern rural life. Subsequent coordination and activity hasseen the group go from strength to strength.With a very broad membership 25 and a focus for positiveaction, 2006-2007 was an active year for BRAG. IssueGroups identified areas of work and delivered manytangible outcomes, ranging from the development of bidsfor the LEADER funding programme, to hosting an annualConference. As part of these Issue Group discussions, thedesire to update the Rural Strategy for Buckinghamshire andMilton Keynes was identified.With links to Central and Local Government, and otherimportant political processes, and an established stakeholdermembership, BRAG adds further weight to the strategy,allowing it to raise the profile of the rural agenda andinfluence appropriate action. Furthermore, the Action Planwill inform the future work of BRAG, highlighting strategicgaps and illustrating an evidence of need that will focusannual activity.25 Full membership listing can be foundin the Appendix26LEADER is a 5-year rural programmemanaged by SEEDA as part of theRural Development Programme forEngland (RDPE)2.5 VisionThe 2008-2012 Rural Strategy for Buckinghamshire andMilton Keynes is guided by an overall vision:“To secure distinct, diverse and prosperous ruralcommunities in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes,that are vibrant, developing in a sustainable andmanaged environment and thereby ensure a goodquality of life for all.”2.6 AimsThe Rural Strategy has been prepared with the followingaims in mind:• To provide a concise and accurate summary of the mostpertinent strategic issues in rural Buckinghamshire andMilton Keynes for the period 2008-2012.• To ensure the importance of rural issues is weightedevenly in relation to urban concerns and given equalopportunity for action.• To ensure the impact of future growth and developmentcomplements the well-being and prosperity of thecounty’s rural communities.• To help positively inform future growth by illustrating thesustainable nature of rural communities.2.7 ObjectivesThe Rural Strategy will aim to achieve the followingobjectives:• To further inform the Bucks and Milton Keynes StrategicPartnerships, other statutory agencies and possiblefunding sources of current rural priorities whilst monitoringimpacts on rural areas and their contribution to nationaland local performance indicators.• To engage with and inform rural stakeholders of keystrategic gaps in support and appropriate effective action.• To reinforce the need to ‘rural proof’ all relevantBuckinghamshire and Milton Keynes’ strategies, plansand polices such as Local Development Frameworks,Community Plans etc.20

Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Rural Strategy 2008-201223

3. Priority ThemesThe following are the Priority Themes for rural Buckinghamshire and MiltonKeynes as identified by residents, stakeholders and partners. These highlightthe current issues arising from the research undertaken on and illustrate theirpotential impact on people’s lives, the local economy and the environment.Each theme includes a summary of information that provides a background to theissues, thus giving a solid evidence base from which to work.The Opportunities for Action featured at the end of each Priority Theme representthe issues where action will be taken forward and these relate directly to the ActionPlan itself.27 Source: DEFRA Census 2001 andAccess to Services: Focus on RuralAreas Report28 Source: Commission for RuralCommunities Research Summaries:Access to dental services in rural areas29 Source: Local Knowledge: RuralServices Survey30 Source: Figures based on Post Officeclosure programme

Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Rural Strategy 2008-2012Key Issues3.1 Access to Servicesand Facilities3.11 Post Office provision remains slightly belowaverage in certain areas of the county, particularlyin Wycombe, Chiltern and Aylesbury Vale with bothMilton Keynes and South Bucks having an averagelevel of access to Post Offices (see Figure 12).However, this picture will change shortly as the PostOffice implements a nationwide closure programmethat will impact rural communities in a significant wayas yet more services are either lost or rationalised.3.12 Access to other vital services is an issue in thecounty’s rural areas. Over one fifth 27 of ruralhouseholds have to travel between 4-6km to reachbanking services, and nearly a quarter travel 6-8kmto access Job centres – a very poor figure whencompared to the South East average.3.13 Secondary school access is also variable with largenumbers of children being bussed around the countyor being driven long distances in private motorvehicles.3.14 In rural parts of the county, access to hospitals is asignificant concern, with a number of people havingto travel long distances to the nearest medicalfacility. Access to GP services also requires lengthyjourneys across parts of Buckinghamshire andMilton Keynes. Recent statistics also highlight thelack of access to NHS dentists in rural areas withproportionally fewer dentists per head than urbancounterparts. Distances too, were also seen to beprohibitive; 30% 28 of patients have to drive between5-20 miles to reach the nearest practice.Figure 12 Access toPost Office services 29Milton Keynes3.15 Funding for access-related programmes remainslimited and so innovative ways of working inpartnership with public agencies, the voluntarysector and local communities are vital. Partnershipapproaches such as the ‘one-stop-shop’ inBuckingham are a good example of this.3.16 Certain rural areas within Buckinghamshire andMilton Keynes lack access to mains gas supplies,resulting in reliance on costly oil.Summary FindingsWhilst rural areas of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynesstill offers many aspects associated with an idyllic life inthe countryside, the rationalisation and centralisation oflocal services, many of which have acted as the focus forcommunity activity, has continued apace. As such, accessto services and facilities remains an overarching issue for thecounty’s rural communities.Whilst Post Office provision currently remains at a satisfactorylevel, the imminent closure programme will likely change thispicture dramatically. With an expected 18-20% 30 closurerate, rural communities face the loss of yet another vital,local service. Similar pressures are being placed on otherservices such as banks, job centres and pubs, as well as theuncertainty around the long-term vitality of village stores.Other areas of particular concern include both the lack ofaccess to hospital and GP services, as well as NHS dentalfacilities, all of which challenge rural residents in terms of longtravel distances and lack of alternative transport options.Access to primary schools in rural areas of the countyremains good, yet secondary schools continue to presentproblems with many families reliant on significant private carand bus journeys.Proportion of householdswithin a short distance of aPost Office (2005)South BucksWycombeChilternAylesbury Vale0 33 65 9825

