We fear for the AONB - letter published by Bucks Free Press 25th July 2008

10.48.30pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 28th Jul 2008

Dear Editor,

Gill Gowing of Chiltern District Council emphasises that the Council's latest planning consultation is about "the broad strategic options" facing our area. (letters page 18/7/2008).

But these options are not so "broad." They are being dictated to us by a deeply unpopular Labour Government's assessment of what is needed rather than a genuine exercise in setting local priorities.

In delivering Labour's politically driven top down target of at least another 2900 dwellings, it has been suggested by some local Councillors that it is now acceptable to build in the heart of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) on green field sites.

At the May Council housing and planning committee meeting for example, the Conservative councillor for Little Chalfont specifically "queried the exclusion of Missenden and Prestwood" from the range of options then being considered by the Council. All of the Council "options" now include additional housing in Great Missenden and Prestwood of up to 100 dwellings, potentially on "undeveloped land within the Chilterns AONB." That will come as very surprising and unsettling news for local residents who assumed that AONB status meant something.

There are now very real and legitimate concerns locally that the current "options" exercise will be the thin end of the wedge in terms of the future of the AONB around Great Missenden. We share those concerns.

Residents have until 11th August to register their views. The full options paper can be viewed at www.chiltern.gov.uk/planning/ldf/strategicoptions

Yours sincerely,

Seb Berry

Chairman Great Missenden, Prestwood and Heath End Liberal Democrats

Great Missenden