NEIGHBOURS are fighting against plans for eight homes to be built to the back of their gardens in Amersham.

The Sovereign Heights development could see eight two-bedroom semi-detached properties built if plans get approved.

Developers Ascot Design are planning to knock down the existing property to First Avenue, in order to allow access to the back of the neighbour's gardens and develop the available land to provide "much needed high-quality family housing"

They argue it will "make the best use of land" which will be in keeping with the design and character of the local area.

However, plans have been met with objections from residents who raise fears over the impact the development will cause to wildlife.

Dennis Adcock has lived in Chequers Hill for 50 years and is fighting against the plans.

He said: "I have lived on Chequers Hill for 50 years and have always had bats flying up and down the gardens in the summer until the land for this proposed development was cleared of hedges, bushes and sheds which was carried out before the report was written.

"Badgers have been feeding in all of the gardens on Chequers Hill. They mainly feed on earthworms and dig small holes for their food. The report failed to look for their food source signs."

A disabled resident raised fears over the lack of proposed visitor parking on the new development. 

Elspeth Hannen said: "If parking becomes too difficult because of the new development, I'll have to opt to have a painted space so I can access my home, and that will mean another space lost (my neighbour's).

"I am already feeling very anxious about this, and the possible tension it could cause."

She also raised fears over the harm it could cause to wildlife.

"Gardens of Chequers Hill and surrounding properties have always welcomed and enjoyed a wide range of wildlife - Badgers, Bats, Deer, Muntjac, Foxes and local flora and fauna."

Ben Hannen, a resident of West Acres, Amersham, also strongly objects to the plans over the lack of privacy.

He wrote: "The proposed plans will seriously diminish our neighbours' enjoyment of their gardens."

Despite the objections, Ascot Design argue the plans put forward "will protect residential amenity having regard to the privacy and overlooking considerations, a sustainable form and location of the development, and the protection of nature conservation interests."

They also argue that the principle of residential development on the site is considered "acceptable" as the "site has been allocated within the Local Plan."

Ascot Design has been contacted for further comment.