Toddlers’ privacy will be put at risk if new designs for a new Marks and Spencer and block of flats in Marlow town centre are allowed to go ahead, say neighbours.

Marlow Methodist Church said it is “dismayed” that high-level windows in the Windsor House development on Spittal Street will allow anyone to peer through its skylights and side windows.

The church, which shares a boundary with the proposed three-storey building, said the ability to overlook its church hall during activities such as toddler sessions would cause a “serious loss of privacy”.

But developers Shanly Group insist the new designs overcome the problem of the church building being directly overlooked.

It comes after revised designs for the office block on the corner of Dean Street were submitted last month, which include new windows facing the church.

Speaking on behalf of the Methodist Church, consultant Jeffrey Emmett said: “Anyone standing at the glazed balustrade facing the wall will look straight in through the centre of the high level windows.

“This would create a serious loss of privacy which cannot be acceptable, with 50 or more toddlers present in the church hall two days per week, and many adult and youth activities through the week and at weekends.

“There is nothing in the amended proposal that would satisfy this concern.”

The Methodist Church objects to what it calls the “overbearing” size of the block, which would see 10 two-bedroom apartments, one single-bedroom flat and a retail store - revealed last summer to be M&S.

It argues that church revenue would be affected as a result, with users and hirers of the church hall becoming “uncomfortable” with the mammoth building overlooking them.

Church leaders are also concerned about the development’s underground car park being close to its foundations when work gets underway.

Nathan Craker, development manager for Shanly Group, said: “Taking on board residents’ wishes, the heritage and surrounding architecture of the town, we have arrived at these proposed designs for the replacement building at Windsor House. 

“Local residents and Wycombe District Council have proffered their comments and thoughts and this has shaped some modifications to the proposed building design.

"Our revised plans do not allow for anyone to see directly into the skylight of the church building. 

 “This well supported application would deliver a highly attractive new gateway in the town centre and we very much look forward to hearing the outcome.” 

WDC is yet to rule on the application, with no date currently set.