COUNCILLORS claim a victory over property developers who they claim rode roughshod over planning regulations.

Cala Homes, who are developing a site in Wattleton Road, Beaconsfield, filled in a ditch on the site, which town councillors claim could cause severe flooding. The firm was told to clear the dry stream bed by South Bucks District Council.

Beaconsfield town councillor Anne Main (Con, South Ward) said: "I think this is an excellent result. It took a lot of ringing around. They were issued with 14 days to clear the ditch."

She said the company had also bulldozed trees they should not have and added: "I do not have confidence in the way the site is managed. They are not living up to their promise of being a good neighbour."

She said: "The largest threat residents are under is having flooding in autumn water will go elsewhere instead of going where it should. It could end up flooding the playing fields at the school or people's back gardens."

A Cala Homes spokesman said the council approved a plan for the ditch work and the firm complied with that.

Paul Conlan, technical manager, added: "Throughout development of the scheme Cala has remained accommodating towards the council and residents in order to maintain a good relationship."