Plans to transform a neglected area of High Wycombe with a budget supermarket and hub for the town’s creative community have been submitted to the council.

In February Wycombe District Council announced plans to renovate the Baker Street area in Desborough with and Aldi store, a car showroom and a home for local craftspeople built out of shipping containers.

Plans for the £9.5 million scheme were formally submitted to the council this week, which if approved, would result in the closure of the George Street car park and drivers will be redirected to the Dovecote car park.

WDC carried out a public consultation in February this year, with residents raising concerns about the loss of the car park and lack of affordable housing.

Concerns were also aired about tackling anti-social behaviour that already exists in Desborough following reports of prostitution, drug dealing and drinking in the streets.

However neighbours welcomed the regeneration of the town and felt it “provided a boost” to the Desborough Road area.

A statement on the planning application said: “The redevelopment and regeneration of land around Baker Street, merges our market town roots with a range of 21st century uses to complement the town centre and revitalise this underutilised and run down part of the town…

“The proposed development framework for the Baker Street area renewal aims to regenerate the area, on a phased basis, with a mix of active uses and to provide better quality public realm and pedestrian connectivity.”

The site was formerly an industrial area and is currently used for car parking and is temporarily let as yard space.

The plans are in addition to proposals for a Tannery Road development announced last year which, if given the green light, will see Aldi built next to Halfords and B&Q in London Road.

To view the plans visit http://publicaccess.wycombe.gov.uk/idoxpa-web/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=ORMKVMSCKA100