A derelict office building in Marlow could be turned into a 111-space car park after a planning application was submitted – months after different developers applied to transform it into a leisure centre.

The site of the former Chelton building on Thames Industrial Estate in Fieldhouse Lane could become a temporary car park in a bid to relieve the parking problems in that area of the town, as part of a major regeneration plan by Wycombe District Council.

The improvements scheme for the industrial estate was first announced in May last year.  

At the time, Wycombe District Council’s cabinet member for economic development and regeneration cllr Roger Wilson said they were aware of the parking issues on the business park and hoped that the plans would “help to alleviate some of the issues in the short term.”

A planning statement agreed that the car park would provide “much need effective parking provisions for the Business Park and as such would help elevate traffic problems within the area.”

Another application has been submitted to turn the space into a leisure centre.

Plans for the former Chelton building show space would be made for yoga mats, table tennis, and showers, as well as beauty counters with mirrors on the lower level of the building. Upstairs, there would be rowing machines, weights and equipment and gym frames. 

However, a number of nearby residents – including the upmarket The Marlow Club – have objected to the idea of another gym because of noise and parking.

Samuel Egginton, who lives in nearby Gossmore Walk, said they already suffer with noise from the area.

He said: “We currently experience noise issues from the existing leisure facilities when they use their external area for training sessions - the volume of the music and instruction during the early morning and late in the evening is clearly audible from our home at unsociable hours when our young family are in bed.”

He also said car parking would be “insufficient” if the gym is approved and worries that his road could be clogged with cars if the number of parking spaces are reduced.

He added: “The site is currently used as a car park for the Marlow Club - if additional traffic was generated or the site was developed we have concern regarding where patrons of the Marlow Club will be able to park.”

What would you rather see on the site – a gym or a car park? Get in touch by emailing Stephanie.wareham@london.newsquest.co.uk.