Plans for a state-of-the-art leisure centre in Amersham have been showcased this month – prompting fears too few parking spaces have been proposed for the site.

Chiltern District Council (CDC) has been working on plans to replace the “unsustainable” Chiltern Pools in King George V Road with a new ‘lifestyle centre’ – which would include a 25-metre pool, gym, café and library.

The proposals went on display at public consultation event last week – with two more set to take place before the end of October.

Speaking at a meeting of Amersham Town Council on Monday (September 17), councillor Nigel Shepherd said he is “very supportive” of the proposals, however raised concerns the number of parking spaces planned for the new centre is similar to the provision on the current site.

He suggested signs should be installed directing customers to the new multi-storey car park in King George V Road – in a bid to free up more spaces closer to the site.

Adding a deck onto the current leisure centre car park is another option, according to the councillor, as well as introducing discounts for customers who park in the multi-storey.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Shepherd said: “Amersham has a parking problem. And the district council is building this leisure centre, which I am very supportive of.

“However the district council has just created extra parking availability at the Amersham multi storey, and it is actually not that far from the leisure centre, but it’s not sign posted.

“The question is how to you encourage people who can walk to park further away?

“There are a few easy wins. I am suggesting we get some signs and create a nice pretty pathway from the leisure centre to the car park. That will make an enormous difference.”

According to CDC, 200 spaces are included in the plans as well as an additional 70 spots for evening and weekend parking – which has “satisfied a significant majority of people”.

Spokesman, Kate Murray, said: “The parking areas are in a single place adjacent to the building (with the exception of the evening/weekend spaces) and access routes are much more straightforward, which significantly improves the situation.

“Traffic surveys have been completed and we are in discussions with the Highways Authority (Bucks County Council).

“However, initial considerations are that the proposed numbers are accommodating at all times. There is the ability to increase the number of evening and weekend spaces in the future, should demand require it.”

The plans will be showcased at Chesham Grammar School, in White Hill, on Thursday, September 20 from 4pm to 8pm and again at The Chalfonts Community College, in Narcot Lane, on Wednesday, October 10 from 6pm to 9pm.

Visit www.chilternlifestylecentre.com for more information.