THE fight against an application to build 33 homes on a stretch of old railway track is continuing as more than 200 people living near the area have now signed a petition against the plans.

Homeowners in Wycombe Lane, Wooburn Green, organised the petition against the application by Henry Homes to build a mix of 17 houses and 16 flats because their properties back onto the area marked for development.

They fear the proposed homes will obstruct their views as well as increase traffic and ruin the habitat of the wildlife in and around the fields surrounding the disused track.

And the householders are supporting the Wycombe Society's call to preserve the land so the railway connection between Wycombe and Bourne End can be reopened in the future. They had until last week to comment on the plans and have already gained the backing of MP Dominic Grieve and the society.

Shaun Letley, a Wycombe Lane resident, said: "We handed the petition into Wycombe District council last week and we are keen to see the land returned to its original use as a railway line instead of being concreted over forever. It would not only reduce road traffic but would also offer an important rail link from High Wycombe to Maidenhead."

He added: "The trains will not be very fast and will not make too much noise - and that's better than being constantly overlooked by houses."

However, in its planning statement, Henry Homes said: "As far was we are aware the county council has abandoned the rail or tram link between Bourne End and High Wycombe and as such does not require the safeguarding of land to provide for such a link.

"Moreover the development of Red Lion Way would seem to have scuppered any potential for the site to contribute toward such a route as it would terminate at the southern site boundary."

It continued: "Vegetation on and beyond the site boundaries would be largely unaffected by the proposals."

The council's planning committee is expected to make a decision by October.