MARLOW MP Dominic Grieve has given early support to a housing scheme in the town centre after developers put plans on show to the public last month.

Mr Grieve said that although he hasn’t viewed the proposal for 72 homes in Portland Gardens, which lies behind the High Street, the area should be put to good use.

He said: “As long as the integrity of the town centre is preserved it’s the sort of place where we can look to fit housing in.

“Back land development can be problematical, but on the other hand I’m not sure this land has been put to very specific use in the recent past as far as I’m aware.

“No one has contacted me about it yet. I can only assume that people are not dissatisfied with the proposals. Obviously if they are they should let me know.”

The site has recently been sold to developer Crest Nicholson after being owned for over a decade by the John Lewis Partnership, which unsuccessfully tried to build a supermarket on the plot.

The land, which is currently accessed by a narrow passageway from the High Street, will be linked with Malthouse Way should the proposals get the go ahead.

A number of properties on the site have been rented for years, and the small terrace of six homes, known as Portland Villas would to be retained but completely renovated and modernised.

All the remaining homes, which Crest Nicholson says are of a "poor standard" will be demolished.

A planning application for the plot is expected to be submitted in the next month.