Flooding and parking were among the concerns raised by county councillors as they discussed plans to buy offices in Marlow’s business park – in a bid to raise cash to “protect front line services”.

On Monday, October 29 Bucks County Council’s (BCC) cabinet agreed to push forward with plans to invest in four buildings, including a data centre, at one to four Globeside in Globe Business Park.

Council leader, Martin Tett, said the investment would provide another source of income for the cash-strapped council for day-to-day spending on vital services, such as road repairs.

However, parking and flooding were at the forefront of councillor’s minds during the debate – with Cllr Lin Hazell asking if the business estate could be put at risk if the banks of the Thames burst again.

She said: “Flooding is quite regular along the bypass when the river bursts its banks, so we need some comfort there.

“If people can’t get in to [the estate] because of floods and if people can’t park their cars there will be big problems there.

“I don’t think there is a record or history of flooding there, but I do thing we need to look into that.”

Councillor Mike Appleyard praised the location of the business park in the “upmarket” town, however raised concerns there is not enough parking in the area.

He said: “The location is good, not only is the town upmarket and these building are upmarket, it’s grade A buildings, but it is also close to the Crowne Plaza – which will probably be used by quite a lot of visiting people, so it is convenient.

“The buildings themselves are not only of a high standard, but we do know that companies that propose to go into those buildings are refurbishing the area at great cost to them, so that gives us confidence they will be there for some time.

“However, I didn’t see the sort of volume of parking that I thought there ought to be.

“We are told it is standard, which is well known. The problem is it is also very well known that parking on that estate is in very high demand.

“I would just like a bit more comfort that people who are likely to will be able to park.”

Cllr Bill Chapple alleviated his colleague’s flooding fears – pointing out Marlow’s flood alleviation scheme is near completion, while Cllr Jean Teesdale added “a lot of work is going on” to solve the town’s flooding problem.

The meeting was then closed to the public where councillors discussed the financial side of the investment.

Once the meeting reopened to the public, Cllr Tett said concerns were raised about the size and potential spend on the site.

However, members were told investment in the four buildings would be “a series of individual acquisitions” that are being considered separately, rather than one large purchase.

Cllr Tett also assured councillors that the issues of parking and flooding would be investigated before the properties are purchased.

Closing, the leader said: “This is being done to generate an income stream that enables us to protect front line services and avoid cuts that would otherwise be required or increases in council tax.

“This is being done very much in the interest of those residents in the county and the businesses of the county that use those services.”