Hughenden Valley residents are up in arms over a "completely inappropriate" plan that could see 17 caravans allowed to pitch up in a tranquil orchard. 

A 1.2 acre site behind houses on Warrendene Road, in which residents of three modest caravans have lived in without issue, was bought by a new owner - and those living in the area fear he could allow for up to 17 mobile homes there instead. 

The orchard's new owner is hoping to get a licence for Buckinghamshire Council to confirm the site's use as a caravan park, which is accessed by a narrow track behind houses. 

The 'certificate of lawfulness' for the existing use of the site as a caravan park is being sought by the new owner in a bid to ratify a "deemed consent" dating back 60 years.

A small slope of the land has housed only three caravans for around 60 years, but residents claim ancient trees have recently been cut down in the adjoining "undisturbed" orchard.

Hughenden Valley residents have sent in dozens of objections to Buckinghamshire Council, fearing the impact adding extra caravans would have on the area. 

The orchard is in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and in the Green Belt. 

David Mynors wrote: "I have been a local resident for in excess of 30 years and am appalled that such an application is even possible.

"The existing units have been there circa 60 years I believe and in view of the scale of the site have not caused major problems or had an adverse impact on the biodiversity of the area.

"You should be aware of the traffic situation on Warrendene Road and any further development in the vicinity is just asking for problems and eventually accidents which may or may not result in loss of life.

"The current access is already difficult and in my opinion insufficient to facilitate further development.

"Drainage/sewerage and electricity are all issues which have not been adequately addressed."

Samantha Booth says the three metre-wide track to access the site already prevents bin lorries and emergency vehicles from getting in. 

She wrote: "This will create safety issues with vehicles reversing into a main, well used road which is already heavily burdened by HGV parking by Country Supplies."

She added: "It is one of the last orchards that used to cover most of the valley that has many species of wildlife, wild flowers and birds which will be detrimentally affected by the removal of trees and the introduction of concrete roads and walkways, hard standing and street lighting.

"It is incredibly important that the 17 mobile homes are not situated on this site as the infrastructure does not support such a settlement and there will be a detrimental environmental impact."

Norma and Kenn Hill wrote: "Warrendene Road already suffers from speeding vehicles and lorries parked waiting to go into the County Supplies depot, one can only imagine the effect of adding 14 more properties.

"We strongly ask that this application is refused due to the impact on the environment and the consideration of access and nearby road conditions."

Because the certificate of lawfulness is not a fully planning application, it does not go through the same process and highways authorities and other agencies do not need to be consulted. 

Buckinghamshire Council initially has until Thursday, July 8, to make a decision. 

View the full plans at www.wycombe.gov.uk using the reference 21/06498/CLE.