CAFE Rouge has applied for planning permission to build one of its brasserie-style restaurants in Marlow High Street.

The Pelican Group plc, which owns the restaurant chain, has applied to Wycombe District Council for permission to convert 76 High Street, which used to be owned by Berkeley Homes.

The restaurant would be close to other restaurants at the southern end of the street.

The application includes a change of use to an area that can sell food and drink and a rear extension. They also want permission to demolish part of the listed building, build an extension for additional restaurant area and for the display of illuminated signs.

A district council spokesman said: "We have received an application. It is quite complicated, but basically the alterations would be to the front of the building. Our officers are considering the implications."

Cafe Rouge opened a High Wycombe branch three years ago. Whitbread is a sister company to Pelican.

A spokesman for Pelican confirmed that the company is looking at opening in Marlow High Street.

Ron Waters, planning spokesman for Marlow Society, said: "We are not going to object to the application. We are a bit worried about the colour but I suppose you cannot have a Cafe Rouge without the colour."

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