A “tranquil” nature reserve could be under threat if plans to build two warehouses go ahead.

Developer BCL (Maple Cross) LLP & Impact Property Development has applied to Three Rivers District Council for permission to have the warehouses built in Maple Lodge, Maple Cross.

If approved, it would comprise of 16,590sq m - the size of two football pitches - including 1,986sq m of office space, access, and landscaping.

The warehouses could bring more than 200 cars and lorries to the site every day.

The district council declared a climate emergency in May, but concerned neighbours have told the council that the plans could put wildlife at risk, while pollution levels may also increase due to the number of vehicles visiting the site.

Nearly 100 comments have been made about the proposals through the council’s online planning portal.

One resident from Rickmansworth wrote: “The rich variety of wildlife and tranquillity of the area would be severely threatened by this development.

“It is a haven for birds, butterflies, insects and people enjoying a little bit of beauty amidst the busyness of the surrounding area. To lose this would be nothing short of a tragedy as so many species are already in such decline.”

Another commented that they were “dismayed” by the proposed plans.

They wrote: “There is the severe potential to have a major, catastrophic and irreversible effect on the neighbouring nature reserve, not to mention the certainty of the effect on residents and traffic systems locally.

“This area is already under huge strain in terms of overcrowding on our roads, with all the attendant ecological and health issues associated.”

Another resident from Rickmansworth commented that air pollution around the M25 is high, but “adding hundreds of lorries would make it dangerous to residents’ health”.

A committee date for the decision has not yet been made available, but any consultations from neighbours must be made by Friday (July 18).

BCL (Maple Cross) has been approached for comment.