The decision whether to demolish a vacant ‘community centre’ for new homes hangs in the balance.

Bucks Council saw its application for the former Tilehouse Day Opportunity Centre (also formerly known as The Red Cross Centre), on Nightingale Way, in Denham Green, deferred on Tuesday, until “further discussions have taken place”.

The property had previously been used for Adult Social Care, but it “has been empty for over five years”, according to a report.

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Recent plans outline the ‘redevelopment of the site to provide seven two-storied terraced and semi-detached properties, with four for the open market and three affordable’.

A new vehicle access and 18 parking spaces have also been proposed.

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But members of the South Bucks Area Planning Committee voted to defer the plans, after hearing from a member of Denham Parish Council, which had previously said the proposal would result in the “unacceptable loss of a community facility”.

It also claimed it had received “no consultation” on the plans.

“The unitary council has failed to prove that the site is no longer required, and also failed to prove that it is too dilapidated to be refurbished,” a parish council representative said.

“There was no consultation with the parish council, despite our repeated attempts to acquire the site over a number of years.”

They said an alternative plan “showing the site can be returned to use” is due to be presented to the council.

“The proposal would result in the loss of an existing community facility,” a council document reads.

“However, its loss is considered justified [because] another local need would be met in the form of affordable housing.”

Cllr Guy Hollis alleged the property consultant involved was “putting profit before people”.

“I would like to see that this be deferred until further discussions have taken place with Denham Parish Council,” said Cllr Trevor Egleton.

Although the application was recommended for conditional permission, Cllr Egleton proposed a motion to defer, seconded by Cllr Thomas Broom.

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