PROTESTERS against plans for polo pitches on farm land gathered last Sunday to vent their feelings - but a well known archaeologist has backed the move.

Residents living near Low Grounds Farm, Harleyford Lane, Marlow, and walkers who use the scenic spot near the River Thames, have sent a swathe of objections to council planners.

Concerns centre around increased traffic at the busy Henley Road junction and the peaceful site being spoiled.

Gill Thomas, in her 40s, of Pound Lane, Marlow, an IT consultant, was among demonstrators who assembled at the weekend.

The mother-of-one said: “The strength of feeling is surrounding the access to the pitches.

“I don't think anyone who is objecting is saying don't use the fields as polo practice pitches, I think they're saying that the planned access is dangerous for people using the path.”

The path is narrow and often used by joggers or cyclists, and therefore not suitable for vehicle access to the pitches, opponents argue.

Last week Rob Marsh, Managing Director of Harleyford Properties, which owns the land, defended the plans and said the campaign was unjustified.

He said if it were to be farmed intensively instead, as they are entitled to do, traffic could quadruple.

Only practice matches, not attended by spectators, will take place there during the sport's season in summer months.

But another of those objecting (pictured) mother-of-two Delrith Rees-Davies, 37, of Harleyford Lane, felt his stance was “a bit aggressive” and said it failed to alleviate concerns.

She said: “They haven't considered anyone else's point of view, they should have come up and chatted to the residents along the lane.

“My main concern is the safety issue from increased traffic along Henley Road. It's a steep hill and getting on to that road is very dangerous, I struggle when doing the school run in the morning.”

Town resident Colin Berks, who oversees Marlow Archaeological Society's excavations, believes the change of the land's use bodes well for time detectives.

Mr Berks wrote to council planners, explaining the site's established archaeological significance, relating particularly to the neolithic and bronze ages.

Much of the archaeology is close to the land's surface, he wrote, adding: “Whilst the landowner has acted responsibly, this important archaeology is very vulnerable to ploughing and similar farming activity.

“These proposals to limit or cease farming activity and replace these with equestrian use, polo and similar, are very much welcomed insofar as it will prevent further damage.”

The land stretches over 200 acres in total and the two polo pitches would be placed in an area where crops are currently grown and some animals graze.

The application looks set to go before Wycombe District Council's planning committee.

A decision is expected in March.