The remote nature of certain rural housing too, means thatsome residents, particularly in northern portions of thecounty, face issues relating to a lack of mains gas supplyaccess. Interestingly however, recent statistics suggest thatBritain has succeeded in bridging the digital divide, and thatrural households now have better access to broadbandthan their counterparts 31 . The challenge remains to ensurethat this figure continues to rise as the Internet offers analternative access to many of the aforementioned servicesand is integral in successful rural business formation.Examples of current activity• SEEDA Rural Access to Services Programme (RASP)– Partnership established looking at developing severalprojects, including a hospital scheme, ‘wheels to work’and food parcels.• Initiatives seeking to further extend the reach ofBroadband to rural communities.• Rural Social Enterprise support available to encouragedevelopment of new village shops and rural communityservices, although limited in scope due to DEFRA fundingreductions.• Small Market Towns Initiative and Parish Plan groups– community-driven development of local projectspromoting local services and facility provision.• Buckinghamshire Community Action village/communityhall support.• MKSM Growth Agenda – section 106 agreements havehelped secure key services on housing developments.• Local Authorities integral in NATS airspace consultation(development of new flyover procedures and regulations).Opportunities for action• Maintain and improve the sustainability ofcommunity services including Post Offices, shops,pubs etc• Establish ‘community anchors’ 32 in all ruralcommunities• Develop new outreach facilities including keycommunity services• Encourage the transfer of surplus public sectorfacilities to rural communities• Improve medical, GP and primary care serviceprovisionKey Issues3.2 Transport3.21 Access to transport in rural areas is generally goodaccording to the data, yet much of this is attributed tohigh levels of car ownership. Access to other modesof transport (bus and rail), particularly in Aylesbury Vale,is poor. The lack of accessible east-west rail links isalso of significant concern. The success achieved byAylesbury (as a designated cycling demonstration town)is a good example of the opportunity for improved cycleand pedestrian access to services in rural areas.3.22 Traffic congestion has become an increasing issue inthe rural hinterland, with associated pollution problems.Levels of car ownership are high in the county’srural areas, as seen in Figure 13, with levels of trafficincreasing faster on rural than on urban roads. Widereffects on Climate Change should also be recognisedthrough the impacts of increased aircraft journeys/travel.3.23 Market Town ‘Healthchecks’ and Parish Plans havehighlighted car parking as a recurring concern in ruralcommunities, both the lack of available space and alsothe problems associated with on-the-road parking andthe effect this has on congestion.3.24 Lack of road maintenance is an issue in rural areaswhere priority funding is often directed towards highvolume roads in urban areas.3.25 The majority of road deaths occur on rural roads,and although casualty rates overall are falling, this ishappening at a slower rate in rural areas.26

Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Rural Strategy 2008-2012Figure 13 Vehicle ownership inBuckinghamshire and Milton Keynes 33Number of vehiclesper thousand residents (2004)South BucksChilternWycombeAylesbury ValeMilton Keynes0 218 437 655Summary FindingsThe issue of transport cuts across a wide range of facilities,services, and crucially, age groups - a fact supported byCountryside Agency research (2000) identifying it as thesingle most important rural concern. Nationally this wasreiterated again in the Report of the Rural Advocate 2007and locally emerged as the most important concern infeedback on the draft strategy. In a county that is 82%rural and has a road system that is operating close tocapacity, this presents very real challenges. Although carownership is very high, public transport access is generallypoor. Improvements to this have been difficult to realisefor a number of reasons, mostly associated with cost. Busoperators are reluctant to run services to low-density areas,whilst widespread use of demand-response-transport, taxisand walking are seen as prohibitive due to the expense anddistances involved, and lack of public sector investment.This is of course restrictive to both the young and elderly whoare ever reliant on public transport for basic needs and forsocial purposes. There remains a real opportunity to workacross administrative boundaries and neighbouring countiesto resolve these issues.Road maintenance and safety also appear as priority ruralissues as well as the heavy use of rural roads by HGVs,particularly in the South of the county. Support for improvedpublic transport as well as supplanting road traffic to cyclingand walking is therefore identified as a real necessity. Recentreports too, also underpin growing concerns about theimpact of increases in air travel and flight frequency linkedto the expansion of the region’s airports in relation to flightroutes and issues of noise and air pollution.Examples of current activity• SEEDA Rural Access to Services Programme (RASP)– Partnership established looking at developing severalprojects, including a hospital scheme, ‘wheels to work’and food parcels.• Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Rural TransportPartnership involved in raising awareness of rural transportneeds and driving policy, whilst instigating a number oflocal transport projects aiming to improve provision.• PCT keen to support local community health accessneeds through the extension of the Hospital TravelCosts Scheme.• Extension of Chiltern Railway is underway withdevelopment of new Aylesbury Parkway station, as well asongoing research into creation of Oxford-Cambridge link.• Rural partners including County Council Rights of Wayand Transportation teams working to improve accessto the countryside through new and better managedpathways, bridleways and also cycle routes.• Local Authorities involved in NATS airspace consultation(development of new flyover procedures and regulations).Opportunities for action• Seek wherever possible to reduce reliance on theprivate motorcar• Address inadequacy of public transport provision• Improve safety on rural roads and village lanes• Address car parking needs in rural towns andvillages• Tackling hospital transport provision31 Source: Offcom: CommunicationsMarket Report: Nations and Regions,May 200832 Community anchors are independentcommunity-led organisations. Theyare multi purpose and provide holisticsolutions to local problems andchallenges, bringing out the best inpeople and agencies. They are therefor the long term, not just the quickfix. Community anchors are often thedriving force in community renewal.33 Source: Local Knowledge; VehicleLicence Data in England and Wales27

Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Rural Strategy 2008-2012and protecting the county’s best-loved landscapes. It is alsoclear that the nature of the housing stock is a key concern,with good quality rental properties in short supply, particularlysocial housing.In some of the more remote areas, many in the North ofthe county, consistent and affordable fuel supplies remainrestrictive, ensuring that often expensive alternatives aresought instead. Additionally, some older housing stock isin need of modernisation, with the effects of fuel povertybeing prevalent, which has been accentuated by increasingglobal prices, particularly gas and oil. An ageing populationhas also put pressure on the availability of accommodationsuitable for the elderly, along with the associated servicesthat are required. The rural housing stock is also integral todefining our rural communities, and it is important that futuredevelopment retains its distinctive character in a sustainablemanner, particularly in relation to the opportunities forincreasing stock numbers and quality through the GrowthAgenda. The recent ‘credit crunch’, however, presentsa new level of uncertainty, and with the property marketstagnating, it remains unclear as to what effect this will haveon buyer confidence and the impact of growth on rural areas,particularly in terms of scale.Examples of current activity• Rural Housing Enabler employed at Bucks CommunityAction to help develop and expand suitable andaffordable rural housing provision.• DEFRA Affordable Rural Housing Commission Reportbeing utilised to better identify ways to increaseaccessibility to affordable homes.• The National Affordable Homes Agency – The HousingCorporation is working with Local Authorities, housingassociations and a host of other partners to provideaffordable rural housing.• MKSM growth agenda developments in rural areasincorporating affordable housing.• The councils of Buckinghamshire (Aylesbury Vale,Chiltern, South Bucks and Wycombe) are co-operatingon a Strategic Market Housing Assessments asrequired by planning policy (PPS3) looking at future ofhousing needs and associated issues of affordabilitywhilst Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessmentsdetermine sites for development.38 Source: SEE-IN Rural South East Evidence Base Report 200839 Source: Local Knowledge; Property Prices; Annual Survey ofHours and Earnings40 Source: Local Knowledge; Generalised Land Use Database;Census 2001; General Quality Assessment Survey; Indices ofDeprivation; Best Value Performance Indicators41 Source: Local Knowledge; Generalised Land Use DatabaseOpportunities for action• Improve provision of affordable housing in rural towns andvillages• Address issues of fuel poverty and raise quality of existingrural housing stock• Improve housing stock variety to support communitydiversity• Ensure Growth Agenda developments are appropriate incharacter, scale and qualityKey Issues3.4 Countryside andEnvironment3.41 Despite an increase in the take-up of environmentalstewardship in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynesenvironmental issues remain, such as soil erosion, andthe general degradation of the landscape.3.42 Carbon Dioxide linked to rural traffic is proportionallyhigher than urban areas due to the higher number oftrips made by car as opposed to more lower-emittingmodes. Noise pollution has also become an increasingproblem in quieter rural areas, with the Chilterns AONBbeing at particular risk.3.43 Environmental sustainability remains a rural issue,particularly the threat and associated effects ofclimate change, despite significant areas of the countyis performing well in relation to sustainability. UKenvironmental sustainability figures recognise ChilternDistrict as one of the best performing authorities in thecountry where 32.1% of its households recycle theirwaste 40 .3.44 Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes remain distinctlyrural in nature, yet certain areas suffer from a lackof sufficient and well-maintained green space. OnlyAylesbury Vale has a greater total proportion of landarea that is green space than the UK average, at93.98% 41 . This provision of managed parkland canhave a significant contribution to rural towns andvillages, enhancing the general quality of life.3.45 Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes scores highly onthe Tranquillity index with Aylesbury Vale having a levelof tranquillity over 5 times the national average 42 . Issuesremain however; improved access to the countrysidehas increased pressure on the natural environmentas well as the impacts of neighbouring urban areas inrelation to noise and light pollution. Encouragement ofsustainable tourism is essential.29

3.46 The MKSM Growth Area is bringing numerous largescaledevelopments to rural areas of the county. Thismust be managed appropriately to ensure that theexisting natural environment is conserved or enhancedas much as possible, using appropriate guidanceand methodology, whilst also recognising the valueand importance of both biodiversity and geodiversity,including special habitat sites.3.47 The frequency of aircraft movements from the region’sbusy airports over rural areas of Buckinghamshire andMilton Keynes may become an increasing concern.Recent NATS (air traffic control services within the UK)information highlights the extent of these proposedchanges, which whilst acknowledge the effect of noiseand air pollution, may not mitigate increases in flightnumbers 43 .Figure 15 Tranquillity inBuckinghamshire andMilton Keynes 44Tranquillity (2004)DistrictGB=100Aylesbury Vale 553.08South Bucks 209.33Chiltern 203.41Wycombe 190.41Milton Keynes 126.15Great Britain 100.00Summary FindingsBuckinghamshire is blessed with a wonderful naturalenvironment, from the rolling hills of the Chilterns, to the moreremote agricultural hinterland of Aylesbury Vale. Beneficialaspects of such an environment are clear; improved healthand well-being and also a vital community and economicasset. Yet, modern life presents an increasing numberof challenges that threaten the sustainability of our ruralcommunities, particularly where effects of the rural-urbanfringe are becoming more apparent.The increasing acknowledgment of climate change and theimportance of environmental sustainability has heraldeda positive response in a number of ways, from improvingthe management of the landscape, to an integration ofsustainable practices into many homes and businessesacross the county. Indeed, the involvement of localcommunities and volunteers is likely to play an increasinglyimportant role in managing the natural environment.However, C02 emissions remain a real concern, andincreasing numbers of visitors are having a significant impacton the natural environment through increased congestionand land degradation. The MKSM Growth Area too, whilsta unique opportunity to shape new communities, will needto be realised in a sensitive manner, ensuring a successfulintegration of the existing natural environment. Whilst thedesire for suitable development in rural areas is significant,this is matched by a wish to see the beauty of areas suchas the Chilterns AONB to be protected and enhanced. Assuch, support for stringent land designations and associatedplanning policy is proportionally high.Examples of current activity• DEFRA/Natural England Land Stewardship schemespromoted and encouraged throughout Buckinghamshireand Milton Keynes, particularly Higher Level.• Chilterns Conservation Board ‘caring for the Chilterns’initiatives – sustainable development fund, red kites, chalkstreams, special trees and woodlands project etc.• LEADER bids – local community projects intending tobenefit natural environment 45 .• Buckinghamshire County Council/Milton Keynes Council,Green Infrastructure work looking at increasing usablegreen space and improving land management.• Monitoring of planning laws and regulations, particularly Irelation to the Green Belt and AONB.• The Every Action Counts campaign.41 Source: Local Knowledge; Regional Trends (39) - This is a measure of the tranquillity of an area based on the population density.42 Source: NATS Airspace Change Consultation 200843 Source: Local Knowledge; Regional Trends (39)45 Buckinghamshire successful with 2 bid applications – Chilterns AONB and Aylesbury Vale and Milton Keynes46 Source: Local Knowledge; Annual Business Inquiry3047 Source: Local Knowledge; Enterprise Counts and Numbers48 Source: Local Knowledge; Annual Business Inquiry

Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Rural Strategy 2008-2012Opportunities for action• Address the need for future developments to remainsustainable and sensitive rural character• Ensure appropriate management and conservation ofnatural environment• Ensure an over-arching response to Climate Change• Promote sustainable access and enjoyment of thecountryside3.5 Rural Economy andEnterpriseKey issues3.51Rural Bucks and Milton Keynes has seen a continueddecline in numbers employed within agricultureaccording to Labour Market Statistics, with decreasinglevels of Agricultural, Forestry and Fishing stockremaining available, as illustrated in Figure 16. Businessdevelopment in rural locations remains prominent, andis crucial, particularly in Aylesbury Vale 46 .3.52 Net commuting levels in parts of Buckinghamshireand Milton Keynes are high, illustrating a loss of skilledlabour to neighbouring areas and acting as a loss ofresource to rural communities. This outward migrationis most apparent in the Districts of Aylesbury Vale andChiltern.3.53 Diversification, particularly within the agricultural sector,is increasingly prominent across the county, with asignificant number of VAT registered businesses inBuckinghamshire and Milton Keynes being basedin rural locations. Aylesbury Vale has the highestproportion with approximately 60% 47 .3.54 The South East England Development Agency(SEEDA) currently receives fewer funds to supportthe rural economy than other neighbouring RegionalDevelopment Agencies. This is largely due to thegreater level of actual and perceived prosperity in theSouth East.3.55 With a relatively small amount of hotel space andaccommodation available in the county’s rural areas,there is a missed opportunity to increase the economicbenefits to tourism through retaining visitors overnight.Whilst B&Bs are popular and serve many local areas,the development of facilities is hindered by stringentplanning regulations.3.56 The MKSM Growth Area offers opportunities to theresidents of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes.However, whilst housing developments are being builton formerly rural land, employment provision is currentlylimited to urban areas. It is vital therefore, that newdevelopments integrate economic opportunities whilstretaining a sense of ‘rural distinctiveness’ that is oftenmissing in today’s standardised ‘suburban style’.3.57 Despite initiatives to revive rural communities,particularly Market Towns, as economic and commercialcentres, many villages have lost their retail outlets –often the focus of a vibrant community. Opportunitiesfor Social Enterprises to fill these voids should besupported where appropriate.3.58 Whilst statistics hint at the good levels of education andattainment in rural areas, as well as a diverse skill-base(particularly home-working), issues remain. Rural areashave seen a continued loss of traditional local skills,which combined with a decline in access to highereducation means a degree of deprivation, is very muchin evidence.Change in stock of Agriculture,Forestry & Fishing (1997-2007)Milton KeynesWycombeSouth BucksChilternAylesbury Vale-5 0 -5Figure 16 Changes inAgricultural Industriesin Buckinghamshireand Milton Keynes1997-2007 4831

Summary FindingsThe rural economy in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynesmakes a vital contribution to the overall GVA and actsas a focus for much of rural life. The emergence of newopportunities and an increase in the diversification of formerland-based operations has seen a greater sense of optimismreturn to the countryside. The success of small and mediumsizedenterprises (SMEs) is a characteristic of to the county,and represents good news for rural areas, with high skillslevels and education standards contributing to high start-uprates. Issues remain, however, masked by a perception ofoverall prosperity in the county.Many of the county’s rural communities act as dormitorysites for large numbers of commuters, a loss of a valuableresource to sustainable rural communities. Indeed, this islikely linked a widespread fear from many rural residents thatdevelopments are increasingly characterised by a uniformsuburban style. The mainstays of rural industry, agricultureand farming have continued to decline, and whilst agriculturaldiversification has proved successful in many cases, thede-valuation of the industry from both external marketcompetition and the effects of climate change still threaten itssustainability. Global increases in food and fuel prices havefurther challenged rural industry yet have also generated agreater clarity on the importance of sustainability and thebenefits of self-sufficiency. General business diversificationtoo, has the ability to be further embraced - light engineering,small-scale service industries and light industry all have theopportunity to develop and thrive in rural areas given the rightconditions and can contribute to improved environmentalsustainability and countryside management.The MKSM Growth Area looks set to offer new employmentopportunities, yet the focus of this remains on urban areas,whilst the continuing implementation of planning lawsand designations, means rural business development,particularly agricultural diversification, is still very restrictive.Appropriate rural employment site allocation will likely be akey factor in the revised Local Development Frameworks.Continued economic opportunities, particularly in markettowns are therefore paramount, both to allow access to localservices, whilst also maintaining a local distinctiveness thatcharacterises our rural communities. Similarly, the role oflocal food remains vital in re-establishing links with the ruralcommunity promoting increased economic strength and apositive contribution to the environment. The role of Parishand District Councils in empowering local communities isalso vital for the development of creative solutions such associal enterprises.49 The definition of anti-social behaviourunder the Crime and Disorder Act1998 is that it is ‘behaviour likely tocause alarm, harassment or distressto members of the public not of thesame household as the perpetrator’.This includes vandalism, threateningbehaviour, harassment, noise etc.32Examples of current activity• LEADER programme – SEEDA funding opportunities forlocal projects with an economic focus and tangible benefitdelivered to rural communities.• Small Market Towns Initiative and Parish Plans seek tostimulate local economic opportunities whilst being drivenby the needs of the community.• Broadband Initiatives – projects such as the one atPitstone have helped stimulate economic opportunitythrough the establishment of a Broadband connection.• Local tourism and food support groups have developedeconomic opportunities for local producers whilst raisingthe profile of the county as a destination to visit.Opportunities for action• Ensure continued support in economic development inrural towns and villages• Increase the role of Social Enterprise in rural communityservice and provision• Support the role of tourism in rural areas and itsassociated economic opportunities• Address rural educational inequality and rural skillretention and development• Encourage further development of agriculture, forestryand local food production as key rural industriesKey issues3.6 CommunitySelf-confidence3.61 The increasing perception and incidence of anti-socialbehaviour 49 has become a growing issue in many ruralareas around the county. Whilst its effects and impactsare difficult to measure, it remains a real concern forrural residents, particularly the elderly 50 . This hasundoubtedly had an effect on community cohesionwhilst it can also be attributed to the degradation ofrural services and facilities.3.62 Whilst overall crime throughout the county (excludingMilton Keynes) has fallen by 3.3% in 2007/08 51 , certainstatistics in rural areas of illustrate some worryingfindings. In 2004/05, recorded crimes statistics inrural districts highlighted South Bucks as having oneof the highest numbers of offences in the South East,approximately 61 per 1,000 people. Statistics alsorecorded high levels of recorded motor vehicle theft -these remain ongoing issues.

Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Rural Strategy 2008-20123.63 The general standard of health and perception of goodhealth in rural areas of the county is better than thatof urban areas with Milton Keynes’ rural populationexpected to live almost 2 years longer than their urbancounterparts 53 .3.64 Although community engagement in parish, markettown and community planning is good in some areasof the county, other rural districts could be betterintegrated to make the best use of social capital forfuture ‘place-shaping’. This is very much reliant on thebudgetary resources available to Parish Councils andthe ability to commission qualified and experiencedprofessionals.3.65 Rural Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes’ levels ofunpaid care, which are higher than that of urban areas,are indicative of a wider reliance on the community andvoluntary sector 54 . As local authorities look to furtheroutsource certain services, this resource capacity is indanger of being over-stretched.3.66 Whilst rural Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes is notrecognised as being either a Primary or SecondaryDisadvantaged County within the greater South East,Rural Share of Deprivation Statistics highlight over athird of rural people are identified as income-deprived,along with significant numbers of adults with limitinglong-term illness, and no qualifications 55 . However,certain inequalities remain, particularly in relation to theelderly who need improved access to local sheltered/warden-assisted accommodation3.67 The high levels of commuting and reliance on themotorcar in rural Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynesthreaten community identity and cohesion. ‘Vulnerable’transportation users such as the elderly suffer fromsocial exclusion due to poor public transport access.Summary FindingsThe rural community is the heart of rural life inBuckinghamshire and Milton Keynes and embodies many ofthe elements that make the countryside a favourable placeto live, work and rest. These factors contribute to an overallsense of community that is strong in confidence and onethat has a sense of belonging. Although it may appear thatcommunity life in the county’s rural areas has altered littleover the last decade, overall rural community well-being isincreasingly susceptible to change however.In many ways, rural community life compares favourably tothe urban environment. Skills levels, general crime figuresand deprivation figures all hint at a better quality of life inrural areas. Yet, behind these statistics, rural communitiesface a number of challenges. In a county that has a largeproportion of out-migration, community confidence has beenincreasingly tested as towns and villages become perceivedas dormitory settlements, with local shops and servicesno longer identified as the focus for rural activity. Certainlevels of crime and anti-social behaviour are also prominentissues, particularly to vulnerable groups such as the youngand elderly, which whilst difficult to measure, are attributedto lowering community confidence and the degradation ofservices and facilities. Similarly, farmers and the agriculturalcommunity in general continue to perceive a lack of supportwhen faced with issues such as fly-tipping and illegaloccupation. It is also clear that there are worrying levels ofmasked deprivation. The support offered to these groups bythe third and voluntary sector looks set to be further testedas an increased desire to devolve local authority servicescontinues, but often with insufficient funding. A number ofstudies too have identified transport as a major barrier tosocial inclusion in rural areas.50 Source: Local Knowledge; LocalAuthority Perceptions of Anti-socialbehaviour51 Source: Buckinghamshire CommandUnit figures, 200852 Source: DEFRA Rural Statistics Unitfigures53 Source: Milton Keynes DataObservatory Rural Area Profile 200754 Source: DEFRA Census 2001 andAccess to Services: Focus on RuralAreas report55 Source: The Rural Share of Deprivationin the South-East: BuckinghamshireVersion 2 report, July 2007WycombeMilton KeynesSouth BucksChilternAylesbury ValeProportion of thepopulation that perceivethere to be a highlevel of anti-socialbehaviour (2007)Figure 17 Perceptionsof anti-social behaviour0 7 15 2233

Examples of current activity• Community-led planning empowering local decisionmakingand place shaping, but under threat due tofunding cuts.• Getting Closer 2 Communities (GC2C) –Buckinghamshire County Council initiative aimed atencouraging local service delivery and greater harmonywith local authority processes.• Recently established Thames Valley Police NeighbourhoodAction Groups (NAGs) bring together communities toenable locally driven crime prevention projects.• Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) – similarlyempowering local people to promote community safetyand cohesion.• Ongoing work by partners (PCT, Thames Valley Police etc)on the Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy.Opportunities for action• Address the ongoing threats to community cohesion inrural towns and villages• Understand the nature of rural deprivation levels,particularly that which is concealed by traditionalmeasurements• Support increased community empowerment throughTown and Parish Council role and autonomy• Address ongoing issues of rural crime and anti-socialbehaviour• Ensure the ongoing evolution of BRAG3.7 Key considerationsThe Rural Strategy has outlined five Priority Themes thathighlight the most important and relevant issues in ruralBuckinghamshire and Milton Keynes today. Whilst notincluding the following headings as Priority Themes, it isrecognised that there are several others issues ofimportance linked to all of the Priority Themes, namely:• Environmental Sustainability – This is an over-archingissue that is inter-related to all of the identified PriorityThemes. Given growing concerns over Climate Changeand the long-term health of our global environment,sustainability must be an essential element of all futureinitiatives, whether they are related to reducing a relianceon the motorcar, to improving the quality of existing andnew housing stock.• Young and Elderly People – Both children and youngpeople and the elderly represent groups who are atrisk of suffering disadvantage and inequality in our ruralcommunities. Recognition of this is important as manyof the issues from the Priority Themes have particularresonance for these age groups, whether it is access toappropriate transport modes to the need for a housingstock that reflects the requirements of a diverse localcommunity.• MKSM Growth Area – Buckinghamshire and MiltonKeynes finds itself within a period of great growth,and one that will no doubt have an impact on its ruralcommunities. This change brings with it a number ofopportunities and threats to rural life, and recognitionof this is essential in ensuring such growth is managedappropriately. Whilst the scale, nature and character ofdevelopment must be well balanced, this growth presentsa tangible opportunity to tackle issues within all of thePriority Themes.• Technology – Technology is today, perhaps more thanever, the force driving the development of many aspectsof our everyday lives. This looks set to continue, and assuch technology offers an opportunity to tackle manyof the issues outlined in the Priority Themes head-on.From innovative and sustainable transport solutions, toincreasing economic opportunities through increasingthe potential to function enterprises remotely; technologymust therefore be acknowledged as having a integral rolein the development of our rural communities.34

