A Marlow business hopes to build a new three-storey office block on the overgrown site of a former sub-station – but plans have been criticised amid concerns about parking and noise.

Wycombe District Council is currently considering plans to demolish an electricity sub-station near Sainsbury’s in Riley Road car park and replace it with a new office block and parking.

The company behind the plans is chartered surveyors, Premier Financial Management, who have been based in the town for ten years.

They hope to build a block that looks “more like a cultural centre, museum or gallery, rather than a typical mundane office development”, according to the plans.

However, neighbours who live close to the sub-station – which is in a Conservation Area - say the new building would “overlook” their homes and would contribute to noise they already suffer from.

Graham and Sylvia Collingwood are objecting to the plans, saying the three parking spaces proposed for the building is “totally inadequate” for the number of people who work there – which is currently 15.

They added: “The proposed building is too near numbers 4, 5 and 6 Town Lane which are only some 10 to 15 yards distant. This means it will be overlooking our properties leading to loss of light.”

Another nearby resident, Sam Boulter, said their neighbours already suffer with excess noise and fears an office development will make it worse.

They said: “Living within close proximity to the town and on a general cut-through from the main car park, we experience a high volume of noise on a regular basis. The erection of an office block I believe will cause undue stress and access issues for local residents.

“I believe this will depreciate the value of the property and cause years of unnecessary trauma.” 

Marlow Town Council also object to plans, despite welcoming the development, because of “insufficient” parking.

Julian Smith, from Environmental Health at Wycombe District Council, also raised concerns that due to the site’s former use as an electricity sub-station, the land could be contaminated, and urged the applicants to carry out a risk assessment and site investigation.

Heighway Associates, the Marlow-based architect firm which has submitted the plans on behalf of the applicant, addressed concerns in a design and access statement.

They said: “Proximity between the proposal and the dwellings on Town Lane have been carefully considered. There are no facing windows and the requirements to right to light have been achieved.

“Several massing studies have been used to ensure that the scale and proportion of the proposed is suitable and sits well within its context.

“There is a real opportunity to make a contribution to the centre of Marlow, improve the back-lands and enhance a sense of place.

“The scheme seeks to visually improve the street scene and create a landmark between West Street, Riley Road and Riley Park Trust.”