Controversial plans to build thousands of new homes on the outskirts of Aylesbury have been revised.
The major change to the proposals for Hampden Fields, which would be built between Bedgrove and Weston Turville if approved, is to reduce the number of homes built by 200 to 3,000.
Around 3,000 people opposed the original plans. Those behind the move, the Hampden Fields Consortium, comprising Aylesbury College, the Fairfield Partnership and Taylor Wimpey, say the changes are in response to issues raised about the application.
But Aston Clinton Councillor Phil Yerby, a member of the Hampden Fields Action Group, said a small reduction in housing numbers does not tackle fundamental objections to the plans.
Mr Yerby said: “We are going to examine this carefully before passing judgement.
“From what we know so far it’s not a radical change. It’s an interesting repositioning of their case.”
Other changes in the resubmission include altering the layout to ensure all site development would be excluded from flood zone and more open space to make up nearly half of the area.
The consortium said in a statement it is committed to making significant contributions towards improving transportation infrastructure in Aylesbury, including funding towards the remaining section of the eastern link road, beyond that to be provided by the Aylesbury East housing development approved by the council earlier this year. Provision of a south eastern link road between the A41 Aston Clinton Road and the A413 Wendover Road remains part of the proposals.
Mr Yerby said the development’s impact on infrastructure remains a major fear.
He said: “The fundamental concern is that this is a new town parachuted in between Aylesbury and Weston Turville which the local infrastructure can’t cope with.”
Other changes include increasing the area of one of the two school sites to enable future expansion if required and the provision of superfast broadband at the site. More trees will be planted than previously stated and there will be more space for allotments.
At least 600 of the new homes would be provided as affordable housing.
A consultation on the plans may have to be re-run following the resubmission, but previous points raised will stand.