The developer for Chilterns Shopping Centre has now submitted plans for 303 new homes.
Dandara Living, the owner of the shopping centre on Frogmoor in High Wycombe, submitted plans for the demolition of the shopping centre to build two new buildings for 303 new rental homes, commercial units and landscaping.
The historic buildings on Church Street, Queen Square, which is a Grade II listed building, and Frogmoor will be retained and renovated to provide new commercial and business spaces.
Dandara Living ran consultations to get the input of residents and stakeholders about the proposal. As a result, the number of apartments dropped from an initial 313 down to 308 before the final 303 flats.
Majority of the apartments will be two-bedroom, with 153 two-bedroom flats, 145 one-bedroom flats and five three-bedroom apartments.
Dandara Living spokesperson Edward Butler said: “This is an important step for us. The planning application is the culmination of four years of engagement and work with local stakeholders, to shape the proposal that has been submitted to Buckinghamshire Council.
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“We would like to thank everyone who has participated in our consultation and the various discussions with local groups.”
The development, which is fully built to rent (BTR), doesn’t include any affordable homes because of the “costs associated with the demolition and clearance of the site,” the plans said.
“However, the development is aimed at households on average incomes and does not preclude those in receipt of support or benefits from renting a home in a BTR development,” the statement of community involvement explained.
Although the shopping centre is set to remain open until July 2024, many businesses have moved out of the centre, including Wilko due to the firm's collapse, and Air Raids Shelter Cafe, leaving many shuttered units behind.
Some of the shops have claimed they were not aware of the plans for new flats, while Dandara claimed vast majority of people it spoke to supported the proposal.
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