CONTROVERSIAL plans to build nearly 3,000 new homes in the Chiltern district were described as a “raging Tyrannosaurus Rex of a situation” by a council leader yesterday.

John Warder, leader of Chiltern District Council, was speaking as the council agreed to consult residents on the scheme.

The council has been told by the Government they must create 2,900 new homes in the district by 2026.

And members of the council's cabinet yesterday said unless a consultation was carried out, they would have less of a say on planning policy in the district in the future.

The consultation, which forms the council's Core Strategy, is likely to begin in mid-March.

Cllr Nick Rose, cabinet member for planning, said at yesterday's meeting: “The council could be at considerable risk without the Core Strategy.

“If we can't demonstrate we can reach our targets, we will be in a very perilous position.

“It's imperative we have a formal public consultation and listen to what the public have to say.

“We are very aware it is unpopular in some circles.”

Cllr Rose added the council was keen not to build on Green Belt land – but this forms 88 per cent of the district, with two-thirds being a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The council has already indicated the majority of the new homes would be built in Chesham, Little Chalfont, Amersham and Chalfont St Peter.

The former Holy Cross convent site in Chalfont St Peter is one of the sites earmarked for development, which has caused anger among many residents.

But Cllr Warder said it was necessary to pick out areas for building work – otherwise the council could risk losing its power to make important planning decisions.

He said it would be “no longer the case” local authorities would have the final say on planning approval, with that task passing to Government planning inspectors.

Cllr Warder said: “The new situation is we must identify broad locations and specific sites. This Government has produced a one size fits all instruction for the new policy.

“It is possible to design an estate that would be acceptable to many people, but there's a fear it might well not be locally compatible.

“It's produced a raging Tyrannosaurus Rex of a situation.”

With a “sound” Core Strategy, the council would “be able to avoid things being done by appeal, without any local control whatsoever”, Cllr Warder added.

Cllr Linda Smith said: “We are having to make this decision with both hands tied behind our backs. Government are restricting our decisions every step of the way.

Cllr Mimi Harker said consultation documents should be easily understandable and not contain too much jargon.

Cllr Warder joked: “We have agreed to send the report to the Better English Society.”

Cabinet members unanimously agreed to holding the consultation.