Residents have welcomed the proposed scrapping of a project to build up to 1,000 new homes on the Chiltern’s AONB, but have warned it may not be the end of development in the area.

Wycombe District Council's Task and Finish Group (TFG) presented its findings about the development – dubbed ‘Greater Saunderton’ – at the Council’s Improvement and Review Commission (IRC) last night.

The TFG, led by Cllr Alex Collingwood, recommended that the project - known as the Area Action Plan - be axed in favour of giving Bledlow-cum-Saunderton Parish Council more involvement in future development plans.

Kim Martin, co-ordinator at Molins Action Group who oppose the project, said: “It is good to get rid of the Area Action Plan, but it is does not mean this is the end of Greater Saunderton.”

The recommendation does not guarantee that the project will be scrapped. The final decision lies with the cabinet who will hold a public meeting on Monday (November 16) to reach a verdict on the plans.

Mr Martin added: “We would be very disappointed if cabinet did not adopt the recommendations now – we expect the Area Action Plan to be history.

“We are delighted with the role that the council’s Task and Finish Group played. They did a very professional job.”

Cllr Collingwood said: “Our recommendations reflect some of the practical suggestions which came out of the public listening events we ran as part of this process.

“Based on what local people told us at the meetings, I think we have found a sensible and pragmatic way forward for the village and the parish, which we hope will help Cabinet when coming to a decision on this very important issue.”

The council’s recommendations are listed on their website at www.wycombe.gov.uk/.