Plans to build 55 homes on an industrial estate in Chesham have been given the green light by the council.

Last year Inland Homes submitted its latest proposals to build dozens of homes on Springfield Road Industrial Estate – which has now been given the green light by Chiltern District Council (CDC).

The 55 homes will be made up of 10 three-bedroom houses, five two-bedroom houses, 23 three-bedroom flats and 17 one-bedroom flats.

However, members of Chesham Town Council’s planning committee have criticised the plans – saying while they “accept the principle of the development” they have “strong concerns” over impact the new homes will have on the green belt and area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB).

A statement published by the committee said: “The committee accepts the principle of the development. However, while not opposed to three storey buildings in general, the committee had strong concerns on the planned location immediately abutting the green belt and overlooking the AONB.

“We would also repeat our comments previously submitted, namely concern on the current state of the highway and that we would wish to see a developer contribution to remedy this.

“Moreover, we would wish to see a traffic management plan in place, particularly in respect to construction traffic.”

An initial plan for the development – known as an outline application – was given the green light by CDC in October 2017.

Further details were then presented to the council in February last year as a reserved matters application, which included the proposed layout of the site and the appearance of the buildings.

The plans were approved on April 4 – however, there are still a few hurdles yet to clear as a number of conditions still need to be approved by the council – including the drainage system and noise levels.

A planning document published on CDC’s website said: “Inland Homes’ vision is to develop a high quality residential scheme which will sit comfortably within its residential context, improving the accessibility, parking and landscaping which surrounds them.

“The site will be redeveloped with a residential scheme comprising a mix of dwelling types and sizes with landscaping, parking and open space.”