Controversial fresh plans to provide “much-needed” staff accommodation at a High Wycombe grammar school were given the go-ahead this week – despite concerns from neighbours who fear the building will be “overbearing”. 

Royal Grammar School was given permission to replace a dilapidated staff housing block with a new, bigger building in 2015, but altered plans – which will increase the height of the building by avoiding excavation work – were considered, and approved, by councillors on Wednesday. 

The plans will see the partial demolition, refurbishment and extension of the “decrepit” Uplyme House, which was a former boarding house, to provide 14 new units in a bid to make teaching positions at the school more attractive. 

Philip Wayne, the school’s headmaster, said schools are struggling to recruit teachers.

He said: “It is well known that teacher recruitment is difficult compounded in the south east by the cost of housing. There is no question that our capacity to offer staff accommodation enhances our prospective recruiting of high quality teachers. 

“The nine rooms on offer have meant the good young teachers have been able to start their careers in RGS due to having affordable staff accommodation. 

“Local boys deserve the best teaching so they can compete for the best university places. I cannot, however, allow Uplyme to fall into further disrepair – it is unsightly from Amersham Road and it is not an acceptable standard that I as headmaster am prepared to accommodate young professionals in in the RGS name.” 

Mr Sprigg, speaking against the plans on behalf of the Amersham Hill Residents’ Association, urged councillors to consider the “human feelings” of nearby neighbours who will be “forced into shadow” by the new building.

He said: “It will look overbearing over neighbouring properties. It will shade nearby gardens, particularly in winter. With the original plans, we suggested ways to reduce the roofline to minimise the effect – but this plan does exactly the opposite. 

“Something that could have been made better will now be made significantly worse – and for what? So the applicant will have to excavate less.” 

Cllr Alan Turner said he was “amazed” that the original plans were given the go-ahead back in 2015, adding: “It is really large and I’m surprised it just sailed through, but it is an absolute tip at the moment and something needs to be done about it.”

Cllr Tony Lee said: “I think it is an excellent use of the site and anything that can be done to raise the appearance of it is going to be an advantage to those that live nearby.” 

Cllr Chris Whitehead added: “We are asked to approve this scheme because it is cheaper. Are we prepared to increase the bulk of the building to save the school some money at the expense of neighbours? I don’t feel the case has been made for that.” 

Four councillors were against the plans, while seven agreed to permit it, and there were two abstentions.