PLANS to build nearly 3,000 new houses in the Chiltern district are likely to be put out to public consultation.

Government officials have told Chiltern District Council it must find space for the new homes by 2026.

The council has a draft strategy already in place, with officers recommending it is approved by its Cabinet next month.

If approved, a six-week public consultation will then follow.

The council has earmarked several sites for possible development, including the old Newlands Park campus of Buckinghamshire New University and the Holy Cross site in Chalfont St Peter.

A campaign group, SENSE, was set up in protest at the proposals in Chalfont St Peter.

Cllr Nick Rose, the council's Cabinet member for planning, said: “We are not doing this for fun, we are required to do this by the Government.

“My message is, wait until the consultation, then please take part in it.”

A council report stated: “Although the population size is likely to remain relatively static between 2006 and 2026, the number of households being formed within the population is expected to continue to increase due to a rise in the number of divorces and the fact that people are living longer.

“At the same time, the average household size is predicted to continue to decline over the next 20 years. These are the key reasons why there is a need for more dwellings.”

The council is likely to target Chesham, Amersham, Little Chalfont and Chalfont St Peter for development.