AN ARCHITECTS firm which failed to get planning permission to extend its town centre offices and create a new retail premises has appealed against the decision.

Jonathan Heighway, of Heighway Associates on West Street, Marlow, wanted to extend the business’s offices into a rear car park and create a shopfront facing on access road Town Lane.

But Wycombe District Council threw out the application, saying it was ‘detrimental to the character’ of the existing grade II listed building he owns, and that it ‘fails to enhance the character or appearance of the Marlow Conservation Area.’

This is despite several letters of support from neighbours and backing from Marlow Town Council.

But an appeal application in Mr Heighway’s name is taking the decision to the Secretary of State, with written representations to be submitted by October 9.