Reaction to plans for a new "high end" restaurant in Beaconsfield have been mixed, with some agreeing a new eatery would be welcome in the town, while others thought it was not needed.  

The BFP reported yesterday that plans have been submitted to change a former car repairs workshop and a window showroom at 15 - 21 Gregories Road into a new restaurant. 

A shop owner on Gregories Road, who did not want to be named, said she was initially worried that it may be “competition” for her own business but now thinks a new eatery could be good for the town.

She said: “It might encourage more people to come up Gregories Road and improve business for everyone. Lots of people come into Beaconsfield on the train and there aren’t many places for them to go to eat, so more choice would be good for them.”

Loudwater resident Kimberley Selwood-Whelan, who visits Beaconsfield regularly, said: “I think it would probably be a good idea. The New Town doesn’t have as many restaurants as the Old Town does.

“I don’t think there should be another Italian restaurant because there are plenty of those already. I think a nice high end Indian restaurant or a Thai one would be great.”

No new parking will be added at the site, but an entrance will be added at the back of the restaurant giving access from the car park behind.

However, a nearby resident said a “big no” to a new restaurant on the road due to traffic concerns.

She said: “I am against the idea of a new restaurant here purely because of how busy this road gets already because of the Chinese takeaway across the road.

“In the evenings, it is chock-a-block full of cars and there is nowhere to park and there is already quite a few restaurants here anyway.”

The majority of readers who took part in the BFP poll agreed that an Indian restaurant would be the best option, with 84 votes (30 per cent). 

Sixty-eight voters want to see a restaurant by a celebrity chef (24 per cent), while 56 people (20 per cent) are hoping for a French restaurant. 

Nineteen per cent (52 voters) opted for a new Italian restaurant, despite Va Pensiero being located just across the road, and 18 people wanted a Chinese restaurant.