A RESIDENTS association has written to Wycombe District Council and a number of leading politicians to express their anger at a decision to release “the green lungs separating Bourne End and Wooburn Green” for future development.

Developers have been given the green light to build on former greenbelt land Slate Meadow after the WDC cabinet voted to release the land and four other areas for development, three weeks ago.

Following the decision, the chairman of the Wooburn Residents Association, Chris Baker, said the community does not want the area developed and believes if it is the villages will form part of High Wycombe’s urban sprawl.

He wrote: “Wooburn Residents Association, Bourne End Residents’ Association and the Save Slate Meadow campaign made it clear that the local community does not want Slate Meadow developed, as it is the green lungs separating Bourne End and Wooburn Green villages.

“Developing the site, which is in part designated as a village green, will mean that the two villages coalesce and will form part of High Wycombe urban sprawl.

“Local Plans are now at the heart of the reformed, democratic planning system, so councils can decide where development should and shouldn’t go in consultation with local people.

“It is clear that in this instance, and contrary to Government guidance, that the views of local people were not taken into consideration.”

In his letter he highlighted the major concerns of residents, including the lack of infrastructure, a flooding risk and the impact on green open spaces.

Mr Baker said: “As well as ignoring the wishes of the local community the WRA is concerned about the lack of impartiality of Wycombe District Council in making this decision.”

“WRA feel very strongly that this decision is against both the best interests of the local community and Government Policy on Localism,” he added.

The letter was sent to the eight WDC cabinet members and was also forwarded to Beaconsfield MP Dominic Grieve, Secretary of State Eric Pickles MP and Brandon Lewis MP.

The residents group have also asked for their concerns to be put to the Improvement and Review Commission for scrutiny, so that the views of the community represented by the WRA can be taken into consideration, Mr Baker said.