Councillor's 'major concerns' revealed amid plans for up to 50 homes in field

Cllr Brian Pearce said he is "deeply disappointed" at Buckinghamshire Council's plans to build up to 50 new homes in a former Green Belt field off Horns Lane.

The land is owned by the council and was removed from the Green Belt as part of the Wycombe District Local Plan and allocated for housing instead.

Cllr Pearce, who represents Booker and Cressex, told the Bucks Free Press he feels "strong opposition" to the development as it stands.

He said: "It is not in keeping with the local rural community and does not provide enough car parking, in all probability forcing new residents to park on the surrounding side roads.

"Another major concern is the infrastructure. The local residents demand vast improvements to the junction at Horns Lane and Cressex Road."

He added that he would like to see a mini roundabout with a filter lane and traffic light control at the junction "at the minimum".

He added: "I have been informed that this lack of provision is nothing to do with the development, and everything to do with costs. This stance from the council is highly inappropriate and unacceptable.

"I was led to believe that one of the advantages of having one council (one big happy family), would be better consultation and liaison between the planning/consultants/highways department.

"Alas, this does not appear to be the case, as clearly demonstrated here. In fact, far from it."

Cllr Pearce has also called for big improvements to footpaths from Cressex Road, past the planned new development and up to the cottages in Horns Lane.

He said: "The local area is frequented by dog walkers, ramblers, and many young families.

"On a number of occasions, I have personally witnessed near misses with speeding traffic, where people have tried to cross from Booker Common into the local woods.

"Sadly, the area is well known locally as 'suicide alley'."

See the plans online at the wycombe.gov.uk planning portal using the reference 21/05368/OUT.