A CHEAPER homes plan that could have created a Marlow "ghetto" has been thrown out early despite claims that the decision has done little to address the gap in affordable housing.

Maidenhead and District Housing Association (MDHA) wanted to build 50 "affordable" houses and flats on land next to the Crowne Plaza Hotel, off Fieldhouse Lane.

The company, part of the Housing Solutions Group, claimed the new development would address the need for more affordable housing in Marlow, which is currently lacking.

But in a sensational twist, Wycombe District Council, has rejected the application without bringing it before a planning meeting.

The council said that the location was remote from the town centre, and had poor transport links which could result in "the creation of a ghetto".

But the move has left a sour taste in the mouths of people who were in favour of the housing proposal and were convinced it would be voted for by district councillors.

Last week the Free Press reported that, according to the council, the application was due for consideration by development control.

But the Free Press has since learnt that the council made the decision last week two weeks before the application's 13-week target date of June 23.

Speaking solely in his position as a Marlow town councillor on Wednesday, Doug Anson, said: "I have called a meeting tomorrow morning to talk to the powers that be.

"I'm extremely unhappy with the way it has been handled."

Although Cllr Anson refused to elaborate on his comments at this stage, he said he was led to believe the application would be going before the development control committee for a decision.

The application was for four three-bedroom homes, two two-bedroom homes, 12 two-bedroom terraced homes, and 32 two-bedroom flats in four blocks.

But Wycombe District Council said the plan was of a "poor quality design".

It also said the plan would have a "negative" impact on the surrounding green belt land.

A council statement said: "Any development of this site should ideally reduce the impact of the site on the green belt. It should certainly not increase it."

The plan for houses had about 20 recorded objections from the Marlow Society, Bisham Parish Council, and The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.

Marlow Town Council agreed to back the plan despite concerns over road access and claims that the land was "potentially contaminated", having formally been used as a gravel pit.

But Cllr Tony Dunn, consultant for landowners, Pelhamcrest, who entered an agreement with MDHA, blasted the council for its use of the word "ghetto".

He said: "I'm livid that they think that people who are trying to get their foot on the bottom of the housing ladder by buying into equity shared ownership would create a ghetto."

"The people who will move into these houses are essential workers."

Cllr Dunn said that Pelhamcrest would be meeting MDHA on Monday to discuss their next move.