More than 1,000 people and businesses have joined the fight against building a new hotel in Marlow after it was confirmed the town’s industrial estate has been picked as the prime spot for the development.

After years of talks with Wycombe District Council, The Globe Park Action Group has confirmed Travelodge will submit a proposal to build a hotel opposite upmarket gym The Marlow Club on the Globe Park Estate.

The revelation was confirmed following a meeting between the hotel chain and WDC on Wednesday April 27.

Travelodge now plan to revise the proposals before formally submitting them to the council.

The came as a blow to those campaigning against the move who claim it would make the current parking situation completely unsustainable, forcing customers away – after temporary roadworks left the streets in complete gridlock last month.

The Travelodge could bring more than 200 new cars to the site on Fieldhouse Lane each day, campaigners claim, clogging up the already busy roads.

And staff at the Marlow club fear they may have to completely relocate if plans are approved.

So far over 1,000 people have signed a petition launched by Globe Park Action Group opposing the plans but hundreds more signatures are still needed to meet the 2,000 target.

Martin Fletcher, the co-owner of Tower Garage on Fieldhouse lane said: “The lack of parking on Globe Park affects my business on a daily basis and costs Tower Garage money in lost time.

“Positioning a hotel on the proposed site would definitely make this situation even worse. In my opinion, the lack of parking is the biggest problem facing Globe Business Park.”

The Marlow Club has offered to rent the site – which it believes WDC is offering to lease at commercial rates – and develop the vacant warehouse in to a yoga and pilates studio.

Head of Strategy BWP Group, Kieron Weedon said: “The position of the proposed Travelodge on Fieldhouse Lane would only add to the already dreadful availability of car parking on Globe Business Park.

“The Marlow Club’s suggestion of converting a vacant warehouse into a yoga and Pilates studio, whilst maintaining existing parking spaces, is a far better practical solution for local businesses and would provide a valuable facility for local residents.”

For more information on the campaign go to http://www.thepetitionsite.com/754/525/291/prevent-further-gridlock-in-globe-business-park-for-residents-and-businesses/#sign