Plans to build an office block in Marlow have been thrown out due to parking concerns.

Developers wanted to build a two-story office building on land behind NatWest bank, in the High Street, with associated bin and cycle stores, and a new pedestrian access.

The development would have seen the loss of around six of the current nine car parking spaces in Liston Road.

Speaking against the proposals at a meeting of Wycombe District Council’s planning committee this week, Marlow Society chairman Martin Blunkell said: “The car parks of Marlow are at a very high occupancy – many at 100% at peak times.

“The surrounding streets have cars on verges as well as on the road.

“This building would require an additional 13 on-road car parking spaces and would simply add to the acknowledged problem.

“Why should the owner benefit and the community lose when a better design with on-site parking can be designed?”

Cllr Catherine Oliver, who commutes to Marlow for work, said she finds it difficult to find parking in the town centre and keeps getting “further and further away” from her office in the High Street.

She said: “It is at capacity. I know it is because I know how long it takes me to find a parking space and how often I keep getting further and further away from where my office is, which is right near the High Street.

“I also know of people who come and visit Marlow and they can’t find anywhere to park in the middle of the day.

“They’re shoppers, they’re bringing business to the town. At some point the tipping point has to come and people are not going to want to go to Marlow because it’s too difficult to find parking space. And that’s going to be detrimental to the town itself and that has to be taken into account.”

Cllr Julia Adey spoke about the proposed Bucks County Council plans to introduce paid-for parking in the High Street and surrounding area, saying it would be short-term and therefore “not suitable” for office workers in the town.

Councillors unanimously voted to reject the plans, prompting Mr Blunkell to declare: “Thank you…my faith in you is restored.”