Proposals have been put forward for 50 homes to be built on the site of the Spicer Hallfield factory which is mostly houses; however, a group of flats is causing controversy and has been described by one councillor as 'hideous'.

According to the architect, David Parker, the proposal put before the strategic development control committee at Aylesbury Vale District Council on Wednesday was the third scheme they had produced following feedback from neighbours of the site.

Councillor Sue Polhill said: "I am concerned that there will be ... designs that are next to listed buildings and I'm concerned about the density, but we have to do this. One of the main concerns is the flats. Why can't we have something very traditional or very modern? These are just hideous."

Mary Paterson, neighbour to the proposed development, said: "We are all aware of the need to build homes for the future. The number of the houses proposed on this site is too high by about a third: AVDC's own area planning officers recommended in his report that the site would suit around 36 dwellings."

Brian Foster, local councillor for Haddenham, said: "This is a very sensitive and important site at the core of Haddenham and these plans give the opportunity to improve the centre of the village with the removal of factory buildings, more provision of affordable housing, the opening of the stream and the opening of the green area along with the pedestrian links."

Haddenham councillor Judy Brandis, , said: "There's no reason to rush this decision to suit the owner. It's an important part of the village and must not be rushed. I feel a golden opportunity has been missed here if this development goes through.

"The centre of the village could have been used as a showcase for imaginative design echoing the low-level buildings of the library and former health centre on the adjacent site - not forgetting that most of the redundant industrial units are low-level."

The plans were deferred and delegated to officers so that amendments could be made and will face the committee again at a future date.