A neglected High Wycombe pub that the community rallied to save could now be demolished and turned into flats.

Campaigners fought to save The Beaconsfield Arms in Hughenden Road when it was put up for sale by owners Greene King in 2017 but the Save the Becky Arms Pub's bid was not successful.

The pub shut its doors in April last year - and it was deemed a "sad day" for the community.

Now, plans have been revealed to demolish it and replace it with 14 flats instead - but not everyone is impressed.

Some residents say the pub should instead be renovated and reopened for use of the community.

In documents put forward for Wycombe District Council to consider, the developer claims this part of the town has been a "centre of economic deprivation with crime, drug misuse, vandalism and prostitution being prevalent", but added that there is "significant potential" for improving the area.

Their plans would see a new three-storey block of flats built in place of the once-popular pub, which developers say is now at risk of becoming a target for vandalism and antisocial behaviour.

It would also have car parking to the rear for 15 cars.

The plans have been met with some criticism from High Wycombe residents.

Objecting to the proposals, Lisa Dodd wrote: If the pub was renovated and provided good food, it would be an asset, especially for locals and visitors to nearby Hughenden Manor. It would also provide employment."

Angela Hill, neighbourhood watch coordinator for Coningsby Road, said the new building would be "overbearing", adding: "I am surprised how many flats one can squeeze in in such a small area".

She said: "There is no getting away from the fact that more flats equals more cars, so issues with inadequate parking would inevitably put more of a burden on the highway and see more and more cars parked on the pavements. How ugly is that? Please don't make this mistake - let's not overcrowd the area."

Nearby resident Stephen Rogers wrote that the roundabout next to the planned new flats is already congested and added that parking is a "massive problem".

Another resident, Louise O'Dell wrote: "What would be nice for this area is a refurbishment of The Beaconsfield Arms - which is a listed building - for the residents to use as a pub."

Meanwhile Olivia Jones wrote that Hughenden Road and the surrounding areas are already very busy and loud.

She said: "I am very concerned about the safety of residents and locals, who even now have to dodge around cars and onto the busy road. This is due to ignorant drivers parking on the paths, making lives difficult for disabled people and people with prams and children. This is an accident waiting to happen. I know adding more housing/flats to the street will inevitably make this worse."

The developers say that the new flats will fit in because the surrounding area is "almost entirely residential".

They said: "The application site is ideal for a high quality apartment development for young professionals."

They added: "A great deal of time and care has gone into providing a thoroughly considered package for this proposal to maximise the potential of this site.

"We feel this proposal will go some way to raise the profile of the area and increase the economic diversity which is a priority for this community."

To view and comment on the plans on Wycombe District Council's website, go to www.wycombe.gov.uk/pages/Planning-and-building-control/Planning-applications/Find-a-planning-application.aspx and search 19/06864/FUL.