Angry residents have come out in force to protest against a proposed development in Beaconsfield Old Town which they say would seriously damage a nearby medical centre.

The Millbarn Medical Centre hidden away behind The Swan Pub in London End, has served people from the town, but patients believe life will be made hard for them if a development were to go ahead.

Plans to demolish existing buildings near the surgery would see a new office building and four houses put in; however, this would encroach on the already limited parking outside Millbarn, many residents have argued.

Deborah Sanders, who has worked as a volunteer in patient and public involvement over many years, said: “If a GP surgery applies for planning permission the provision of adequate parking is a prime concern.

“Therefore it should be a concern in this application. If you are ill or have mobility problems you will prefer to visit using a car. The surgery must also have safe pedestrian access. This will reduce with this proposal.

“In the broader picture the town of Beaconsfield is growing and our demographic makeup has a higher than average ageing population.

“This application could make this surgery unsustainable. Beaconsfield needs to look carefully at its primary healthcare provision for the future.”

Parking has been a constant issue of debate for residents, visitors and business owners in the Old Town and some protestors have argued this will only be exacerbated by the plans.

Liz Shaw, who was pictured with neighbours this week, added: “The main problem has to be the reduction of car parking spaces at Millbarn.

“We are not against development at all, but this could potentially harm the welfare of people trying to visit their local doctors.

“Many people who go to doctors are unwell, or may have a pre-existing illness, or could be disabled - these people will expect to drive there.

“Taking away parking spaces would leave nowhere to park and we think that is unacceptable.”

The architect behind the plans was contacted, but has not yet passed comment.

The proposed plans were also due to be discussed at a Beaconsfield Town Council meeting yesterday evening, and a report of what was said will be published in next week’s Bucks Free Press.

Before the meeting, Councillor Alan Walters who chairs the committee, said: “A number of people have written to me and the council about this matter, with a number of concerns already being raised.

“I think the most concerning aspect of the plans are the effect it will have on the Millbarn Medical Centre, which many people in the town go to. But we must discuss this at a planning meeting before formulating our own formal response for the best of the town.”

The town council only have an advisory role on planning issues and if you want to share your views with the planning department, you must submit your views to South Bucks District Council, with around 40 objections already being filed.

To examine the plans and have your say, please visit sbdc-pa.southbucks.gov.uk and search “London End and Land to the Rear”.

The Bucks Free Press would like to hear your thoughts on the plans too. Comment by emailing andrew.colley@london.newsquest.co.uk or phoning 01494 755089.