An “unfit for purpose” hostel in a village miles outside High Wycombe looks set to be replaced with a new modular building on the site of a town centre car park after councillors agreed the plans were “exciting”.

Saunderton Lodge, which provides temporary accommodation for those in need and is owned and managed by Wycombe District Council, could be replaced with a new, bigger unit in Desborough Road, High Wycombe – but the proposals will be subject to a planning application.

Cllr Julia Langley, cabinet member for housing, said the 57-bed modular building would provide better living conditions for those in need, but some councillors expressed concern over the proposed new location.

Highlighting Saunderton Lodge’s “poor location”, Cllr Matt Knight said he was “delighted” that a new building was being considered after years of denouncing the hostel’s suitability.

He said: “At various times [Cllr Julia Wassell and I] have highlighted how the building is run down, poorly located for access for residents to schools, employment and services and the rooms are small.

“We have held the belief for many years that it is not fit for purpose and we have frequently been rebuked in this chamber, in particular, supporters of the lodge have said its isolated location is a benefit to residents, so I'm delighted to read this report and that the isolated location is of little to no benefit to residents.

“The new proposals are a massive improvement.”

However, Cllr Knight did raise concerns that opening the new building on Desborough Road could give it a “reputation”.

He added: “The proposed location is in an area that isn’t without its problems. We have talked about the isolated location, but planting people in an area where there are issues, like anti-social behaviour, we don’t want that to spill into it.”

Cllr Rafiq Raja agreed, adding: “The site does have its merits, but I'm concerned that this area isn’t too far away from the footpath we have just closed because of anti-social behaviour.”

On the other hand, Cllr David Johncock said efforts are being made to regenerate the Desborough Road area, and said his colleagues should not “run it down”.

Defending the plans, Cllr Langley said the alternative option of refurbishing the 90-year-old Lodge would have little benefit amid concerns over “spiralling” costs of the project.

But Cllr Ron Gaffney said his colleagues’ comments made the Lodge sound like it was “Alcatraz”.

He said: “It is not like that at all. All residents we spoke to when we visited there were happy. The people there aren’t on holiday, they are beaten mothers and it is really out of the way.

“It’s not a doss house – it does need a wash and brush up, but my fears are that if you take it into the town centre, the people there will feel more vulnerable.”

Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the new modular build at Monday’s cabinet meeting.