CAMPAIGNERS are celebrating Government proposals to reduce the number of houses to be built in Buckinghamshire between 1996 and 2016.

The Government's original plan for 83,000 new houses over the period was strongly criticised by Buckinghamshire County Council and rural preservation groups.

The figure has now been reduced to 64,000, the number originally put forward by SERPLAN, the regional planning organisation.

Cllr Bill Chapple, deputy leader of Buckinghamshire County Council, welcomed the new proposal.

He said: "These figures represent a major climb down from the Government's previous proposals for 83,000 new homes in Buckinghamshire and are a victory for all those who called for the Government to think again.

"We have said all along that the previous proposals went far beyond what was acceptable or appropriate for Buckinghamshire and would have caused untold damage to the county."

The Marlow Society, which battles against over-development, particularly in Green Belt areas sees the new plan as a significant improvement.

Ron Waters, a society member, said: "We object to all building work that takes place in the green belt.

The new proposals will be discussed at a meeting at County Hall on January 12, before the council's eventual response is agreed by the cabinet on February 5.

To comment on the housing proposals, contact the Government Office for the South East at Bridge House, 1 Walnut Tree Close, Guildford, before February 12, 2001