Plans to demolish a “1910 arts and crafts style building” by a “renowned architect” to build apartments have been slammed by residents.

Developers want to knock down the building at 65 Station Road, Amersham, to build 13 flats with associated parking and access, saying the current building “does not best utilise the plot”.

But residents are not happy with the plans with some saying the plans would increase the “already congested” traffic in Station Road and so “have an adverse effect on properties and residents in the whole of Station Road and not just in the immediate vicinity of the property”.

Neighbour Lynda Rees added: “It would further contribute to the current trend to destroy the fundamental nature of Amersham as a whole by creating yet another unsuitable and unsightly block of flats in an area where there is no necessity for developments of this type.”

And Ann Farmiloe, who lives in neighbouring Highover Park, wrote: “I strongly object to the proposed building as I feel it is not in keeping or appropriate with the surrounding area.

“It will be much larger than the existing house being five storeys high and would dominate Station Road.

“I would also like to object on the grounds that there is inadequate parking for the number of flats and their trades people and visitors, etc. Also, the heavy traffic on Station Road would increase.”

Jane Grundy said: “the proposed block would appear much higher than the current house as it replaces the high-pitched chalet-style roof with a flat-roofed block.

“The proposal is out of keeping with the street as a whole and, whilst there are other flatted blocks in the road, they are not as high.”

Amersham Town Council also objected to the plans, saying the new building would result in the loss of an “iconic arts and crafts-style house which has historical value” and criticised the design of the new building, saying it is “far too large both in height and footprint”.

Writing in the design and access statement, developers said: “The chosen option has been developed such that the proposed massing does not cause a negative impact on neighbouring buildings.

“The proposal will not negatively impact the amenity of the neighbours.”

The proposed building will be the same height as the neighbouring building on Quickberry Place, with developers saying the proposal is actually “lower than the existing house”.

A decision is expected to be made by March 28.