PLANS for 122 new flats for people aged 55 and up are facing refusal – in part because of their ‘unacceptable’ impact on the local economy.
Berkeley Homes Ltd seeks permission to build two separate “age restricted” apartment buildings on part of the Abbey Barn South site, on Abbey Barn Lane, in High Wycombe.
The 1.8-hectare area, which is close to the Daws Hill Lane bridge crossing of the M40, would comprise 71 one-bed and 51 two-bed flats for use as an Extra Care Facility (for people in need of care) – 122 in total.
PICTURED: What the new development could look like
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All would have private balconies or terraces and access to communal gardens.
It is understood 60 would be for affordable rent.
There are also 50 parking spaces planned, vehicle access (via Pine Trees), and an allotment area.
The flats would be age restricted, starting 55 years and up.
PICTURED: What the new development could look like
However, the proposal faces rejection, in part because it will result in “the loss of much needed employment land”.
Another reason is the “lack of design quality” in the building proposed for affordable rent.
The site is also allocated for employment development in the Wycombe District Local Plan.
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“This proposal directly conflicts with the most relevant adopted policy, which allocates this part of the Abbey Barn South site for employment purposes only,” a planning document states.
It adds: “It would result in the permanent loss of allocated and deliverable employment land in a heavily constrained area.
“This would adversely and unacceptably impact the local economy.”
PICTURED: The new development area in red
It also states: “The proposal fails to secure the provision of affordable housing associated with this development and is thereby contrary to…the Wycombe District Local Plan.”
The matter is due for consideration during a West Buckinghamshire Area Planning Committee, on April 27.
The recommendation is for refusal.
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