Chaperon to develop land to the northeast of Chesham

The Chesham Society recognises the need for additional housing in the Buckinghamshire Council area. However, it is unable to support the proposal presented by Capreon for up to 150 new homes on land to the south of Lycrome Road on the following grounds:

Land use

The site is within the Green Belt. While the need for new homes is accepted and the provision of a mix of property types, including affordable housing, is welcome, we do not believe there are very special circumstances to justify the site’s release from the Green Belt. The development goes against the established principle of prioritising brownfield sites; when last surveyed, residents expressed a strong preference for brownfield development and protecting the Green Belt-

“Protecting the Green Belt was of key importance and local people value the safety of Chesham and the accessibility to the Chiltern countryside”

( http://myurl.me.uk/ChmHome/Focus/2018/Focus154_2018_2.pdf )

 We believe housing need should be addressed by more intensive development of brownfield sites within the boundaries of the town, providing it is supported by adequate infrastructure.

Traffic matters

The site lies some distance from the town centre and the Society is concerned that any further development in this location will result in an increase in traffic movements, despite the laudable objectives of encouraging other forms of transport.

The walk from the town centre to the site is lengthy and includes significant uphill stretches and public transport services along Lycrome Road are limited. We foresee additional pressure on the town centre road network, especially during rush hours.

Vehicular access to the site would appear to be from a point in Lycrome Road where there is a bend, which could limit sightlines to the west and potentially be dangerous.

Amenity

The town has suffered from a lack of investment in infrastructure and this proposal appears to continue this trend, with the amenity benefits that are included being relatively minor. The provision of a retail outlet is not likely to have a significant impact on residents’ shopping habits, being very much a convenience store.