A MAJOR new development that would see an entire community centre bulldozed and replaced has been branded “excessive” and ‘unnecessary’.

The demolition of St Leonard’s Parish Centre, on Glebe Way, in Chesham Bois, in favour of a massive replacement facility complete with new homes, a pre-school and lots of parking spaces has been met with hundreds of objections.

St Leonard’s Parochial Church Council is seeking conditional permission to tear down the existing facilities, and in their place create a new “multifunctional parish centre”.

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The new timber and glass build will feature two halls (one with 275 seats), a café and kitchen, a day nursery, and a replacement four-bedroom rectory and double garage. The existing grade II listed Old Rectory will also go.

Bucks Free Press: There will be two staff properties, a new two-bedroom cottage called Keeper’s Cottage – also for staff, a new prayer room and parish council office, and 114 parking bays.

The new centre is needed because the current one is “out-dated, too small and limiting in its layout and use,” according to council documents.

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The existing centre is also currently used by Maryland Pre-School, the Taylor School of Dance, the Women’s Institute (WI) and the office of St Leonard’s Church.

However, of the 465 representations made on the application, 356 objected – some saying it is “excessive”.

Another said there is “no need for more facilities”.

Chesham Bois Parish Council had been against the original plans but are now supporting an amended version.

Conservative Cllr Graham Harris called the proposal “contentious”, questioning “the need for a new church of this size”. He also said the parking is “inadequate” and that the development would have an “adverse impact” on Chesham Bois Conservation Area.

The matter is due for debate during an East Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee, on Tuesday, January 12.

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