I AM writing in response to the letter written by RJ Smith, head of architectural services property and housing at Wycombe District Council, regarding the proposed development of Hicks Farm Wood.

Local residents feel that the council has not provided people within the area with adequate levels of information. When I examined the Local Plan to see if Hicks Farm Wood had been identified for development, this was not the case. The first people knew about it was when surveyors entered the wood in order to assess the suitability for development. It is a real shame that such a site with so much environmental worth and which provides much enjoyment for local residents, can suddenly and without warning be considered for such a large scale housing development.

Mr Smith raised the issue of the provision of affordable housing within the area and no-one disputes that there is an urgent need for more housing within High Wycombe. However, in an area that is already over-developed, Hicks Farm Wood provides individuals like myself with the only recreational space in the immediate vicinity. I therefore question the sense of putting more families in an area that has little green space in existence, reducing the quality of life for everyone concerned.

Local residents appreciate the need for more affordable housing but feel there are more suitable areas which should be considered by the council. Possible alternatives include such sites as those which have already been developed in the past, thereby reducing the environmental impact and lessening the adverse affects on traffic levels. In particular, other brownfield sites where the development could be built include the old sewage works, Grange Farm, Slate Meadow or the Paper Mill. All of these sites would be more convenient for newly relocated residents and effectively reduce the impact on traffic levels.

Speaking on behalf of Windrush Court residents, we would obviously like our concerns answered and look forward to a response from Wycombe District Council.

Rachel Mountain

Windrush Action Group