Police have warned that a footpath beside a proposed Marks & Spencer foodhall could create a “perfect storm” for crime and anti-social behaviour.
Thames Valley Police has lodged a holding objection to the proposed store between Amersham and Little Chalfont amid concerns about a footpath running beside the site.
The force fears the route between White Lion Road and a railway footbridge could allow people to remain near the shop outside opening hours, when fewer customers would be around to provide natural surveillance.
It also warned that proposed hedges and planting could restrict sightlines, while details of CCTV coverage, lighting and security measures were insufficient.
Jo Haley, Thames Valley Police’s designing out crime officer, said the footpath “raises significant concerns from a crime prevention perspective”.
She added: “Outside of daylight hours, the railway crossing route would not appear to be an appealing ‘safe’ route for pedestrians to use, creating a ‘perfect storm’ in terms of potentially attracting those intent on crime and anti-social behaviour.”
Marks & Spencer has submitted plans to Buckinghamshire Council for a single-storey foodhall on 1.36 hectares of land north of White Lion Road.
Although police said the scheme was “generally well considered” in terms of designing out crime, they warned that parts of its design and layout could increase the risk of crime and anti-social behaviour.
Ms Haley said this could affect future occupants and the wider community while placing additional demands on police resources.
The public right of way would be retained and incorporated into pedestrian routes through the development, connecting White Lion Road to the railway footbridge along the site’s eastern boundary.
Ms Haley said the planning documents did not adequately explain how the risks would be addressed through the layout, lighting, CCTV, boundary treatment or management of the store.
The objection also raises concerns about a potentially vulnerable area between the footpath, railway and eastern side of the building.
Police said drawings did not clearly show how security fencing would connect to the store and prevent unauthorised access to rear operational areas, emergency exits and other restricted locations.
Ms Haley said: “This is undoubtedly a vulnerable area of the development and should be covered by formal surveillance.”
Police said the applicant should submit amendments or additional information demonstrating how crime-prevention principles have been incorporated into the development.
The applicant argues that the foodhall would create a sustainable, accessible and high-quality retail destination serving Amersham and Little Chalfont.
Buckinghamshire Council will decide whether planning permission should be granted.
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