Protected land in Wycombe will not fall under threat despite the rising number of homes required in the area, according to the council.

A spokesman for Wycombe District Council (WDC) said it is “highly likely” that the district will not be able to provide space for the growing housing need – so will look to neighbouring authorities to help.

This week new planning rules to tackle the country’s “housing crisis” were revealed by the Government, with housing secretary, Sajid Javid warning councils could be stripped of planning powers if too few homes are being built.

The new rules will not "weaken the provisions" in place for protecting the AONB and Green Belt, according to WDC.

It is hoped Wycombe’s Local Plan is on track to be sent to the Government for assessment by the end of March, and will take into account the new method of calculating housing numbers.

Sue Robinson from WDC said: “This is expected to increase the housing numbers, and Wycombe will be expected to meet its ‘fair share’ of homes as part of this.

“However, large parts of Wycombe lie in both the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and also in the Green Belt.

“The draft guidance that the Government has just released for consultation does not in any way weaken the provisions on protecting these areas.

“It is highly likely therefore that Wycombe will – as now – not be able to accommodate all its housing need in the future, and will continue to work with surrounding authorities to accommodate this housing growth.”

The Local Plan – a blueprint for development across the district- is expected to be implemented by this time next year, and currently allows for 10,925 homes.