• Health and well-being – The health and well-being ofresidents of our rural communities and is of paramountimportance, particularly in relation to certain age groupsand the often limited access to healthcare. Yet, it goesbeyond this; health and well-being is inextricably linkedto many of the Priority Themes and as such it can act asboth the catalyst to tackling an issue whilst also beingremedied by the very nature of rural life, through accessto the countryside and alike.It is imperative that these cross cutting issues areappropriately reflected within the actions plans for eachPriority Theme.3.8 Rural idyll versus ruralprogressionIn developing the Rural Strategy, the establishment of awell-researched evidence base has highlighted the difficultiesin reaching a consensual opinion on some of the identifiedissues. It is clear that there is a divergence of views onsome issues within the rural community itself. For examplealthough it is accepted that rural housing is an issue, bothin terms of quantity and affordability, there is no agreementthat the relaxation of planning controls or replicating urbanhousing densities is the appropriate solution. Similarly,relating to concerns about access to services; certainevidence illustrates access to services is poor, yet it is likelythat some sections of the rural community will argue thatthis is an acceptable part of the distinctive nature of rural lifewhich does not need to be changed, rather it is part of a lifestyle choice by those who live in rural areas. Any associatedinconveniences are therefore matched by the benefits ofbeing in a rural area.The Rural Strategy has, wherever possible, made efforts toreflect these divergences where there is not one single ruralview on each issue, and to articulate them appropriately.The SWOT Analysis below, and Priority Themes in particular,aim to highlight any tensions that may exist as to the mostappropriate solutions, whilst the Action Plan seeks toprioritize these in a way that is representative of the greatercollective, yet that is also aligned to the more immediateambitions of Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes’ ruraldelivery organisations.3.9 SWOT AnalysisThe following SWOT Analysis has been developed basedon the outcomes of the background research and theinformation outlined in the Priority Themes. It is intendedto outline the main opportunities and threats for ruralBuckinghamshire and Milton Keynes during the period2008-2012, and link directly to the action plan to ensurethat the most prominent issues are targeted immediately.35

StrengthsVery high quality landscapes, some nationallyimportant and protected by legal designationsLack of integrated local infrastructure to supportfarming and forestry sectors – marketingopportunities and business premisesAccessibility to the South East, London and alarge number of attractive rural towns and villages,with proximity to major international transportterminals, railways, motorway and road linksLack of Affordable Housing, particularly mixedtenureand rentable social housingExisting support infrastructure for rural activitiesand enterprises through Rural CommunityCouncil, Local Food Group, Social EnterpriseNetwork, Small Market Towns Programme etcLarge numbers of smaller-scale, low level visitorattractions and rural pursuits, as well as thehighest concentration of National Trust propertiesin county limits in the UKA place where people want to live and work, witha reputation for high quality schools producingexcellent annual attainment ratesAdaptable and skilled workforce combined withlow levels of unemployment and a high standardof state educationGood rates of business survival, particularlywith small-medium sized enterprises and selfemployedworkersWeaknessesLack of integrated local infrastructure to supportfarming and forestry sectors – marketingopportunities and business premisesSkills shortages and a declining/ageingworkforce in the agricultural and land-basedsectors. Also high levels of out-commutingmeans a loss of a significant skilled labour forcehaving negative impact on local communitiesLack of Affordable Housing, particularly mixedtenureand rentable social housingHigh dependence on private transport,particularly the motorcar, leading to issues ofboth congestion and CO2 emissions along withprohibitive fuel costsInadequate east-west rail and north-south roadlinks, putting pressure on existing capacity andincreasing congestion concernsDevelopments constrained by Green Beltand Chilterns AONB distinction make ruraldevelopments challenging, particularly in thesouth of the countyCertain areas suffer from poor provision ofservices and amenities for both the young andelderly age groups – Post Offices, GPs, libraries,hospitals etcNatural fuel availability in many rural areas is aproblem (gas in particular), with a heavy relianceon expensive oilGeneral wealthy make-up of rural areas meanthat deprivation and inequality are concealedGeneral standard of living and household incomewell above the UK average36

Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Rural Strategy 2008-2012OpportunitiesExploitation of new markets including timberfor wood fuel, and associated supply chains,particularly within the ChilternsIncreasing demand for local produce with scopeto further develop this as an important economicsectorNon-agricultural diversification opportunitiesespecially for leisure, tourism and recreationIncreased desire to work from home andincreased rural business start-ups, particularlythrough greater access to broadbandMarketing of county’s natural resources forassociated benefits in terms of health, social care,education etcReducing reliance on private transportation,particularly those who out-commuteIncreasing recognition of rural agenda within localgovernance such as the LAA and through SEEDA,DEFRA and GOSE funding programmesTourism and leisure development, particularlythrough London 2012 and the presence ofDorney Lake and Stoke MandevilleGreater involvement in Community Plans, LocalDevelopment Frameworks can raise awarenessin the importance of social capital in communityplanningGrowth in Aylesbury Vale and MK providesunique opportunities for rural communities and achance to highlight the sustainability of the ruralcommunity modelThreatsFurther constraints in terms of the access tofunds for investment in business development,the environment and rural communitiesFurther restrictions on rural developments dueto Green Belt and AONB land designations andconcerns over congestionFurther sale of agricultural land to non-farmerssuch as developers resulting in increased landdegradation and a loss of existing landscapenatureIncreasing tourism numbers to county putsextra pressure on landscape management aswell as compounding congestion issuesIncreased national/global competition furtherreduces economic competitiveness of farming(particularly livestock) and agricultural industriesIncreased farm diversification leads to loss oftraditional land management skills being passedon from generation to generationAgricultural intensification increases as farmingtries to stay competitive, leading to negativeenvironmental impactsClimate change trends continue with extremeseasonal variations further threatening manyfacets of rural lifeClosure/centralisation of key services continues,such as Post Offices and banks, furtherreducing already limited rural access, particularlyto the young and elderly age groupsGrowth in Aylesbury Vale and MK extendsand threatens the character of rural areas andcommunitiesLarge-scale regional developments suchas Heathrow Terminal 5 further increasecommuting and pressure on local roads37

4. Consultation processThe following are the Priority Themes for rural Buckinghamshire and MiltonKeynes as identified by residents, stakeholders and partners. These highlightthe current issues arising from the research undertaken on and illustrate theirpotential impact on people’s lives, the local economy and the environment.Each theme includes a summary of information that provides a background to theissues, thus giving a solid evidence base from which to work.The Opportunities for Action featured at the end of each Priority Theme representthe issues where action will be taken forward and these relate directly to the ActionPlan itself.

Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Rural Strategy 2008-20124.1 The Issues PaperThe development of the Rural Strategy began with asubstantial review of the available evidence, informed by amultitude of research sources, culminating in the productionof the Issues Paper. This was launched for consultationat the BRAG Conference in November 2007 and, after aslight extension, finished at the end of January 2008. Thedocument contained our initial findings and these weresummarized under 5 headings, termed Priority Themes:• Access to Service and Facilities• Rural Housing• Countryside and Environment• Economy and Enterprise• Community Self-confidenceThe Issues Paper and feedback form was distributed in anumber of ways including:• Via the BRAG and BCA websites• Publicised in the BCA In Focus newsletter• Sent to all currently active or recently completed parishplan groups.• It was circulated to all Parish and Town Councils througha combined effort of BCA and BRAG• A copy was sent to all members of the Change UpConsortium• A press release was issued which led to press, radio andInternet coverage• Councillors were made aware of the Issues Paper throughthe County Council and Milton Keynes Council• A copy was sent to representatives on the South EastRural ForumResponses were received from a wide range of organisationsor individuals from a broad geographic area.There was considerable support for a revised the RuralStrategy and general agreement that the 5 themes that hadbeen highlighted within the Issues paper were appropriate.Feedback summaryThe Issues Paper was felt to have generally highlighted thekey issues of concern within rural areas, and many of thesewere properly captured and articulated within the 5 prioritythemes. Whilst some areas of emphasis needed reinforcing,specifically issues of air, noise and light pollution, access tomedical/GP services, no significant concerns appear weremissed within the Issues Paper.The feedback also indicated that there were tensions withinrural communities about how to respond to some of theseissues. This was illustrated best in relation to affordablehousing; there is a desire to provide more housing, yet atthe same time maintain existing planning controls and avoidover development. A related concern was the threats tomaintaining the distinctive features of rural living and that theRural Strategy had to address the different cultures betweenrural and urban areas. It was also suggested that a greaterfocus on transport issues was needed and that this shouldbe evident in the Priority Themes.The overall response was good and the paper succeeded inpicking up additional points and concerns at ground level,particularly from rural communities themselves. Interest wasalso shown in contributing further in the preparation of theDraft Strategy and Action Plan4.2 Draft StrategyConsultationFollowing on from the Issues paper consultation process, theDraft Rural Strategy was subsequently produced. Buildingon the initial findings, the Draft provided a much moredetailed picture of rural communities in Buckinghamshireand Milton Keynes and the needs and opportunities facingthem. The Draft also set the scene, incorporating a wealthof background information, and crucially, defining how theStrategy would operate as a practical document. The DraftStrategy, a document of significant scale, therefore requiredan appropriate period of consultation.39

Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Rural Strategy 2008-2012A summary of some of the general comments can be seenbelow:Transport and Access to Services• Public transport inadequacies in rural areas – some routesare non-existent and out-of-town services are not easilyreached. A viable alternative to cars needs to be found –particular problem for the young and elderly.• Traffic issues, particularly related to villages and ruralareas in a more urbanised hinterland setting – HGVs are aparticular menace.• Hospital and medical transport is also inadequate andalternative means of travel should be developed.• Car parking is a problem for many rural areas, particularlymarket towns – either car parking is not abundant enoughor often cost-prohibitive. On-road parking is disruptive inrural villages and hamlets.• ‘Rat-runs’ are becoming an increasing problem thanksto over-crowded main roads becoming congested andmoving excess traffic onto rural lanes that are unable tocope with wear and tear. Also, associated issues relatedto safety and countryside degradation.• Improved multi-use cultural and sports facilities accessin rural areas and towns, particularly aimed at young andolder people – increased community management ofthese facilities.• Improved sustainable transport options throughpromotion of accessible (cycling and pedestrian networks)– footpaths and bridleways better maintained.• Improved road safety signs, lighting etc – road accidentsare a real problem in certain rural areas.Rural Housing• Affordable housing is important for rural communities, butnot at the expense of the Green Belt distinction or as anexcuse for mass development – associated opportunitiesfor Growth Agenda.• Affordable housing thresholds need to rise –reinforcement of rural housing enablers. Rental sectorstock affordability is also prohibitive to local people.• Planning should be driven design quality and theiradherence to sustainability and environmental policy/guidance. AONB/Green Belt distinctions are importantto retain but planning must be more flexible - ParishCouncils should have increased control.• Access to sheltered/wardened accommodation should beimproved with associated support services reducing theneed for travel.• Key worker housing schemes (innovative solutions)should be pursued and integrated into planningdevelopment consent.• Housing growth likely to accentuate transport issues,particularly road congestion and associated problems(pollution, safety, loss of countryside character etc).• Housing stock modernisation tackling food povertyshould be encouraged including sustainable technology.Countryside and Environment• Potential for mismanagement of growth in Aylesbury Valeloss of remaining rural character.• A number of issues relating to land management,environmental conservation and enhancement ofbiodiversity whilst responding to the challenge ofclimate change.• Land in the Green Belt should remain ‘green’ if notreturned to agricultural use.• Country Park investment needs to be increased –maintenance etc to ensure green spaces act aspopular and good quality amenities. Volunteer andpartnership working should be key in environmentconservation and enhancement.• Transport-related pollution (noise and air) from cars andaircraft are recurring issues.• Rural fringe has a number of needs and opportunitiesthat can both positively and negatively influence thenatural environment.• Farm diversification and tourism should seek tocontribute to environmental enhancement and managingvisitor pressures.• Rural fringe farmers feel unsupported in relation to issuessuch as fly-tipping, illegal occupation and motorbikescrambling.41

Economy and Enterprise• Village centre re-investment is vital for communitysustainability and avoiding suburban ‘monotony’.Retention of rural jobs and reversing the commuter trendis important.• Continued threat to the rural economy - villages losingcommunity infrastructure and services.• Post Office closures are a major issue and would be asignificant loss to a number of rural. Local authoritiesshould act as the key influencing body on Post Officedecisions.• Increasing opportunities for Social Enterprises to supportlocal communities.• Bias of rural economy development should not leantowards farm diversification – IT/broadband allows goodwork-from-home opportunities (creation of small industrialunits etc).• Increased promotion of green and sustainable tourism –particularly in relation to further for support to local foodinitiatives and their benefit to both the local economy andenvironment.• Traditional rural skills (farming, forestry, land management)need to be re-discovered.• Parish and District Councils need to engage more withlocal residents – leadership role is key to empowering thecommunity and encouraging voluntary support.• Improvements in health and well-being opportunitiesfor young and older people and associated promotionof initiatives.• Increasing prioritisation of Parish Plans/appraisalswithin local government processes to tackle locallyimportant issues.• Increasing support for organisation/charities/initiatives thatpromote good citizenships/behavioural change (SKIDZ).GeneralSupport for actions looking to raise the profile and tackle thegrowth agenda and issues associated with young and olderpeople as well as adopting an environmentally sustainableapproach to rural life.Community Self-confidence• General concerns about crime and disorder, particularlyperceptions of anti-social behaviour – the role ofNeighbourhood Action Groups/local communitiesshould be reinforced.• Loss of community cohesion due to the lack of focusoffered by services such as community centres, pubs andPost Offices.42

