A huge housing development could welcome ‘greener’ and more prosperous Marlow if the controversial plans are given the go-ahead.

Housing boss Paul Deriaz, from Deriaz Slater, has hailed the fresh plans to develop the Portland Gardens site on West Street, saying it will be a ‘huge benefit’ to local businesses.

Mr Deriaz, who also oversees planning matters for Marlow's Chamber of Commerce, said: “Business is thriving in Marlow, but we live in a competitive world and we have to do what we can to make sure it retains its attractiveness.

“New residents will be using the boutiques, coffee shops and supermarkets so local businesses will benefit greatly from this development.

“We will also welcome a greener town as everything is so accessible. People will be able to walk or cycle to the shops and leisure centre, reducing traffic and emissions."

Resident Peter Welch, who lives on Malthouse Way, said it was ‘necessary’ to use the free space for housing, and is confident the development will benefit the town despite living on what will be the eventual access road to the new estate.

He said: “The town centre has changed a lot for the better in the last 50 years and I think that is thanks to development.

“There will always be positives and negatives living in an area, but we are very close to the town centre here, and those moving in to the new properties will reap those benefits too."

Fresh plans were recently unveiled for development of the site, after the original proposal was thrown out by Wycombe Dsitrict Council in April.

And if approval is gained, 71 homes will be built on site comprising of a mixture of two to four bedroom properties as well as an open space park.

Crest Nicholson, is ‘delighted’ with the public response to the development, despite the new plans sparking backlash from some residents over the impact it will have on traffic and parking.

The developers insist that parking has been discussed at length with the council, and the number of spaces, including for visitors, exceeds those needed for the homes proposed.

And ‘strict’ parking rules will also be enforced if the development goes ahead, to ensure current residents are not affected by the influx of new residents and their vehicles.

A Crest Nicholson spokesperson said: “The estate management principles (including parking) for the Portland’s site would be set up following consultation with the relevant parties from the Brewery Estate management company.

“The rules established for Portland’s would need to compliment the Brewery estate and benefit both estates, to ensure parking, among other matters are managed effectively to allow quiet enjoyment for all.

“We totally understand the importance of this currently underused, town centre site and recognise fully that it requires an exceptionally designed scheme that will serve and benefit the town centre as well as providing new homes to further support the high street.”