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We have joined the protestors against proposed development in the lovely Skirmett valley in the heart of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Buckinghamshire.
The society, with the Bucks Ramblers and many others, has submitted to Wycombe District Council a strong objection to plans to demolish the buildings at Stud Farm (now pointlessly renamed Valentine Farm) and replace them with an equestrian complex of a ‘riding hall’, stable block, tack room, horse walker and much else.
Says our general secretary Kate Ashbrook: ‘The development is over twice the size of the existing barns and will dominate this intimate, beautiful valley. It involves felling trees which currently screen the barns, and will be a huge eyesore when seen from the footpath which runs alongside it and from the many paths on the surrounding hills, all of which are much used and enjoyed by walkers and riders.
‘The proposals conflict with many policies in the Wycombe Local Plan and it is highly misleading of the applicants to claim that the development will “greatly improve the appearance of the site”. The great slabs of building will be hideous and visible, and will spoil people’s experience of this area of the Chiltern hills.’
The local action group has a ‘Save Our Skirmett’ Facebook site . The closing date for objections has been extended to 16 September. Objections should be sent to planning@wycombe.gov.uk and the chairman of the Planning Committee, neil_marshall@wycombe.gov.uk
The Skirmett valley