Campaigners have welcomed a review into the controversial decision to release five green spaces across the county to make way for housing.

Last month, Wycombe District Council’s cabinet agreed the release of five reserve sites in order to help the council meet its housing target.

Last week, it was announced that the contentious decision will be reviewed by a district council committee.

Members from the Hands Off Gomm Valley Campaign have welcomed the judgement to call the decision in to the improvement and review commission.

Ian Morton, Cock Lane resident and spokesman for the Hands Off Gomm Valley campaign, said: “We welcome the news that the undemocratic decision made by just eight councillors is to be reviewed.

“Many of us who were at the cabinet meeting were shocked that the decision was pushed through without all councillors being given an opportunity to respond adequately.

“This is a decision that will have huge ramifications for the future shape of High Wycombe so councillors cannot afford to get this decision wrong.

“If councillors believe in ‘localism’ then now is the time for them to stand up for it, show that they are on the side of local residents and ensure that Gomm Valley is protected.”

Micklefield councilor, Paula Lee, who represents Cock Lane and Pimms Grove, which borders Gomm Valley said: “I know from speaking too many councillors from across the district that many are uncomfortable with the decision making process that has been used. Local democracy is at stake here.

“It is clear that many councillors are unhappy that all the sites have been released for development when existing Brown Field sites have not been utilised to their full potential.

“I hope this is the start of the process to bring this major decision to full council so that all councillors can debate it and have a free vote to decide the outcome.”

Leader of the Conservative-run district council, Richard Scott, has always defended the decision to hear the release of the release sites proposals in front of the cabinet.

Councillor Scott said that, as the reserve sites have always been intended to be used for development at some stage, it was down to the cabinet to make a judgement on whether or not to release them.