NEW plans for a block of flats and a larger Marks and Spencer in Marlow have come under fire from neighbours who say the new store could affect their quality of life.

Shanly Group's revised proposals for 11 flats and a large retail store on the corner of Spittal and Dean Streets backs on to a number of residential streets.

Previous plans for semi detached houses behind the block were ruled out after concerns were raised about overcrowding and loss of privacy, with revised plans being submitted.

But neighbours Maurice Croxon and his wife, who have lived on the quiet street for nearly 25 years, fear an M&S freezer room right next to their house will kick out a constant 24-hour drone.

In a letter to the council, the residents said: "Our main concern is the impact of noise pollution. We have lived here for almost 25 years and have had a reasonable amount of privacy during that time.

"This includes being able to sit out and relax in our rear garden during the summer months and sleep with our bedroom windows open without disturbance, not unreasonable you may think but i fear this may change if the development is allowed to go ahead.

It added: "We have no objections to the development in principle, we recognise the site needs to be updated but as adjoining residents we look to you the planners to help protect us fdrom the environmental impact the development may have on our quality of life, health and wellbeing."

Previous plans for 14 homes were scaled down after public feedback from an open day held at the former HMV offices site.

Shanly say M&S have expressed a ‘firm interest’ in taking the large retail store that would be created under the new proposals.

Wycombe District Council’s environmental health officers have echoed Mr and Mrs Croxon’s concerns, urging planners to impose ‘strict controls’ on times of use.

And officers have recommended the shop hours be restricted from 8am until 10pm on weekdays and 10am to 6pm on Sundays.

Deliveries to the store should be further restricted, they say, with a 7pm cut off during the week and 1pm at the weekend.

Nathan Craker, Development Manager for Shanly Group, insisted the propery firm would do all it could do protect residents from undue noise. He said: "The plant would be located in a convenient position away from adjacent residential occupiers and would be shielded in order to further reduce any noise.

"These details would be controlled by a planning condition if the planning application is approved. The Council would have the ultimate decision as to the location of the plant and any measures needed to reduce any noise."