Councillors once again gave the green light to controversial car park plans in Gerrards Cross – after a challenge against a decision to push forward with the scheme was overruled last week.

Contentious plans to extend the Station Road car park were hauled in front of South Bucks District Council (SBDC) again on Wednesday, where councillors raised concerns the plans have not been fully scrutinised.

The council’s approval is the latest development in a long line of twists and turns for the scheme, as last week plans were presented to the overview and scrutiny committee after concerned councillors called them in for further discussion.

The committee overruled the challenges, with the full council then tasked with making a decision on whether to proceed with the development.

Speaking at Wednesday’s meeting, councillor Guy Hollis said the decision should be left to the new unitary authority – which is due to be launched in April 2020.

He also called for the plans to be independently scrutinised by auditors considering the “massive investment” undertaken by the council.

He said: “I was reassured this project was cocked, locked and ready to rock.

“After attending the overview and scrutiny committee meeting the other night where I heard concerns from other members go unaddressed, I am tempted to ask ‘shouldn’t the unitary be the ones to decide whether or not the spade goes in the ground?’

“I think going forward with the unitary, the county council’s business plan was independently scrutinised by auditors. Since this represents such a massive investment should we not be doing the same here?”

Councillor Barry Harding once again slammed the development, criticising the council for rushing into the plans before the unitary authority is implemented.

Cllr Jacquetta Lowen-Cooper also questioned if SBDC “is at liberty” to commit to a project that is due to start in January 2020, considering the councils will be “hurtling” towards elections for the new authority.

However councillor Nick Naylor confirmed the council will be proceeding with the building work as planned.

Despite the concerns, the council once again voted to push forward with the plans, with 16 voting for, six abstaining and two voting against.