The county council has approved plans to close a narrow country road in Chalfont St Peter amid concerns over the impact HS2 construction traffic will have on the area.

In May Bucks County Council (BCC) launched a consultation after residents raised fears the construction of the new HS2 haul road next to the M25 would result in extra traffic on Roberts Lane.

‘Road closed’ signs were placed on the road before the consultation finished on May 24, however a council report published last week states the road closure will come into effect from today (July 3).

The road is closed between Roberts Farm and Three Oaks Farm, and there will be a turning circle at the closure point so bin lorries can turn around.

A BCC report stated: “The requirement for the closure of Roberts Lane to through traffic has come from a concern in the community that the construction of the new HS2 haul road beside the M25 and the closure of Chalfont Lane will cause additional traffic to use Roberts Lane.

“To prevent this, HS2 have provided an assurance of £185,000 to close Roberts Lane to through traffic.”

Although the road is closed to traffic, pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders will still be able to access the road through a gate.

A total of 76 per cent of people who responded to the consultation supported plans, while those who objected raised concerns emergency vehicles would not be able to use the road.

However Transport for Bucks confirmed the emergency services were contacted during the consultation and no objections were received.

Construction on the 15.8km Chiltern Tunnel, which will start inside the M25 south of junction 17 running to northwest of South Heath is set to start in late 2019.