A block of “substandard” sheltered accommodation flats in Downley could be demolished and replaced with 16 houses if plans are backed by the council.

Red Kite Community Housing has revealed proposals to knock down Burrows House in Jubilee Road, which contains 26 apartments, and build 16 new private homes in its place.

The 1970s building has been empty since 2015 as it “failed to maintain high levels of residency” prompting Red Kite to rehome the elderly residents in other accommodation across the district.

According to the design and access statement the homes will have “generous” gardens and 34 parking spaces will be provided.

The statement said: “The blocks were decanted in 2015 due to high vacancy levels as the facility failed to maintain high levels of residency.

“The building also does not meet current housing standards and it was not considered economically viable by Red Kite to undertake the required refurbishment works to upgrade the sub-standard accommodation.

“Therefore the site was elected for redevelopment as part of an internal housing review.”

The proposals are linked to a separate Red Kite application to demolish Queensmead House in Loudwater and build 30 new flats in its place.

The design and access statement continued: “The site is now available for redevelopment for private residential units and is “linked” to a separate planning application at Queensmead House, Queensmead Road, High Wycombe, which will accommodate the affordable provision of both sites as part of a wholly affordable housing application that provides significantly above the policy, subsidised by this private development scheme at Burrows House.”

To view the full application visit http://publicaccess.wycombe.gov.uk/idoxpa-web/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=OTDJF1SCKWB00