A popular supermarket hinted this week that it is keen to return to Amersham in the future after a petition against its closure was signed by leading business figures in the area.

On December 10, Iceland confirmed its store at 75 Sycamore Road will close on December 31.

Mimi Harker, Chairman of Chiltern District Council, described the move as a “huge loss to the town” and a petition against the closure was signed by - among others – the Chair of the Chiltern District Council Chamber of Commerce Vee Bharakda on Friday.

Proposals, which would see the existing building on Sycamore Road - home to Cargo, Chilton Watson Opticians and Iceland - replaced with two stores and as many as 35 new homes, have been submitted to Chiltern District Council by developers Angle Property.

Currently there is no timescale for when the council will rule on the plans.

Iceland said in a statement this week: “We are very sorry that we are having to close our successful Amersham store at the end of this year, on the expiry of our lease.

“We understand that our landlord intends to redevelop the site.

“Iceland has been trading in this location in Amersham since 1990, and we are proud to have been part of the local community for the last quarter of a century.

“We are grateful to our many loyal customers for their support over all these years and we hope that we may be able to return in the future if a suitable property becomes available.”

Meanwhile Angle Property – who called the site “unattractive and underdeveloped” – hinted that the future tenants could be one of the town’s existing businesses.

James Good, director at Angle Property, said: "We are talking to a number of possible tenants some of whom are located in the town already, but currently we are not in a position to confirm anything.

“It is our aim for this development to significantly and positively contribute to the vibrancy and vitality of Amersham.”

Cargo confirmed all of their UK branches – including the Amersham store – would be closing between the end of January and March 2016 after a decision was taken by their parent company Steinhoff International.

Chiltern Watson Opticians declined to comment.

Angle Property said they will continue to consult with local people and are encouraging residents to give them feedback on their freephone information line (0800 148 8911) or by emailing info@meetingplacecommunications.com.

What are your thoughts about the proposed development? Email Will Burton at william.burton@london.newsquest.co.uk with your comments.