A PLAN to transform the face of Marlow town centre has been given the green light, despite concerns over parking, pedestrian safety and the effect on nearby residents.

Shanly Group's proposal to demolish Windsor House, on the corner of Spittal and Dean Streets, to make way for 11 flats and what is likely to be a new Marks and Spencer food store, were approved by Wycombe District Council on Wednesday night.

Residents raised various objections to the design and layout, but their concerns were overruled by the planning committee, who voted to approve the ambitious project.

Maurice Coxon, who lives next to the development site on Klondyke, is worried for the wellbeing of his severely disabled granddaughter, as the five bin stores would be located less than a metre from his garden.

He said: “She 13 years of age, wheelchair bound, can’t walk and talk and suffers from severe epilepsy and can fit at any time due to sudden noise. She enjoys the relative peace and quiet of the garden seating area.”

However the outlook is bleak for Mr Coxon and his family after officer said they had already ‘exhausted’ all the possible bin locations.

Cllr AudreyJones slammed the proposals, stating that it was ‘irresponsible’ to put a neighbour in that position, and putting the building so close to the end of the pavement was an ‘accident waiting to happen.’

Chairman of the Marlow Society, Martin Blunkell also contested the proposal, stressing that he could not understand the ‘viability’ of underground parking serviced by one lift

However, the overall look of the building was applauded by councillors, who were confident the new building would change the face of Marlow for the better.

Cllr Alan Turner said: “It’s a good design and one that fits with Marlow centre particularly that corner on Dean Street. It just works.

He also praised the ‘cleverly worked out’ underground parking proposals, which will make way for 44 parking spaces.

Councillors also addressed the positive effect the new build would have on tourism, and Marlow’s increasing population.

Cllr Chris Whitehead said: “The new building will be a very good introduction in to Marlow and gives it a good impression, much better than we have at the moment.

“It’s not our role to decide if we have too much or too little retail in Marlow, and the proposal does include 11 flats. The population is increasing and I think the provision should increase to fulfil that need.”

While concerns were raised by councillors surrounding parking planning officer Lucy Bellinger stressed parking was ‘satisfactory’, following the outcome of surveys conducted during the week and at weekends.

An overall majority of the committee agreed with the proposal, with 10 voting for and two against.

Speaking after the meeting, operations director from Shanly, Tamra Booth said: “We are delighted our exciting plans have been approved by the planning committee. The decision is a vote for Marlow, as it transforms what is currently a tired office block which is no longer fit for purpose.

“We have worked really hard to take on board the views of local residents, the Council and the Marlow Society and amended our plans accordingly. The development gives a sympathetic and much improved gateway in to the Marlow town centre.”

The online planning application received 10 neighbour comments, eight of which were objections to the proposal.