Controversial plans to build 350 plans on the site of a former Ministry of Defence site in Beaconsfield at Wilton Park have been passed by South Bucks District Council’s planning committee.

Councillors debated the plans before agreeing to grant conditional permission to build on the former site. The planned development will include 350 new homes, sports pitches, cycle routes, car parking, open space and a park.

Approximately 700 letters of objection had been submitted in response to the plans, with concerns raised previously by both Chalfont St Peter and Penn parish councils.

One of the objectors, Alison Wheelhouse, chairman of the Beaconsfield Society, raised concerns about the impact the plans could have on the local area.

Alison said: “There should be more affordable housing, the impact of the HS2 has not been considered neither has the impact of signalised crossing on bus stops on the relief road.

“BCC do say that a zebra crossing with traffic lights will be needed at London End, but they also say that even without the development traffic the junction will be operating significantly over capacity by over 2021.

“Inland are not committing to build the relief road within two years, they say that they will build it by the occupation of the 99th road with no time limit. Maybe they will wait too see whether the green belt is released with the draft local plan still two year away from adoption. It is untenable.”

However, speaking at the meeting, Roger Rippon from developers Inland Homes urged councillors to “concentrate on the many advantages that the scheme will bring to the great silent majority of your area.

“The new homes that are so desperately needed, including 40% affordable housing, the jobs to be created the early creation of the relief road and other community benefits.”

In the debate, Cllr Hogan praised the plans, saying: “There were concern over the loss of recreational facilities and access to the site, but these proposals do seem to represent improved access, a range of facilities not currently existing and new replacement facilities.

“In terms of the community facilities and the sporting facilities they do have the possibility of making a very strong and positive contribution to the recreational and cultural health of the town.”

Following the debate, the councillors voted in favour of approving the plans, with 6 councillors voting in favour and two voting against.