A BID to knock down a former pub for flats on the A40 in High Wycombe has been slammed by residents.

They said the plan for 12 flats on the site of the former Red Lion would be too big and would cause traffic problems.

And a proposed community facility for local groups was not large enough, it is argued.

A planning application has been made to knock down the pub, on the corner of Cock Lane, for one and two-bedroom privately rented flats.

These would have 19 car parking spaces, some underground.

But Peter Cartwright, a councillor for the area, said he “strongly objects” to the proposal.

Councillor Cartwright said it was “out of keeping with the street scene” and would “tower above” nearby Marsh Court and Cartwright Court, damaging residents’ privacy.

He added: “Flats would generate traffic at peak times on this already congested corridor.

“Its access and egress would conflict with existing highway users, whether travelling a vehicle or on foot.”

This would add to the heavy congestion nearby at the interchange of Wycombe Retail Park and Micklefield Road, he said.

Cllr Cartwright, who represents Ryemead, Tylers Green & Loudwater on Buckinghamshire County Council, said the proposed 76sqm community space “would not address local needs”.

And he said it does not address the need for family housing and “there are already an excess number of flats locally”.

If permission is given by Wycombe District Council then “a contribution should be sought towards community facilities on a site in the immediate vicinity” he said.


View Larger Map

The pub was closed in July 2006 and a statement on behalf of the developer said it had “come to the end of its useful and economic life” because of competition from nearby pubs and its lack of food, entertainment and family facilities.

Therefore there was “limited demand” for a new pub or large community space in its place it said. This ruled out a health clinic or community hall, it argued (see link, right, for all documents associated with the application).

Criterion Asset Management also said the number of flats does not meet the 15 unit “threshold” for affordable housing and was therefore not required.

It also reported that the district council officers had not objected to the demolition of the pub and “there is scope for a large building”.

The statement said: “The provision of a smaller, flexible community space would offer a multi-purpose, ad-hoc room, which could be adapted to meet a whole range of facilities for a broader spectrum of the community.”

But Paula Lee, secretary of the of the Heart of Ryemead Community Association, said this community facility needed to be bigger.

She added: “I am concerned about the impact of the building on the area. It is a very large building.

“The traffic will go onto what is already a busy junction, it will just get worse.”

The association is in favour of having a community facility opposite the Swan pub in nearby Abbey Barn Road.