A Hazlemere trading estate could be turned into 21 new houses – but nearby residents have slammed the plans amid fears about the loss of a well-loved nursery, traffic and noise.

The Highbury Works, as well as two homes in Inkerman Drive and The House That Jack Built nursery (THTJB), could be bulldozed and redeveloped into 21 new houses by Shanly Homes.

If the latest plans are given the green light, Shanly will built eight detached, 10 semi-detached and one terrace of three two-storey homes on the site, with five garages.

The new housing estate would be accessed through existing roads off Inkerman Drive and Chestnut Lane.

Despite calls to rehome the popular nursery somewhere within the planned new site, property consultants Carter Jonas says Shanly’s plans will not be “viable” if they have to do that – adding that there is capacity elsewhere for children “displaced” by the closure of THTJB.

Objecting to the plans, Holmer Green resident Aaron Cox says his 19-month-old daughter goes to the nursery and “absolutely loves” it.

He said: “The nursery is also the most affordable in the area, being at least £10 less expensive. There is a lack of suitable day care facilities in our area. The loss of the nursery will impact us and many other financially but also for those who want their children to remain in the safe hands of the staff at THTJB.”

Meanwhile, other nearby residents and business owners have complained that turning the site into a housing estate will see an increase in noise and traffic and change the character of the area.

Nick Chalkley, who works at unit one in Highbury Works, said there are seven successful businesses employing 32 local people – some with commercial leases in place until November 2023 – and that it is “inconceivable” they can all relocate in the area.

He added: “I would ask the planning committee to consider this application to be detrimental to the loss of employment land.”

Richard King, who lives in Chestnut Lane, said turning the trading estate into homes may improve the surrounding area but added his road is too narrow for access to the new site.

Not everyone is unhappy with the overhaul plans though. Mark Ridgway, who has lived in Pheasant Drive for more than 20 years, says the trading estate is “poorly positioned” and has experienced a string of issues living by it.

He said: “I have personally experienced excessive noise levels to include shouting, banging, hammering and radios being played, dirty, smelly chimney smoke blowing over my property and suffered the inhalation of expelled chimney paint and lacquer on a constant basis for many years.

“As an asthma sufferer this has caused many personal health concerns over the years.”

In planning documents, developers say the new housing estate will bring new residents to the town who will support the “vitality” of the community including schools and shops.