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Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Rural Strategy 2008-2012Appendix 1‘Rural’ explainedThe term ‘rural’ is defined by the two recognised definitionsas outlined by DEFRA.The Rural Definition was introduced in 2004 as a jointproject between the Commission for Rural Communities(CRC - formerly the Countryside Agency), the Departmentfor Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Officefor National Statistics (ONS), the Office of the DeputyPrime Minister (ODPM) and the Welsh Assembly. It wasdelivered by the Rural Evidence Research Centre atBirkbeck College (RERC).This new ‘spectrum’, or graded system covers England andWales at Census Output Area, Super Census Output Areaand Ward levels. These are then classified by morphologyand context as follows:The LA SummaryThe LA Classification was introduced in 2005 as a Defrainitiative and was delivered by the Rural Evidence ResearchCentre at Birkbeck College (RERC). It was created as manyStatistics are only available at Local Authority level. In orderto differentiate between Rural and Urban for these statisticsit was necessary to classify the LAs based on their rurality.The same methodology was then applied to Primary CareTrusts (PCT).There are 6 LA urban/rural classifications:• Major urban• Large urban• Other urban• Significant rural• Rural-50• Rural-80Morphology• Urban• Rural Town• Village• Dispersed (hamlets and isolated dwellings)Context• Sparse• Less sparseThis creates 8 urban/rural classifications:• Urban (Sparse)• Urban (Less sparse)• Town (Sparse)• Town (Less sparse)• Village (Sparse)• Village (Less sparse)• Dispersed (Sparse)• Dispersed (Less sparse)45

App 1 Overall Index of Multiple Deprivation inBuckinghamshire (2007) 5757 Source: Department for Communities and local Government, 200746

Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Rural Strategy 2008-2012App 2 Access to Servicesin Buckinghamshire andMilton Keynes 58Access to Services(2005)Milton KeynesChilternWycombeSouth BucksAylesbury Vale0 33 67 100Road transport carbondioxide emissions(tonnes) (2004)South BucksMilton KeynesWucombeChilternAylesbury Vale0 2 3 5App 3 CO2 emissions(transport) –Buckinghamshireand Milton Keynes 59App 4 AgriculturalIndustries inBuckinghamshireand Milton Keynes 60Aylesbury ValeWycombeChilternMilton KeynesSouth BucksProportion of businesses in Agriculture,Forestry & Fishing (2007)0 3 6 958 Local Knowledge; Rural ServicesSurvey59 Local Knowledge; Emissions ofcarbon dioxide for local authorityareas (experimental)60 Local Knowledge; Business start-upsand closures: VAT registrations andderegistrations47

App 5 AgriculturalIndustries inBuckinghamshireand Milton Keynes 61Proportion of VAT registeredenterprises which are in rurallocations (2007)District %Aylesbury Vale 65.03Chiltern 34.77South Bucks 33.81Wycombe 28.77Milton Keynes 19.97England & Wales 30.66National Partners• CLA• Natural England• NFURegional Partners• GOSE • SERTP• SEEDA • RAISE• SERAF • SERPCounty MembersCommunicationApp 6 Buckinghamshireand Milton Keynes ruralstakeholders Diagram• Aylesbury ValeDistrict Council• BALC• BBOWT• BMKSEN• BucksCommunityAction• Bucks CountyCouncil• Bucks Fire& RescueService• Chiltern DistrictCouncil• Milton KeynesCouncil• WycombeDistrictCouncil• Youth Focus• CheshamTownCouncil• CPRE• BMKRTP• BHS• BTOG• BritishWaterways• BMKRTN• BMK FoodGroupFeedbackCommunication• South BucksDistrict Council• BucksEconomic& LearningPartnership61 Local Knowledge; EnterpriseCounts and Numbers48

Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes Rural Strategy 2008-2012CentralGovernmentCommunicationBuckinghamshire andMilton Keynes StrategicPartnershipsCommunicationCommunicationSerafLobbyingBuckinghamshire andMilton Keynes LocalArea AgreementsGuiding andCoordinatingBRAGFull MembershipSteering GroupRegional Programmes• DEFRA – MRD, RSCP• SEEDA – Access To ServicesAdvisingSub Regional Members• Business Link (BMKO)• Lifelong LearningPartnershipCommunication• Natural England (Chilterns)• Thames Valley Energy• Thames Valley Police• Community CouncilBerkshireLocal Rural Forums• WRF• CCB/AONBFeedbackCommunicationAdvisingBrag Possible ActionGroupsIdentified areas of action couldinclude:• Access to Services andFacilities• Rural Housing• Countryside andEnvironment• Rural Economy andEnterprise• Community Self-Confidence• Transport49

Glossary of termsCLAGOSENFUSEEDASERAFSERTPBusiness Link (MKOB)BALCBBOWTBMKSENBMKRTPGC2CBTOGBHSCPREBMKRTNBMK Food GroupMRD (DEFRA)RSCP (DEFRA)WRFCCB/AONBBELPRAISESERPCountry Land and Business AssociationGovernment Office for the South EastNational Farmers’ UnionSouth East England Development AgencySouth East Rural Affairs ForumSouth East Rural Towns PartnershipBusiness Link Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire and BuckinghamshireBuckinghamshire Association of Local CouncilsBuckinghamshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife TrustBuckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Social Enterprise NetworkBuckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Rural Transport PartnershipGetting Closer to CommunitiesBuckinghamshire Tourism Officers GroupBritish Horticultural SocietyCouncil for the Protection of Rural EnglandBuckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Rural Towns NetworkBuckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Food GroupModernising Rural DeliveryRural Social and Community ProgrammeWycombe Rural ForumChilterns Conservation BoardBuckinghamshire Economic & Learning PartnershipRegional Action and Involvement South EastSouth East Rural Partnership50

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