Angry residents labelled councillors “corrupt” after controversial plans to expand an industrial estate close to a High Wycombe school were allowed to go ahead.

Tensions between residents living near the Verco Office Furniture site in Sands and councillors on the planning committee spilled over on Wednesday night as proposals to redevelop land owned by the furniture company and create four new industrial blocks were given the green light – as shouts of “corrupt” and “disgusting” rang out from the public gallery.

Residents living close to the site, in Penmoor Close and Sandsdown Close, have criticised the plans for the “overbearing” and “out of character” new factories, which will be operating 24 hours a day – and have raised concerns about traffic on Mill End Road and Chapel Lane, which neighbour the site.

Cllr Darren Hayday also previously spoke out against the plans, saying those living in the area already have “enough problems” with HGVs coming and going into the industrial units next to Millbrook School.

Nigel Phillips, from the Sands Residents’ Association, told councillors it is a development “no one wants”. He said: “The residents don’t want it and the school certainly doesn’t want it.

“This proposal will generate only a few low grade jobs which will do little to boost the local economy – what a wasted opportunity on such a unique site.”

Alastair King, speaking at the committee on behalf of the applicant, said adding more units to the site will actually make the traffic situation on Mill End Road better, not worse.

He said: “This proposes to split the site into two parts. Only 30 per cent will be accessed from Mill End Road, unlike now. The smaller units will be attractive to artisan companies like bespoke kitchen makers or plumbers, which rarely have HGV deliveries. It is our view that it will deliver a reduction in HGV movements.

“Warehouse and industrial units are in high demand but facing a historic supply shortage. Research shows that Wycombe currently has less than six months’ supply and there are none in construction, giving companies who want to move into the area little to no options.

“We have already been contacted by seven local companies who are interested in moving to the proposed new buildings when finished. Demand for online shopping is expected to double in the next five years. These goods have to be stored and distributed from somewhere.

“Local warehouses also provide the chance for staff to walk or cycle to work. These units will see high tech companies move in. such companies will have to move away to Slough or Reading if there is nothing for them here.”

The developers have also agreed to de-culvert the River Wye through the site, which will run through the middle of the estate.

Cllr Zia Ahmed and Cllr Nigel Teesdale, who represent the area, echoed the concerns of local residents, expressing worry over flooding, lighting from the site and traffic.

However, other councillors on the committee said they could see the benefits of improving the site.

Cllr Hugh McCarthy said: “Employment is changing – we’re all buying on the internet and these things need to be stored, but that won’t be all that this site is about. It will provide some high quality jobs for the area.

“Change is something we all dislike. I think the traffic situation might well improve on Mill End Road. Most of the problems are caused by selfish parents dropping off children where they think they can. It won’t be made any worse by having reduced employment access on the road.”

Cllr Clive Harriss added: “Allowing 24 hours access means HGVs can avoid the busy parts of the day. If this were Waitrose or Tesco, it would be quite usual to load and unload during the night.”

The plans were approved by the majority of councillors on the committee.