Plans to redevelop a historic site has prompted calls for it to be turned into a museum.

Developers want to knock down buildings around Burleighfield House, off London Road, Loudwater, and build 33 one and two bedroom flats in four apartment blocks.

Neighbours and Chepping Wycombe Parish Council have been informed of the plans and Inland Homes, which owns the land, has launched a consultation.

But parish councillor for the Loudwater ward, John White, is calling for the historic house to be turned into a museum covering the history of the paper mills in the valley and the surrounding woodlands, adding that he is “very concerned” about the proposed development.

In a letter to Wycombe district councillor David Johncock, seen by the Bucks Free Press, Cllr White wrote: “This is my last plea for support.

“Surely we should try to gain open discussion and find possible benefactors to purchase the site.

“Surely the local History group would wish for this, let alone Chepping Wycombe Parish council.

“Who knows, perhaps the National Trust would show an interest?

“It is so easy for these areas and buildings to be lost.”

He also suggested for there to be an alternative entrance to the site from the Thanstead estate, potentially reducing the use of the existing entrance on the A40/Knaves Beech roundabout.

The proposed development, which is located within the Green Belt, would also have 59 car parking spaces, with Inland Homes saying 40 per cent of the new homes would be affordable.

Burleighfield House already has planning permission to be converted from office use into 13 apartments from Wycombe District Council.

Another parish councillor for the ward, John Gurney, said he was worried about the impact of having 59 cars going in and out of the site, saying it would increase traffic on what he believes is a “very busy, dangerous roundabout”.

He added that the change to Burleighfield House would not be “that significant” as it is already being used as an office block.

But Inland Homes said the proposed development would have a “like-for-like” comparison to the number of vehicles already using the site.

Residents have until January 22 to have their say.