A LEGAL challenge against plans for nearly 200 new homes in Chalfont St Peter will be heard at the High Court in March.

Campaigners against the proposals to redevelop the former Holy Cross Convent site in the centre of the village have successfully applied for a Judicial Review into the plans.

Chiltern District Council gave outline planning permission for the proposed project - which would see up to 198 new houses, of which 35 per cent will be affordable homes, a 75-bed care home and a playing field built on the site at the expense of the old convent building - in August 2010 despite receiving more than 500 letters and emails objecting to the scheme.

The Judicial Review, which has been brought by Chalfont St Peter Parish Council, will be heard at the High Court on Thursday March 22.

Alternative plans, which include a supermarket, a reduced number of homes and space for a relocated Chalfont St Peter Academy, have been proposed by developers Arrowcroft and these have been backed by the parish council.

John Hatton, Chairman of the parish council, said: “We have seen a commercially viable, alternative mixed use plan put forward by a company called Arrowcroft that not only has the approval of the village but also provides much of the housing Chiltern District requires.

"Furthermore it gives an opportunity for other facilities to be provided, including an expanded school and the retention of some of the existing playing fields for community use. We think it’s a win, win for everyone and we hope that Chiltern District Council and the Religious Order that own the land will see what we are trying to achieve here and realise its worth.

"We have tried very hard to engage in the development of a more holistic plan and we hope that from these disagreements some kind of cooperation will emerge as to the way forward with this important and ancient site in the heart of our community.”

Vice Chairman Richard Allen added: "Since the very beginning, when the Grange was first suggested as a site for development, we highlighted the obvious fact that this was an opportunity to redesign Chalfont St Peter. Rather than just dump uniform development in one site we’d like to see a well planned, mixed development that takes into account the present and long term future needs of the community, including local education and housing requirements.”