HUNDREDS of people filled the Shelley Theatre in Marlow's Court Garden to hear Wycombe District Council (WDC) bring the curtain down on controversial plans to build a superstore in Marlow.

On Monday, September 12, the development control committee turned down the application by Waitrose to develop a bigger food store, six retail units, 15 flats, a recycling unit and basement and surface level parking in West Street, Marlow.

Cllr Alex Collingwood, (Cons, Marlow North and West), criticised the piece-meal nature of the application which left Platts garage, in West Street, out of the equation.

He questioned the traffic survey, which predicted a 15 per cent increase in traffic for a 90 per cent increase in the store size.

Cllr Collingwood also ridiculed Waitrose's proposals to take waste gravel through the town and over Marlow's three-tonne weight limit bridge.

He warned that doing so would cause "chaos" and "gridlock" for the town.

He warned the proposed changes to the store frontage on West Street would leave, "a gaping hole" in the town centre and called for the application to be "refused outright".

Cllr Jean Teesdale (Cons, Chiltern Rise) was worried that the rear entrance to the store would discourage shoppers from venturing into the High Street.

She warned that it would be a "retrograde step" that would have an adverse effect on other smaller businesses and retailers in the centre of the town.

She said: "Most of the shopping tills are towards the rear of the site.

"I believe it will close the High Street.

"Marlow is lucky to have so many small and personal shops. All those will be badly effected."

The supermarket plan would also reduce the number of overnight car park spaces in the town.

Cllr Malcolm Blanskby, (Ind, Greater Marlow) said it could deter people from enjoying Marlow's restaurants and pubs at night.

He also expressed concern about plans to locate the town's main recycling unit next to a residential area in Crown Lane.

He said: "The thought of people throwing bottles into the recycling bin late at night after people have gone to bed is not appealing."

Concerns were also raised about the lack of sufficient staff parking.

The most frequently cited concern focused on the size of the proposed store.

Cllr Hugh McCarthy, (Cons, Hazlemere North) said: "The bulk and mass is far too large for this site".

He called for something more in-keeping with the "unique" style and character of the town.

Cllr David Cox objected to the lack of sufficient staff parking, which he warned could result in chaos.

Councillors voted 13 to 0 to accept planning officers' recommendation for refusal, with two abstentions. One proposed a deferral.

WAITROSE is remaining tight-lipped over what it plans to do next.

A council spokesman said Waitrose could either:

Accept the decision and do nothing;

Re-submit amended plans

Submit new plans;

Or seek to overturn the decision by appealing to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

The last three options could be pursued simultaneously in any combination. Waitrose has refused to confirm rumours that it is drawing up new plans.

Nigel Keen, Waitrose's director of development, said: "Waitrose is considering its position. We remain committed to offering our customers an enhanced shopping experience in Marlow.

"We intend to look closely at committee comments and see how we can find a solution to their concerns."

In the meantime, Waitrose plans to carry out interim works to refresh its existing branch with new fixtures and fittings and modern checkouts.