'Wembley Arena of the Chilterns' development is back again (From Bucks Free Press)

Withdrawn proposals dubbed 'the Wembley Arena of the Chilterns' by Jeremy Paxman are back again in a new form

9:36am Monday 29th October 2012 in News By James Nadal

A DEVELOPMENT labelled 'the Wembley Arena of the Chilterns' by Jeremy Paxman has reared its head again, after opponents thought it had been killed off.

The Newsnight presenter leant his weight to the campaign last year to stop an equestrian centre being built in Skirmett, branding the proposal as "enormous, unsightly, inappropriate and environmentally unfriendly."

Following outcry from residents and various organisations, the application was withdrawn.

A similar proposal has now been submitted, with campaigners claiming it is virtually identical.

Renowned rugby commentator Nigel Starmer Smith, a former England international player has been another high profile protester against the scheme and this week lambasted the new application.

Mr Starmer Smith, from Skirmett, claimed the proposal for Valentine Farm in Shogmoor Lane would "look like a prison".

He said: "It's a danger to this rural idyll and it will destroy the look of this unique valley. It's going to be dreadful. This is such a special place and you just despair."

The scale of the plans, with 26 stables and rooms, is simply too big, he said.

"It's a commercial size block development just as before, there's been no consideration of the sensitivity of the landscape," he said.

"It's going to block the whole valley. It's huge and compared to the houses in the village it's outrageous and will transform the nature of this beautiful landscape.

"The objections will be just as great as before, if not more."

He appealed for other opponents to lodge their objections formally, as soon as possible, via the council's planning portal.

The application primarily comprises demolishing existing agricultural and equestrian buildings and creation of a private equestrian development, including riding area, stables, tack rooms, and wash rooms and store rooms.

Sarah Hardwick, from agents D and M Planning, said the developer had no comment to make at this time.

A number of letters against the plan have already been submitted. To register your comments visit the council's website, go to planning and search under reference number 12/07127/FUL www.wycombe.gov.uk