PLANS to tear down some shops for new flats are set for approval – despite local outrage and a petition.

Bucks Council will next week consider a revised planning application relating to the shops at 175 to 179 Gordon Road in High Wycombe (Totteridge and Bowerdean ward).

The application was due to be determined at a previous planning meeting but was postponed following a site visit in which a discrepancy in the location plan was noted.

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Plans seek demolition of the existing shops and residential buildings for three two-bed and four one-bed flats across three floors, with a retail unit at ground floor level, and six parking spaces.

The plans, submitted by Mr Kirk and which affect the grocers Carrot and Coriander, the Kirk Store, and a barbershop, are an amended version of those which first emerged in February last year sparking outrage among locals.

Access via Bowerdean Road/Gordon Road will be retained.

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And to “address concerns” from councillors and residents, a retail unit at ground level has now been included (possibly for Carrot and Coriander “should it wish to keep trading from the site”) and the number of flats proposed has been reduced from eight to seven.

An internal lift, motorcycle parking, and electrical charging points are also proposed.

Several councillors, including Cllr Steve Guy, Cllr Julia Wassell, (former) Cllr Marten Clarke, and Cllr Sarfaraz Raja have raised concerns about the loss of the shops, “insufficient parking” and electrical charging points.

Some 107 objections and a petition have also been submitted, saying no more flats are needed in the area, that the shops are an asset to the community, that the area is lacking in local facilities, and there will be loss of privacy, and overlooking, to name a few.

But planning officers claim the plans will have “no adverse effect” on the character of the area, or traffic.

Adding: “The day-to-day needs of local residents can be adequately met by other nearby shop units offering the same or similar services.

“The proposed development has been amended following discussions between the council and the agent and subsequently is considered to comply with the relevant policies of the development plan, and is therefore recommended for approval.”

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