Plans to knock down an iconic furniture factory in High Wycombe and replace it with a block of flats will be decided by councillors next week - but it has been recommended for refusal.

The Frank Hudson Outlet, in Rosebery Avenue, was based in one of the oldest surviving chair factories in High Wycombe, originally built in the late 1800s, but the company shut its doors in February last year, leaving the building empty.

Proposals to demolish the factory and replace it with a three-storey block of 10 flat by the Hudson Trust Fund were revealed in August last year.

The new building would consist of nine two-bed and one one-bed flats along with parking, bin stores and a new garden area for the two-storey building nearby, number 3 Rosebery Avenue.

Now, the controversial plans will go before the Wycombe District Council planning committee on Wednesday, April 3.

Officers at the council are recommending the plans for refusal, claiming the building is of local architectural or historic interest and adding: “The factory is of significance to a town where the chairmaking industry had such a profound impact on its economic and social welfare”.

The building was added to Wycombe District Council’s list of buildings of local architectural or historic interest on June 28 in response to the threat of demolition.

The High Wycombe Society also objected to the plans, fearing the new design would be “out of keeping” with the area.

Arrow Planning Ltd, acting on behalf of the Hudson Trust Fund, said the development will provide much-needed housing in the local area and would not have any unacceptable impact on the environment or nearby residents.

They said: “The redevelopment of the site to a residential use would create an enhanced environment for local residents.”

The Frank Hudson Outlet closed its doors for the final time on February 16, 2018, following a drop in business at the showroom.

The lack of customers meant the outlet was “no longer economical”, according to manager Helen Turner.

Frank Hudson established his company in 1947 and the business has been making furniture ever since.

He is perhaps best known for carving the iconic Red Lion in the High Street. The statue was commissioned by the owners of the Red Lion Hotel in 1956.