A DECISION over a controversial building project in the heart of Marlow town centre will be taken this week.

Proposals to demolish part of iconic Marlow shop Jolliffe’s on Chapel Street and replace it with flats and houses have met strong objections from neighbours.

Groups including the Marlow Society have also registered complaints, with concerns over the lack of parking, bulk of the design and the unsuitable modern style in a conservation area.

A revised design has been submitted since the first plans emerged in July, but these have also drawn criticism over the lack of visibility for motorists entering and exiting the busy main road.

Over 30 objections have now been registered.

However, architects argue the design is in keeping with the grade II listed Georgian building next door and that designs must look to the future rather than mimic the past.

The county highways authority has offered no objections to the plans, and planning officers have recommended the project for approval.

As well as two semi detached houses, developers want to build three new flats and turn the Georgian building next door into a four bedroom house.

Wycombe District Council’s Planning Committee meets in public at the WDC offices on Queen Victoria Road, High Wycombe on Wednesday at 6pm to rule on the application.