FRUSTRATED residents say they want to appeal against a council's decision to build 83 new homes and a church in Amersham.

They say their views were “ignored” by Chiltern District Council's planning committee when planning permission was agreed for the site at Raans Road.

And they said an increase in traffic at what is an already busy junction would lead to an accident.

Peter Richardson, who spoke at the meeting on behalf of the residents of Raans Road on Thursday night, said there was “strong opposition” to the plans.

He said: “The loss of green space would be particularly painful for residents – the alternative recreation area is totally inadequate.

“Amersham is a nice place to live but overcrowding will diminish the town's appeal.”

Two female residents of nearby Scholars Way, who asked not to named, said the plans had been “steamrollered through” by the committee.

One of them told the Bucks Free Press: “Already there is a great problem at the bottom of the road. There's a major problem with the large lorries that come down into the industrial estate.

“There's lots of traffic going across that roundabout. It beggars belief, there's going to be an accident there.”

The other resident said: “I'm disappointed. I think it's the wrong decision. We will be appealing against it.

“They haven't considered what we've had to say.”

Chiltern District Council received 47 letters of objection from residents and 153 letters of support – the majority of which were from members of Kings Church, which will be relocating to Raans Road from its current base just off High Street in the Old Town.

The town's council had told planners they were opposed to the proposals, as it would lead to the site being “overdeveloped” and leave the town with “insufficient remaining public space”.

Amersham town councillor Vera Head said after the meeting: “They haven't considered the harm they will do to the people who live in the area.

“The children in Park Place will have nowhere to play. It's the only place left in Amersham on the Hill.

“The nearest place is King George V field, and for young children the distance from Park Place to King George V field is very dangerous. They have to cross a main road.

“Raans field gives them the opportunity to go out for half an hour – going up to King George V field is a lot of time out of their day.

“For children who can't take themselves elsewhere, it's a very sad loss.”

Cllr Head added however she understood Kings Church needed a larger building.

Paul Lynch, Senior Pastor of Kings Church, said: “We are delighted with the decision to grant planning. The new church, positioned closer to the local community, will greatly help us expand our work with church members and the wider community.

“We believe that this new building will provide benefits for both our existing Church members and the wider community around us.”

Carol Castle, Chiltern District Council's Head of Planning, said: “We have taken into account all the views expressed by residents alongside those of all other interested parties in this development.

"We have considered these carefully and come to a balanced decision.”