PLANS for 250 new houses in Little Chalfont moved a step closer last night after conditional permission was granted – despite fears over crime rates being raised by planning bosses.

Members of Chiltern District Council's planning committee said they had been “hamstrung” into accepting the proposals for new homes in Bell Lane after the initial plans were agreed after a controversial appeal.

They raised concerns over placing one of three planned play areas next to the adjacent railway line – with Cllr Nigel Shepherd saying: “It's going to be where all the drugs are exchanged.”

He added: “You just know it: that's the reality.”

Committee chairman Cllr Don Phillips said agreeing to the plans was a consequence of the appeal.

The council turned down the first application but an appeal found in favour of applicant Persimmon Homes.

Cllr Phillips said: “We have to review the set piece from the planning inspectorate. He will put us in a straitjacket as to how many houses go on the site.

“This is the danger of leaving a situation to an appeal. It was an appeal we lost and we've been presented very much with a fait accomplit. If the planning inspector says 250 units can fit, 250 must go there. We are very much controlled over that.”

Several other councillors complained they had little option but to accept the plans.

Cllr Robert Burns-Green said: “We are totally hamstrung with this one – we don't have any room to manoeuvre on anything.

“I would like to place on record my concerns about the overall design, particularly with a developer who, with safety and security and the community in mind, places a play area at the end of a bridge in an isolated spot on the corner of the plan.

“I see that as being absolutely unbelievable. I can't believe any sensible developer would do such a thing and I would hope the planning officers will find a way of getting rid of that.”

Cllr John Wertheim said: “I'm very worried about any play area next to a railway line.

“Being a boy, I liked climbing over fences. Climbing over fences near a railway line: I'd do it for a dare.

“We should ensure there's no play area next to a railway line. It's an important safety point for every child in this place.”

He raised concerns at the possible impact the new development could have on school places, but Cllr Phillips this had been sorted through an agreement with the county council.

Cllr Wertheim joked: “I just hope they have got the figures right.”

The committee unanimously agreed conditional approval but deferred the final decision to the council's head of planning Carol Castle.

She said: “If an unsatisfactory position emerges, it will go back to the committee.”