Plans to tear down some vacant garages in favour of four new homes have been refused on grounds of “displaced parking” and “overdevelopment”.    

Bucks Council has thrown out a planning application from Red Kite Community Housing for a garage court, on Marefield Road, in Marlow.

Plans outlined the ‘demolition of the existing garages and the erection of a pair of semi-detached properties, with associated access and landscaping’.

Nine parking spaces were also proposed. 

Bucks Free Press:

PICTURED: The garage court on Marefield Road.

READ MORE: Fears demolition of garages for new homes 'will displace local parking'

But despite being recommended for approval, planning committee members voted it down on Tuesday (June 29).

Cllr Neil Marshall and Marlow Town Council were also against the plans.

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“The redevelopment of the garage court would result in the loss of an area of land which has the function of providing off-street parking for local residents,” the council found.

“The proposed redevelopment would remove the parking use from this land, thereby resulting in displaced parking on to the highway in an area that is already subject to intensive on-street parking.”

It also found the scheme “would result in overdevelopment”.

Adding: “The access and surrounding roads are too narrow to comfortably accommodate the additional traffic to serve the new dwellings, particularly in relation to larger vehicles, including delivery, refuse and emergency vehicles.

“In addition, the new buildings, by virtue of their proximity to existing properties, would be overbearing in appearance to neighbouring residents.”

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