Planning permission granted for new country park

Planning permission has been granted for a new country park despite objections from wildlife groups that it could damage the bird population.

The project at Spade Oak Lake in Little Marlow had been approved in principle by Buckinghamshire Council last year.

It involves the building of a car park, footpaths, fences and signage on the parkland, which would be funded and maintained for at least 80 years.

Environmental organisations said turning the land around the lake into a country park would disturb wildlife, particularly on the peninsula that stretches into the middle of the lake which is informally recognised as a bird sanctuary.

The council granted planning permission, but with certain conditions attached including restricting lorry movements to 220 per day and the need to restore the site by no later than 31 July 2027.

The aim of the new park, known in planning as suitable alternative natural green space (Sang), is to divert people from Burnham Beeches, which is a nearby conservation area that is expected to see greater numbers of visitors from new homes being built at Hollands Farm.

However, the Buckinghamshire Bird Club had warned the changes around Spade Oak Lake would have "extremely negative impacts" on wildlife in the area and it "must not be used as a convenient proxy for unwanted pressures on Burnham Beeches".

Wild Marlow, a non-profit community group, said: "The proposals, with the introduction of all-access footpaths in close proximity to nesting/roosting sites, especially if off-lead dog zones are permitted, will cause damage and, if fenced for safety, would prevent the free movement of mammal species, such as badgers."

Scenes for a Star Wars TV show were filmed at the site in 2021.

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