Developers were quizzed over plans to construct a large office building and four homes in Beaconsfield Old Town, during a meeting last week - with one resident claiming the town is dying before his eyes.

Residents and councillors have previously raised concerns over plans to construct 10,000 square feet of offices next to the Millbarn Medical Centre, off London End, and the people behind the plans gave a display on Thursday to explain the proposal in more detail.

However, they faced a number of questions from concerned people during the evening, with one resident suggesting more office space will only make the town worse.

John Storey said: “I have lived in the Old Town for the last 40 years - I have watched the old town die in that time.

“We used to have butcher, a baker a candlestick maker, and all the rest, and gradually all the buildings have been overtaken by offices.

“There are a few shops left but one or two are dying now. I suggest to you that offices are not the answer for the Old Town.

“[And] I would suggest your long-term plan for the site isn’t right, I don’t know what it should be, except maybe a car park.”

Property consultants Bidwells, who are working with Hall Barn Estate, were invited to speak at the Beaconsfield Town Council planning meeting, by councillors.

And, defending the choice of a mix of office space and homes, Bidwells partner Daniel Jones said it proves the owners are not after a “fast buck”.

He said: “We believe it is the best long-term option for the town and is something which will always be sought after, as long as it has the correct amount of parking.

“To find office space in Beaconsfield where you have got 30 car parking spaces for an office of that size is pretty good.

“It is right opposite Brasserie Blanc, next to all the shops and the surgery. All these facilities are within walking distance and that is a huge bonus which some sites don’t have.

“If the owner [Hall Barn] is looking at doing something as an investment long-term, as opposed to just making a fast buck, then it makes complete sense to do a mix of work and live in this area.

“And in order to do an office location which is worth doing and viable, and justifies the cost of infrastructure, and services and so forth, and make it something business in Beaconsfield would aspire to be in, it needs to be of that size.”

Bidwells also presented amended plans – subject to approval from South Bucks District Council - and faced calls from the leader of the town council to withdraw their current application and apply again.