Track-threat to Naphill Common, Bucks

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Naphill Common is woodland and is crossed by numerous public footpaths. This is just one of many intersections.
© Copyright Des Blenkinsopp and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

We have objected to a planning application adjacent to Naphill Common in the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The proposal is to erect three houses in place of one at Heatherlands on Downley Road. Naphill is about three miles north-west of High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire.

The society is concerned that the development requires a new access track at the rear, over the common. The applicant does not mention this, nor does she seem to recognise that such a track requires the consent of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under section 38 of the Commons Act 2006; this is in addition to planning permission.

The new track will degrade this lovely common in the Chilterns AONB. Naphill Common is a beautiful area, rich in wildlife and a place for public enjoyment. People have the right to walk over every part of the common and it is enjoyed by local people and visitors.

The common has already suffered from a number of unlawful access tracks, and a further one at Heatherlands will make matters worse.

The tracks destroy the surface of the common and suburbanise it, while vehicles travelling across part of the common will disrupt the peace and tranquillity.

Many local people have already objected and we hope that Wycombe District Council will reject the application.

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