'We can't support this number of new homes here'

Feb 4 2010 By Hannah Williams, Buckinghamshire Advertiser

CONCERNS have been raised about the effects that building 2,900 houses in Chiltern District could have on Chalfont St Peter's infrastructure.

At a Chiltern District Council (CDC) cabinet meeting, councillors discussed the proposals and spoke out about the possible consequences that new homes in the area would have on highways, drains, housing and schools.

CDC was required by central government to name sites where housing could be built in a 20-year period and has released a report on the issue.

Deputy leader of CDC, Linda Smith, who represents Chalfont Common, said the council was having to make decisions on the issue with 'both hands tied around its back'.

She said: "No one is suggesting we don't want any new dwellings in our village but everyone who has written is worried the existing infrastructure can't cope.

"I've met with all our schools in Chalfont St Peter and they have stated they are already full and turning children away. They've explained it would not just be adding one extra classroom, but one for every year in the schools."

She expressed particular concern about the former Holy Cross Convent site.

"It's the most historical site in the village. I would like to invite the officers to look again at this site and to support English Heritage's application to protect it," she said.

A total of 400 houses are proposed for Chalfont St Peter in a new version of the council's core strategy document, a reduction of 120, although 70 have already either been built or received planning permission.

Ms Smith also called for the Newlands Park site - for which there are proposals to build an additional 200 homes - to be included in the allocation of housing for Chalfont St Peter and for it not to be treated as a separate issue.

Councillors decided the public should be allowed to comment on the proposals and agreed to a six-week consultation, costing £20,000, which is expected to be launched next month.

John Warder, leader of CDC, said: "In the last 10 years we have built an average of 157 dwellings per year. The target of 145 per year should be well within reach."

He said not to have a plan in place would leave the council vulnerable at planning appeals.

He added: "Without a core strategy, we would be in a very perilous position."

He also said all new homes will be subject to the normal planning application procedure. * Do you think we should plan for extra homes? Leave a comment on our website, at www.buckinghamshire examiner.co.uk/forums.b