A CONTROVERSIAL map which shows a Wycombe Community Stadium access road carving through the Great Marlow green belt is not an official plan.

But fears still remain over the area’s future after Wycombe District Council refused to rule out the possibility that a similar route could get the go-ahead.

It confirmed that Wycombe Sports Development Limited – set up by the rugby and football clubs to oversee the project – has cast its eye over the area.

In a statement to the Marlow Free Press, WDC, said: “We are aware that WSDL have looked at the potential for a new access drive along the line of existing tracks south of the M40.”

Yet the council insisted that the hotly-debated document “does not tie up with their proposal”.

The contentious map shows a road carving through fields north of Marlow Bottom - causing alarm among residents the parish would become a “rat run”.

The access road is shown connecting with Ragman’s Lane below the Handy Cross roundabout.

This road cuts due west for more than a mile until joining up with Clay Lane, just below the proposed site at Wycombe Air Park.

The council insisted that the map had not been “drawn up by our officers, or any consultants working on our behalf”.

It added: “Were any such proposal to be put forward, it would be subject to public consultation and planning.”

Marlow Bottom residents have vowed to fight against any such development if it were to get the go-ahead.

Residents Association chairman Peter Borrows said: “Our concern is that if you have the stadium/supporters village Marlow Bottom will become a rat run, it’s dangerous enough as it is.

“And before you know it the area between High Wycombe and Marlow will be an all-consuming urban sprawl - and that will be a disaster.

“We might be accused of nimbyism but why shouldn’t we defend out community?!”

And resident Mike Williams also criticised the council for not being more open about what the stadium development could entail.

“The information should be out there and Wycombe District Council have to take responsibility for it,” he added.

“It’s difficult for people to make a rational assessment.”