PLANS for 158 new homes on the former De La Rue print works site in High Wycombe were rejected by councillors tonight - as one declared she would rather see a “Gothic pastiche” than accept the designs.
The proposals were turned down despite officers recommending conditional approval.
The homes would form part of a major plan to revitalise High Wycombe - along with the adjoining Compair site which is earmarked for development.
It is also hoped narrowing of Archway, which leads into Hughenden Road, will connect the area to the town.
Wycombe District Council members were united in their criticism of the redevelopment plan just a month after they failed to reach agreement after a two hour debate.
Cllr Margaret Draper condemned the application vehemently, saying generations to come would look upon the building with the same distaste as 1960s architecture has been by modern residents.
“If we approve it I think what will my family who have been brought up in High Wycombe and future generations think of it?” she said.
She added: “I would rather have a Gothic pastiche than accept these plans.”
Concerns were focused on the form and size of block A of the proposed building and its impact on the area of outstanding natural beauty, in particular on views from Hughenden Park.
Cllr Hugh McCarthy said: “We owe the park something better than this.”
Cllr Julia Langley said: “I think if anyone came into the room now and saw the designs on the screen they would think it’s the application for student accommodation.
“Hughenden is a beautiful area and I think to have this development is awful. I think it’s very important we protect this area.”
Cllr Richard Pushman said it was out of keeping and too “intense”.
“It would be good looking out at Bournemouth but if you are in Hughenden park that vision would be shattered.
“I do despair sometimes that we don’t appreciate what we have got.
"We would be putting something very bland in the gateway to the town.”
Only cllr Simon Bazley, of the 15 council members voted against refusal.
Cllr Jean Teasdale warned however that the plans could still get the go ahead on appeal.
She said: “It could cost this council a lot of money.”
