AN ICONIC shop building standing at the "gateway" to Marlow has been saved from demolition after politicians threw out contentious proposals to turn it into a three-storey housing block.

Developers wanted to turn 48 to 54 Chapel Street - where Jolliffe's dress hire shop has stood for over 40 years - into flats and houses.

Despite being recommended for approval, councillors rejected the plans over parking concerns and fears the building was out of character with the existing street scene.

Neighbour Andrew Milsom, who fought against the plans and labelled the square design a "carbuncle", said he was sympathetic to the development of the Jolliffes site, but that the plans were not in keeping with the street.

He said: "Jolliffes would never measure its customers with an ill fitting outfit, so it is therefore very disappointing to find its successor proposing to develop this site with an oversized suit, that drowns its victim and fails to flatter the figure."

"This prominent site deserves a sympathetic proposal, more in keeping with existing policy, which preserves and enhances the historic setting. We respectfully ask you to therefore reject this particular scheme and ask the applicant to let us have something we can all be proud of."

Councillor Richard Scott, leader of the council and representative for Marlow South East, said he was concerned about the replacement building.

Cllrs Neil McCarthy and Jean Teesdale said the site was a prominent "gateway" into the historical town and that any project should be in keeping with the area’s heritage.

Applicant, Meteor Chapel Developments Ltd had argued the design was respectful to the surroundings and that buildings should look to the future rather than mimic the past.

Jolliffe's has previously signalled it intends to continue the business from a different location after putting the prominent corner plot up for sale.