Plans to build more than 2,000 new homes in Princes Risborough have been slammed by a campaign group that has branded the proposed development “unsustainable”.

The draft Local Plan, which was revealed exclusively in the Bucks Free Press, showed the town will be taking on around 2,600 new homes by 2033 if given the green light.

There are 3,500 homes in the town already, according to the separate draft Princes Risborough Town Plan, so adding the new homes would almost double the size of the market town over the next 17 years.

The Risborough Area Residents Association (RARA) is calling on residents to help challenge the controversial proposal with its Rescue Risborough campaign.

Acting chairman Ian Parkinson said the plans are “not good enough”.

He said: “An appropriate number of new houses, together with adequate provision for healthcare, education, transport and amenities, will see the Risborough area thrive for the benefit of existing residents and future generations.

“Unfortunately, the council’s current plan risks destroying much of what makes the area a special to live and visit, including the historic town centre, the distinct communities and the unspoilt countryside.”

Spokesman Monica Nelson said there was “inadequate provision” in the plans for employment opportunities, school places, GP services and leisure facilities.

The group, which has around 1,000 members, warned the new community will be “segregated” from the main town by the railway line and “populated mainly by commuters”, adding pressure to “overcrowded” trains and roads and feared the proposals would “harm” the Chilterns Area of Natural Beauty (AONB).

Mr Parkinson added the new homes would be “simply too many” for the “small” market town town to sustain.

He said: “[The proposal] is driven purely by national house-building targets without proper consideration for what is best for Risborough.

“It’s not too late to send a clear message to Wycombe District Council that the current plan is not good enough.”

The group is holding a public meeting at the Princes Risborough Community Centre on Thursday, July 21. For more information, go to http://risboroughresidents.org.