A supermarket is one step closer to a dramatic return to Amersham after plans for a multi-million pound redevelopment were given the green light last week.

On Thursday, Chiltern District Council approved an application to transform a parade of shops on Sycamore Road into a large retail space below 35 new homes.

The space used to be home to Cargo, Chilton Watson Opticians and Iceland, the latter of which closed on December 31.

Developers Angle Property confirmed that the entire commercial space will be reserved for retail use – rather than the option of restaurant space as previously stated – which could lead to a supermarket returning.

James Good, Director for Angle Property said: “We are delighted with the committee’s decision, which will lead to the creation of new jobs, as well as providing Amersham with much needed news homes.

“In response to local feedback Angle Property have accepted a planning condition which limits use of the entire ground floor commercial space to A1 retail use only, which will provide the opportunity for continued food retail use.

“We will be working hard over the coming months to finalise all planning and legal matters with a view to getting on-site as soon as possible.”

It is estimated that work could start on the construction of the new development as early as this summer.