ABOUT 300 new homes look set to be built in Beaconsfield after the Ministry of Defence announced plans to move out of the town.

There has long been talk of the Defence School of Languages leaving Wilton Park, in Beaconsfield Old Town, while South Bucks District Council [SBDC] has previously earmarked the site for potential housing.

The council said in a statement: “Whilst the future location of the Defence School of Languages has not been decided, it will not be at Wilton Park – making the site surplus to Defence requirements and available for development.”

SBDC’s Core Strategy says the site has the potential for 300 new homes. The council has teamed up with the MOD and developer Inland Homes to formulate detailed plans.

Inland Homes already owns land next to the site which is needed to deliver an appropriate access point off the Pyebush roundabout, the council added.

An extensive public consultation period is promised.

Roger Reed, cabinet member for Sustainable Development at SBDC, said: “Wilton Park is an important opportunity site where the District Council will be seeking a – high quality – mix of residential and employment development, community facilities and open space.”

Paul Brett, Land Director at Inland Homes, added: “As highly experienced developers with particular expertise in creating new communities on challenging sites, we are looking forward to establishing a very special new neighbourhood that will flourish and integrate well within its sensitive surroundings.”