Plans for a new housing development on land owned by Frosts Garden Centre have been submitted to Wavendon Parish Council.

The proposal, for 53 ‘high quality, low density houses’, would be located in Wain Close, Wavendon, currently the base of Frosts Landscape Construction.

The 14.5 acre site is used for storage and maintenance facilities, but Frosts say it has outgrown the facility and plans to re-locate to more modern industrial premises in Milton Keynes. The proposed housing development would help fund the relocation.

Frosts Garden Centre is run as a separate business and is not affected by the plans.

Ken White, managing director at Frosts Landscape Construction Ltd, said: “Several of the buildings at Wain Close are no longer fit for purpose.

“We are also taking on more staff, and the number of staff cars and heavy commercial vehicles will increase considerably, which makes Wain Close unsuitable, particularly because it is within a residential area.”

He added: “This is one of the company’s biggest investment plans since it was established 40 years ago.

“We have built a strong reputation and trusted brand while remaining a family focused and run company. Our proposals have been carefully considered in every aspect to take into account all sensitivities and we feel we have produced a workable solution.”

Frosts started its business in 1946 with the garden centre in Woburn Sands, while the landscape business has been running since 1974.

Recent projects have included the Olympic Park and athletes’ village for the 2012 London Olympics, and the Jubilee Gardens beside the London Eye.

Mr White added: “Our 40th year seems a pertinent time to announce plans for exciting growth and expansion and further promote the Frosts name as a growing company from Milton Keynes.”

David Hopkins, chairman of Wavendon Parish Council, said: “This is a purely speculative proposal and has no basis in planning terms. This site is deemed open countryside and is not in the core strategy for the future development of Milton Keynes.

“Wavendon is already doing its bit. It currently has 380 homes with future plans to build another 3,000 at three sites, including Glebe Farm and Eagle Farm.

“There are also plans to build 200 homes on the Nampak site in Woburn Sands.”

Frosts intend to submit a formal planning application to Milton Keynes Council in the spring.

The proposed plans for Wain Close can be viewed by visiting www.wainclosewavendon.co.uk