The closure of a Loudwater farm to make way for a new M40 junction will have “far reaching ramifications”, according to a district councillor.

Councillor Katrina Wood, Conservative representative for Tylers Green and Loudwater, addressed Wycombe District Council’s cabinet committee last night.

A petition signed by 1,617 people to save Cobbles Farm, which will be affected if Junction 3a plans go ahead, was presented to the district council in July.

The junction was identified in the council’s local plan consultation and included three main potential parcels of adjacent land that could be developed alongside this junction in order to meet the needs of business in the district.

The petition stated: “Cobbles Farm is a valued local business – providing a home for many horses, a lot of whom have been re-homed at Cobbles after very difficult episodes in their lives, teaching a lot of local children to ride and to take responsibility, plus inspiring them in future career choices.”

Councillor Wood said: “As a consequence of the idea to provide a new motorway junction, published as part of the local plan options earlier this year, a local, very successful riding stables and livery yard, Cobbles Farm, is threatened and the possibility of this junction being placed here has far reaching ramifications to the residents of this area.

“Whilst it is understood that there are no decisions as yet, this in itself has even worse consequences. Cobbles Farm is a valued local business, providing a home for many horses and other animals, a lot of whom have been rehomed there by the RSPCA and Horse Watch after difficult episodes in their lives.”

Councillor Wood said more than 300 children use the farm’s services and that it provides work experience opportunities, as well as lessons for the Bucks Down Syndrome Association.

She added that is provides a “green barrier” between Flackwell Heath and High Wycombe and that a new slip road would be a “blot on the landscape”.

Councillor Neil Marshall, cabinet member for planning and sustainability, said: “It’s one of those things where you’re damned if you do and you’re damned if you don’t... we have been very open and upfront in putting it in the public domain.

“We are extremely aware of the sensitivity of these matters but it has also been put forward by the Local Enterprise Partnership.

“It is now totally in the hands of the Highways Authority and we are trying to get an early decision on it.

“It’s a difficult, difficult situation, I do appreciate it.”

The cabinet agreed to consider the impact on Cobbles Farm of a potential new motorway junction and business development when they assess the options for the area in the future.