Plans to convert a former hotel and pub into new apartments with a gym have been met with fears of ‘significantly increased’ traffic on a “highly dangerous” road – and claims locals were not consulted.

Vertex Pinnacle Investments Ltd has submitted to Bucks Council a ‘change of use’ application for the former Tree Hotel, on Marlow Road, in Cadmore End.

Plans outline the ‘erection of a two-storey rear extension to the main building and side and rear extensions to the existing residential building’.

READ MORE: Former hotel and pub to become new apartments under fresh plans

These plans are ‘in connection with a change of use of the former hotel, restaurant and drinking establishment to eight one-bed, six two-bed and four three-bed apartments’ – 18 in total.

A gym is also proposed, as are 35 parking spaces and 28 cycle bays.

Bucks Free Press:

PICTURED: The Tree Hotel and pub.

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But one resident questioned whether locals had been consulted about the scheme, arguing other plans should be considered if the existing business cannot be saved.

“I am not aware that the developers have carried out any consultation with local residents or Lane End Parish Council on this proposal,” they wrote. “Yet they have come to the conclusion that there is no community need for a village pub and restaurant in this location.”

They also claimed there will be a “significant increase” in cars on an already “highly dangerous stretch of road”.

Adding: “I would rather the site be maintained as a community pub and restaurant.”

However, if this were no longer commercially viable, they would support “redevelopment of the site” for “family size dwellings” instead.

The Tree has previously also been known as The Bluebell, and The Blue Flag. It ceased being in use in April 2019, according to council documents.

“Given that the current pandemic has placed notable pressure on the hospitality trade, there is no reasonable prospect of the site resuming trading as a hotel, pub and restaurant,” a planning statement reads.

It adds: “The proposals set out in this application for a conversion to residential use therefore represents the only realistic opportunity to bring this now redundant site into productive use.”

Vertex Pinnacle, which also owns the property, is now ‘awaiting a decision’ from Bucks Council.

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