Residents have shared their fears that the approval of a proposed Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANG) near Little Chalfont could open the door to more than 1,000 new homes across Buckinghamshire.
Developer Greenhaven Conservation Ltd has applied to convert the site of approximately 24.5 hectares off Bell Lane from agricultural land into a SANG. They hope the change would boost biodiversity and offer further opportunities for outdoor recreation and dog walking. It will include a 2.3km circular walk, a 25-space car park, and an access road.
A representative of the applicant highlighted that the SANG is needed to unlock thousands of new homes, as construction has been blocked across Amersham, Chesham, Wendover, and the eastern part of Aylesbury due to potential impacts on the Chiltern Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
The delivery framework document states: “This SANG would allow for general development to come forward without significant adverse effects to the Chilterns Beechwood SAC.”
The planning statement adds that the SANG “could unlock up to 1,158 new homes”.
It adds: “At present, the SANG capacity that would be generated by the site is not designed to suit any particular development, but it is intended to be used as general capacity for future development within the local area.”
Little Chalfont Parish Council (LCPC) has objected to the plans.
They said: “This application, if approved, would [1] facilitate increasing the population of Little Chalfont at a time when local infrastructure is struggling to accommodate recent and a firm expected expansion in residents.
“And [2] lead to increasing traffic by eight percent along a narrow road on which a school is located that is subject to congestion, where accident frequency is higher than reported and along which speeding is prevalent. As such, permission should be refused.”
LCPC’s comments followed over 70 objections from the public in response to the plan. The period of public consultation ended on Tuesday, February 25.
Local residents Neil and Jill Henderson shared their concerns with Chalfonts & Gerrards Cross News about the proposed car park, which is set to open on the lower section of Bell Lane.
They said: “At this point, cars often need to mount the pavement in order to pass one another.
“There is also concern that the car park will bring the potential of litter, a problem prevalent in the local area of outstanding natural beauty, fly tipping and other anti-social behaviour.”
Speaking to Chalfonts & Gerrards Cross News, the representative of the applicant said: “[The SANG] has been designed in consultation with Natural England, whose guidance sets out that this type of facility is needed ensure that new housing in this area does not lead to further harmful impacts on the [conservation area] by providing a high-quality alternative.
“The SANG is not linked to a specific development proposal in Little Chalfont but rather will support the stalled housing across the affected area, including development on brownfield sites and affordable housing.”
Photo credit: CSA Environmental
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