Naphill ‘eyesore’ to be demolished in favour of new four-bed home

J Smith and Sons (Walter’s Ash) Ltd won approval to tear down Ann’s Cottage, off Main Road, in Naphill, and in its place build a new, larger property with a driveway and three parking spaces.

PICTURED: The track through the allotments which leads to the cottage

Access is by a narrow track, crossing 38 allotments opposite Clappins Lane. The track is also a public footpath from Main Road to Naphill Common and Bradenham Wood Lane.

READ MORE: Mystery location in Wycombe ‘identified’ for new GP surgery

Hughenden Parish Council objected to the proposal over “additional traffic”, ‘severe damage’ to the access road during construction, potential damage to allotments, and risk to those tending their plots.

Objector Chris Janes said the new design did not “seem to be in keeping” with its neighbours. He also expressed concern about a “loss of privacy”.

PICTURED: The neglected surroundings of Ann's Cottage in Naphill

Cllr Gary Hall echoed those sentiments saying the new build looked “quite out of place”. He added he thought there would be a “significant loss of privacy” for neighbours if some trees were removed.

READ MORE: Fears new build will ‘threaten allotments and safety of tenants’

Cllr Chris Whitehead said: “I think we have to develop this site. What else are we going to do with this site? It’s a rundown cottage that is unsuitable for habitation.

“It’s not capable of repair, it’s not capable to be lived in as it is, it’s just an eyesore really in that area. I think we’ve got to do it.”

He and Cllr Marten Clarke urged planning committee members to accept the officer’s recommendation for approval.

Members voted in unanimous support of the application.

We’ve launched a new Facebook group for local news junkies, politics fans and everyone who wants to keep up to date with the latest issues affecting Naphill. Please join the conversation over at Buckinghamshire Politics