Concern over house plan on late councillor's land (From Bucks Free Press)

Concern over house plan on late councillor's land

10:06am Tuesday 27th August 2002 in News

A PLAN to build 18 houses on the late Arnold Baines' land in Chesham was deferred by councillors as they were concerned it could be too big for the area.

The family of the former Chesham town councillor, who died two years ago, has applied for planning permission for 15 two-bedroom houses and three three-bedroom houses.

They also plan to sell off three quarters of the land at Finmere, his £1.25 million home in Eskdale Avenue.

Chiltern District Council's planning committee discussed the application at the planning meeting on Thursday night and decided they wanted to go along and see the site before making a decision.

They added that the new development could have too much impact on the road. Cllr Peter Lole (Con, Austenwood, Chalfont St Peter) said: "On that basis we must have a look."

Members of the town council had previously welcomed the application but urged district councillors to take whatever steps they could to make sure the developer provided affordable housing.

Dr Baines' brother Stan and sister-in-law Maisie say they have been forced to sell because they cannot afford an inheritance tax bill of £700,000 on his £2 million fortune.

Under Government legislation estates worth £242,000 or more have to pay 40 per cent of the excess to the Inland Revenue.

Dr Baines, also a former mayor of Chesham, died of cancer aged 79 in March last year.