Plans for a controversial retirement development near a “dangerous” roundabout have been given the green light, despite road safety concerns and the “detrimental” impact it could have on the area.

Six homes – numbers three to 13 – in Holmer Green Road, near the Hazlemere crossroads, will be transformed into 34 retirement apartments by developers, who say the accommodation will help address a “recognised shortfall” of such homes.

The online application received more than a dozen objections after it was submitted, with residents questioning the need for another retirement apartment in the area, saying the proposed plans were “hugely overdeveloped”.

They also said the surrounding roads, especially the roundabout, would not be able to cope with the potential influx of vehicles coming in and out of the development, and the design of the buildings was not “in keeping” with the rest of the road.

Developers McCarthy & Stone said a number of amendments were made to the planning application following a consultation, including simplifying the design, adjusting the roofs, and “significantly” improving the landscaping.

Hazlemere north councillor Hugh McCarthy said the development could be of “benefit” to the community if it was done “properly and aesthetically, in keeping with the street”. But he does not feel the current design reflects the aesthetics of the road.

He said: “It would be fine if it was ringfenced for local people. These are usually national things and they should be made available to people living in the area and locality.

“I would be happy to accept the proposal if that happened. It needs to be marketed and made available to local people.

“If done properly and done considerately and aesthetically, in keeping with the street, it could be a good development and on balance it would be of benefit to the community. But I don’t feel it does keep in aesthetically with the rest of the street at the moment.”

The building will provide 15 one-bedroom apartments and 19 two-bedroom apartments with 24 parking spaces as well as a landscaped gardens – with car access being installed on Beaumont Way.

Ali Maruf, McCarthy & Stone’s regional managing director (north London), said: “Wycombe district’s population of over-65s is set to rise by 12,000 by 2035 and it is clear more retirement accommodation is needed to meet this growing need.

“Our new development in Hazlemere will help address a recognised shortfall, whilst providing a high quality development to enhance the local area.”