Chesham Bois residents have rallied together to fight plans to build two new homes in their street, amid fears increased traffic would make the road “unsafe”.

Campaigners have also slammed the “undemocratic” planning process after they were denied the opportunity to address the planning committee during the second round of discussions, despite concerns three properties would still be an overdevelopment of the area.

In February Chiltern District Council (CDC) threw out proposals to demolish 70 Long Park and build three five-bedroom homes in its place following complaints the development was “overbearing” on nearby properties.

The committee reconvened in April to discuss altered plans, which saw the properties repositioned, however the decision was delayed again as the new layout resulted in the loss of protected trees next to the homes.

Councillors agreed the final decision would be left to council officers and the committee chairman, a move which has been met with anger from residents.

Long Park resident, Matthew Sacks, has accused CDC of ignoring health and safety, after the Highways Authority stated the narrow private access road would not be able to cope with the increased amount of traffic in the area.

He said: “The highway authority hasn’t approved [the access road] and the council has said it’s not suitable for the amount of traffic that would be using it – however it is a private road so there is not a lot they can do about it.

“The council shouldn’t just ignore the fact they think it’s not suitable. No one appears to be taking notice of the health and safety – it’s a delegation of duty.”

Chesham Bois Parish Council objected to the latest plans, stating the development is still “cramped” and more traffic along the access route would create danger for drivers and pedestrians.

A statement from the parish council said: “The major concern of increased traffic along the existing narrow access route and the resultant danger to road safety and walkers using the adjacent footpaths has not been addressed.

“These concerns are highlighted by The Highways Authority who in their report state that the access is of an inadequate width to serve additional vehicle movements and the visibility from the fork of the private road onto the main part of the private road is substandard.”

Spokesman for CDC, Kate Murray, confirmed council policy states residents only have one opportunity to formally address the planning committee.

She added that the proposal remains the same, as no changes have been made to the layout or access.

Ms Murray said: “The elected members decided at the last meeting that there was no need for the application to come to the committee a third time, and the application will now be determined under delegated powers, with the input and approval of the chairman of the planning committee.

“Regarding access, the members agreed that the erection of two additional properties would not adversely impact on the highway.”