A housing developer behind plans for 259 new homes has said its proposals will see £7 million invested in nearby infrastructure. 

Bellway North London has recently started work on new properties at its Pennwood Grange development north of Amersham Road, Hazlemere. 

The plans for the 21-acre site were given the green light by councillors in October last year despite concerns from residents. 

But now the company has said £7 million will be invested in infrastructure and facilities in the area including £1.65 million into education services. 

Other investments include £244,481 for primary healthcare services, £28,000 towards bus stop improvements, £1.4 million for long-term conservation projects and £3.9 million towards a Community Infrastructure Levy. 

READ MORE: Hazlemere residents get letters as 'Pennwood Grange' work set to start

The levy will be used for wider infrastructure such as schools and roads with some allocated to the parish council. 

But independent councillor, Ed Gemmell has said it must be ensured that the money is spent in Hazlemere rather than other areas across the county. 

Ali Maruf, Managing Director at Bellway North London, said: “We have worked closely with the council to design a scheme which will meet the needs of the local community, adapting our plans to reduce the number of homes, provide a MUGA and retain a hedgerow running through the site.

“The planning agreement will bring investment in local schools, improvements to roads and paths, and enhancement to wildlife habitats, with totalling more than £7 million to help improve local facilities and services.

“There is also a substantial proportion of affordable housing being delivered here which will allow local people, who might not be able to afford to buy a property, to secure a new home in the area.” 

READ MORE: Hazlemere councillor 'disgusted' at bid to change 259-home plans

The development will be made up of a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments and two, three, four and five-bedroom homes with the first homes due to go on the market in spring 2025. 

Cllr Gemmell said however: "There's a big chunk of money going on Community Infrastructure Levy and that money must be spent in Hazlemere. 

"I will be fighting for it to be spent in Hazlemere and not to disappear into Bucks Council's pot and then be spent in some other area of Buckinghamshire."

The councillor has also raised concerns over amendments to the houses recently submitted by Bellway that could see living space created on the third floor of some homes. 

Pennwood Grange will feature tree-lined streets and nearly seven acres of open space with a children’s playground and a multi-use games area.

A network of footpaths and cycleways will connect the development. 

Bellway says improvements will also be made to roads and paths "to enhance connectivity, reduce reliance on cars and encourage walking, cycling and bus travel."