Trees planted on Mayhall Farm raise concern over property development on Amersham, Bucks' Green Belt land

By BMeiring | Saturday, January 01, 2011, 19:16

Mayhall Farm, Amersham - an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that campaigners are protesting against potential housing development
The numerous and mature trees planted in Mayhall Farm, Amersham, in November
Campaigners believe the trees planted on Mayhall Farm, Amersham, in November are a curtain designed to disguise the site from local residents as they apply for planning permissions

Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty since 1965, the Chiltern Hills span a distance of 47 miles in the Southeast of England, including our stunning town of Amersham.

Aside from the much-protested High Speed 2 rail link, there are other rife dangers threatening to spoil the Chiltern Hills, one of which has recently taken a turn for the worst.

In 2006, a piece of greenbelt land in Copperkins Lane, Amersham, was sold to a land investor. The 3 fields which measure over 25 acres, are managed by Site Management Consultants Limited (SMC) on behalf of what is believed to be over 100 individual plot owners.

Since the land was sold, a group of Amersham and Chesham citizens coordinated by the owners of adjacent properties at Mayhall Farm (Mayhall Farm Residents or MFR) has been formed to protect such land from housing development.

However, in November a curtain of mature trees was planted on the farm, which MFR believe was an expensive act designed to disguise the site from residents in surrounding roads, especially the Oakway.

Jamie Wood of MFR says, '(The planting of the trees) seems in our view to raise the likelihood that planning permission will be applied for. The Council has responded that they cannot act to remove the trees.'

Speaking in general about the campaign, Mr Wood commented: 'We feel this land is very strategically important. If this land is built upon then what hope is there for the rest of the greenbelt and AONB surrounding Chesham and Amersham? Accordingly we are hoping other residents will see the importance of defending this land from planning in order to protect the wider area.'

MFR are in active dialogue with the planners and ask concerned locals to add their support to the campaign. Please add your comments about this story below.

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Comments

In response to Mr Cywinski's comments. The land has not been developed on three sides. The land has been developed at the south along Copperkins Lane and partly to the east. This development happened many years ago. Woodland also borders the fields to the east. To the north are several Grade II listed properties including the former site of May Hall, one of the oldest sites in Chesham Bois. These buildings have been in existence since the 17th century. There is no development to the west at all. It should also be noted that the land is green belt and in the Chiltern's Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is a home to protected species and includes bats, deer, red kite, hawks, and barn owl. A footpath and bridleway runs through it. It should also be noted that the owners of the Grade II listed properties have a legal covenant in place which prevents any development within 50 metres of their property. This includes the driveway that leads to the property. The owners will apply for an immediate injunction if any development work is undertaken. The owners would be happy to discuss any of these matters and our contact details can be found on our website http://tinyurl.com/3uqt6re

By mayhallfarm at 14:49 on 28/09/11
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An interesting point of view, thanks for sharing! It's good to hear from a local and yes we do need new homes. A group of residents protecting Mayhall Farm recently published this article that suggests evidence that development proposals have been issued, however, there is still a lot of constraint on the land - perhaps there is a medium...? http://tinyurl.com/6744jw6

By BMeiring at 18:43 on 06/06/11
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Hello
I am in favour of development in Copperkins lane we need new homes and the land has been developed on three sides. all the people that are against this have there homes built on former green belt land. Why was the land sold and then allowed to be sub - divided into plots if the land is not for development. Are you saying that people like me a hard working man age 56 who has invested all my life saving £70,000 being rubbed. Who is the real scammers the council and Government.

Stephen Cywinski

By lighthouse100 at 22:43 on 03/06/11
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Here is a map of the fields http://tinyurl.com/6xjjq4q Copperkins Lane is off Amersham Road in Chesham Bois, between Amersham and Chesham. There are some pictures on this site too and you can find more info on the campaign.

By BMeiring at 20:10 on 21/02/11
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please can you post a map to show the location of these fields. Thanks

By vpdawson at 18:14 on 18/02/11
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