A JEWISH community group says it wants to set up a permanent home at a Chesham hall after plans to convert it to offices were turned down.

The proposals to convert the community centre and former chapel in Station Road into offices were unanimously rejected by members of Chiltern District Council's planning committee.

Following the announcement members of the South Bucks Jewish community said they would like to use the building on a full-time basis, having held meetings and functions there in the past.

Dick Vardy from the group said: “The Community has been looking for a permanent place for quite some time.

“We knew this place had been on the market for some time. Members have been looking at it and we remain interested in the premises.

“People think it would be suitable for us. There are issues we have to consider, such as if it's financially viable.”

Although membership is open to everyone in the south Bucks region many of the group's activities are held in the Amersham and Chesham area.

Mr Vardy said: “Wherever we go, we are going to be nearer some members and further from the rest. This is a good compromise.”

The plans to convert the building were rejected by ten votes to none, with members of the council's planning committee saying it would be a loss of a community facility.

Concerns had previously been raised by council officers about the size of the redeveloped building.