It is obvious Wycombe town centre has problems with empty shops and everyone would like to see the town thrive again.

The question is how do you get the town back on its feet?

According to a news article on this site yesterday the latest quick fix solution is a “local development order” to remove the need to seek permission to change the use of a building.

Apparently the order will include the north side of White Hart Street, part of Oxford Street, Bull Lane and Church street.

This means shops can be converted into takeaways, pubs, hotels, cafés and restaurants and there will be no regulation on what businesses spring up.

Surely the last thing Wycombe needs is the removal of the very regulation that is designed to keep check on the type of mix shops we have in the town? Look at the way Desborough Road has been ruined by too many takeaways.

Suppose we end up with a kebab shop opposite the war memorial. How will that look on Remembrance Day?

What if someone decides to change a shop into an amusement arcade or perhaps even a lap dancing joint or strip club? Now that would be worrying.

The powers that be could simply keep the existing regulations in place and rubber stamp every application that comes before them. At least if they did this any undesirable cases could be stopped.

Rules are rules and they are there for a reason.

I fear the measures being considered are too little too late to save our town centre. Bold leaders are required to take bold decisions.

What Wycombe really needs is rejuvenation and not a quick fix measure that could create trouble.

The simple fact is that it is too expensive to start a business in Wycombe. Do you know how much the businesses rates are in Wycombe High Street?

Well, from doing a little research the most expensive business rate on premises in the High Street is £85,000. In White Hart Street it is £115k there is even an advertising hoarding at a bus stop in the town centre with a rateable value of £800!

The highest rateable value I could find in Marlow High Street was £109k and in Princes Risborough it was £32.5k.

If I were setting up a shop I would go to Marlow after all it is busier there and the rates are cheaper.

Why not reduce the business rates so there is an incentive to trade in Wycombe?

Relaxation of the planning restrictions is merely window dressing and may possibly end up ruining the town centre.

What do you think?