Steps have finally been made towards the major regeneration of a Marlow shopping street in the town centre - with some still unhappy about the move.

Councillors unanimously backed plans to redevelop Anglers Court on Spittal Street at a meeting of the planning committee yesterday evening (June 29).

Developers Sorbon Estates will remove the four protected trees from the street and swap with three new replacements, as well as landscape the area.

The committee criticised the current street scene for being a “product of its time” with members confident the development will help business in the town continue to thrive.

Cllr Clive Harriss said: “The thing that makes out high street survive is the quality of the shops and how attractive they are to visitors.

“Marlow is very fortunate on the main High Street it has a lot of very strong traders – national traders –that are attracted to the area.

“It is important to make sure that any retail area is attractive to people coming in to the town as possible if the High Street is to survive.

“We are losing too many High Streets. I think any improvement we can make it is imperative that it is welcomed.”

However campaigners against the move are still concerned the plans will “damage” Anglers Court and have criticised the slow progress of the regeneration of the street after it was promised two years ago.

Chairman of the Marlow Society, Martin Blunkell said: “How does this application fit in to the proposed regeneration of Spittal Street? Your officer’s report is incorrect to say Spittal Street is undergoing regeneration.

“Regeneration plans were proposed two years ago but there has been no visible progress.

“This is not the coherent co-ordinated approach we were promised by the local authorities.”

This project launched by Sorbon Estates is separate from Marlow Town Council’s £162,000 Spittal Street development scheme – which has been delayed to coincide with the development of Anglers Court and Windsor House on the same street.

Cllr Liz Wood read out a statement on behalf of Cllr Alex Collingwood, who echoed Mr Blunkell’s fears concerning the design, saying: “This is a key gateway site to the town of Marlow. I am not against development but as the committee have repeatedly said we must have high quality design.

“This is a conservation area so any plan must improve and enhance the building and street scene.

“This application does not.”

Tamara Booth, group operations director of Shanly Homes, commented:

“We are pleased that permission for the new trees at Anglers Court has been granted as we believe this will truly enhance the look of the street which is one of the main gateways to Marlow.

"The replacement trees and improved painted timber shopfronts will lift the whole area, making it feel lighter and brighter for local businesses and shoppers. In addition, the public seating areas which local residents had requested and replacement paving will make for a much better environment for all.

“We look forward to starting works as soon as possible to show residents what a difference these changes will make.”