PLANS to build a housing development alongside the tracks at Marlow Station have received a frosty reception this week.

As reported in last week’s MFP, the nine-home project would see a row of three-storey town houses adjacent to the train tracks, overlooking the platform from the south.

But Marlow Town Council’s Planning Committee has objected to the application, claiming the residents of neighbouring Riverpark Drive would have their privacy ruined.

Committee chairman Cllr Ian Wernham said: "My issue with this application is I feel the height of these houses are far too high for other residents and will be totally overpowering.

"I don’t necessarily have a problem with houses near the station but the height is just overbearing for those on Riverpark Drive."

Cllr Roy Cadman also voiced fears over the increased volume of traffic in an already busy bottleneck, saying the area around the station is "hell" for drivers.

Town councillors officially objected on the grounds of overbearing height for neighbouring residents and the impact of extra traffic in the area around the station.

But the committee is a consultee on the plans only, with the final decision to be taken by Wycombe District Council.

Neighbouring residents Tony and Mary Shannon are concerned that if the project gets the go-ahead, it will spell the end for a row of trees originally designed to shield residents from the nearby trading estate.

But the proposals have received some early support, with Marlow resident Matthew Sayer claiming the area near the station is in need of sprucing up.

He said: "As a frequent commuter I have watched the gateway to Marlow deteriorate on what should be the first point of contact to this prosperous town to an area that we can no longer be proud of with buildings and land remaining derelict.

"I hope this galvanises both developer and Marlow Town Council to work proactively with Network Rail to give Marlow and the Wycombe district something to be proud of."

Officers at WDC have objected to the plans on the grounds for the former coal yard, saying the area could represent a flood risk.

But ML Developments claims in its application that as the land has not been used for years, it would represent a worthwhile development, and one that would address Marlow's housing needs.

The council is expected to rule on the application for outline planning permission by mid February.