Isolated hostel, Saunderton Lodge, could be replaced by modular building on Desborough Road car park site

Saunderton Lodge, which provides temporary accommodation for those in need and is owned and managed by Wycombe District Council, has long been in need of refurbishment, according to cabinet member for housing Cllr Julia Langley.

Residents who have had to stay at the hostel – which is in a rural location of the A4010 – have also complained about the lack of shops, schools and public transport nearby. The closest shop is in Princes Risborough and the closest school in Lacey Green.

While completely overhauling the building, which currently has 35 bedsit rooms, was once the preferred option, “spiralling” costs has meant the council is now considering plan B – which could be a 57-bed modular building on the site of a car park in Desborough Road.

If the new building on the car park – along with the nearby British Red Cross site - is given the go-ahead, there will also be 16 ground floor community or office units on offer.

In plans that will go before the cabinet on Monday, the council says use of the car park has decreased since the closure of West End Street.

The new modular building would have gated access in a bid to cut out the possibility of anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Langley told councillors on the improvement and review commission on Monday evening that the concept is “exciting and innovative” but not without risks.

She said: “Saunderton Lodge has been on my radar since I became the cabinet member for housing. In the beginning it was looking like refurbishment was a good option. It is a very aged building and it has suffered from a lack of investment over a number of years.

“As it progressed it became evident that spiralling costs of refurbishment are greater than I had first envisaged so for that reason officers put together a plan B and this was for modular build and that would offer a better living environment for those that are in need of accommodation.

“Officers have worked very, very hard to bring this option to the table. The idea will go before cabinet on Monday and I know what I will be trying to encourage them to support.”

Brian Daly, housing services manager at the council, said if councillors agree to refurbish Saunderton Lodge, it would not be able to increase the size of the “small” rooms, but said the new building would have larger rooms.

• What do you think of the plans? Email Stephanie.wareham@london.newsuqest.co.uk with your views.