AMBITIOUS plans to change the face of High Wycombe have been formally given the green light by the Planning Inspectorate.

Planning inspector Paul Crysell endorsed Wycombe District Council’s Masterplan – part of its wider Delivery and Site Allocations (DSA) Plan.

The council is expected to adopt the blueprint this month before the wheels start turning on the transformation of High Wycombe.

The town centre would be “brought together” and made “more pedestrian friendly” with new and improved public spaces, changes to the road network and the downgrading - and potential removal - of the flyover.

Cllr Neil Marshall, Cabinet Member for Planning and Sustainability, said: “We want to make the town centre a better place to live, work, shop and visit - and our plans are ambitious.

“Now we have the green light from the independent planning inspector we can make a start.

“We’ll be working closely with our partners, particularly Buckinghamshire County Council, to bring these plans to life.”

Mr Crysell concluded the Masterplan was “sound” and while he acknowledged implementing a new road system would be challenging, he ruled it “demonstrates the council’s commitment to plan positively for its residents and business community.”

WDC leader Cllr Richard Scott said: “Regenerating High Wycombe town centre is one of the council’s top priorities and getting this plan in place and delivering it has a key part to play in helping us achieving it.”

While the focus of the Masterplan centres on Wycombe, the DSA Plan sets out detailed planning policy for Marlow, Princes Risborough and other centres around the district.

WDC’s proposals to protect the former Bourne End to High Wycombe railway line as a footpath and cycle route were backed by the inspector.

Mr Crysell decided there was a lack of evidence and commercial interest in safeguarding it as a railway or ultra light tram system.

The inspector did, however, delete the council’s plan to build a link road from Malthouse Way/Pound Lane through to West Street in Marlow.

He ruled the road would “seriously detract from the character of the Conservation Area and affect the living conditions of nearby residents.”