Residents oppose 200 homes planned in Richings Park

The petition lists several objections to the scheme, including concerns over air quality, noise pollution, traffic and road safety, pressure on local services, flood risk and the loss of open land.

It calls for “full independent assessments” of traffic, air quality, noise, flooding and school capacity before any application is validated.

It also calls for a full public meeting with residents before any determination is made, saying these measures are needed to protect the open character of Thorney Lane South and the edge of Richings Park for existing and future generations.

“The site sits directly adjacent to the M25 motorway”, the petitions states. “Future residents would face unacceptable levels of noise and vehicle emissions with no adequate mitigation proposed.

“Thorney Lane South and surrounding roads are already under significant pressure. 200 new homes would generate hundreds of additional vehicle movements daily, worsening congestion and raising road safety risks.

“Local schools, GP surgeries and community facilities in Richings Park and Iver are already at or near capacity. This development would place unacceptable additional demand on stretched local services.

“The developer’s own masterplan acknowledges drainage challenges by including multiple SUDs ponds. The cumulative flood risk to existing residents has not been adequately assessed or mitigated.
“This proposal would fundamentally and permanently alter the character of Richings Park, a well-established residential community. The density and scale of the development is out of keeping with the local area.

“The land provides important open space, visual relief and ecological habitat at the edge of the settlement. Its loss would be irreversible and contrary to residents’ quality of life and local biodiversity.”

On a website advertising the development it describes the plans as a “sensitive residential development of land off Thorney Lane South, seeking to provide approximately 200 new homes including affordable housing and public open space.”

And asks for residents’ feedback, explaining that the plans are still at an early stage and that responses will help inform how the proposals are refined before they are submitted to Buckinghamshire Council.

It adds that the scheme seeks to provide “much needed homes, in a way that respects the areas existing character, and supports the long term sustainability of the community.

“The site is located close to existing services, facilities and transport connections in Iver, helping to support a more sustainable pattern of development and reduce reliance on car travel where possible,” the website states.

“A range of homes are proposed that include affordable homes, helping to meet local housing needs for individuals, couples and families of different ages and circumstances.”