A plan to build 20 homes in Marlow Bottom has been backed by councillors despite villagers’ concerns over traffic.

Oakford Homes applied for permission to redevelop 16 High Heavens Wood to create 20 homes.

The development would include two one-bedroom homes, two two-bedroom homes, seven three-bedroom homes and nine four-bedroom homes.

The plans appeared before the West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee after they were called in by Cllrs Alex Collingwood and Anna Crabtree for consideration.

John Bernard, speaking on behalf of residents, said the development would put more traffic on the already congested Marlow Bottom Road.

He said: “The Local Plan says this site has an indicative capacity of 20 dwellings. We ask the word indicative not to be treated as meaning inevitable.

“The detailed application must still prove that 20 homes can be delivered that are safe, sustainable and sensitive to their surroundings. We say this has not been done.

“Pedestrians, wheelchair users, children and all vehicles will be put into the same restricted space, creating a clear risk of vehicle pedestrian conflict and harm.

“The site is also poorly served by sustainable transport. The bus is infrequent, not viable for commuting. The small local shops are around two kilometres away.

“For most households a car will be a necessity.”

His concerns were echoed by Tony Hill, of Marlow Bottom Parish Council, who said lorries as a result of construction traffic would pose problems that would make access to and from the village “at best unpredictable and potentially impossible and dangerous.”

Cllrs Anna Crabtree and Carol Heap also spoke at the meeting. Cllr Heap said it was clear the application was not without merit.

She said: “I’m very pleased to see that there is some provision of affordable rented housing within the plan, and that is very welcome.

“But I really have concerns about the density of this planning proposal and the number of houses that are being squeezed into this plot.”

Cllr Crabtree also raised concerns about nearby ancient woodland.

She said: “It’s concerning to see that the council’s tree officer has had so many concerns about the protected trees at this location.
“The 15-metre buffer around the site is the minimum requirement to protect the ancient woodland and I would encourage members to seriously consider whether this plan goes far enough.”

Wesley McCarthy, of Oakford Homes, said the scheme would provide a wide variety of “bespoke” housing types rarely seen today.

He said the plans had evolved since the application was submitted through “constructive engagement” with officers and consultees, which resulted in amendments to the scheme.

He added: “This results in a development that delivers quality market and affordable homes, environmental improvements, whilst respecting the character and landscape of Marlow Bottom.

“A contribution of approximately £500,000 will be made, of which £75,000 will be allocated to the parish council.”

Councillors agreed to let planning officers grant permission once outstanding financial contributions had been signed off and the legal agreement had been completed.