The demolition of a vacant ‘community centre’ for new homes has been branded ‘unnecessary’ by locals – but the council claims ‘the benefits outweigh the harms’.

Bucks Council has submitted a planning application for the former Tilehouse Day Opportunity Centre (also formerly known as The Red Cross Centre), on Nightingale Way, in Denham Green.

Plans detail the ‘redevelopment of the site to provide seven two-storied terraced and semi-detached properties, with four for the open market and three affordable’.

Bucks Free Press:

PICTURED: Tilehouse Day Opportunity Centre.

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A new vehicle access, 18 parking spaces, and some landscaping is also proposed.

It is understood the property had previously been used for Adult Social Care, but that it “has been empty for over five years”, according to council documents.

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Denham Parish Council objected to the proposal, saying: “The proposal promotes the unacceptable loss of a community facility.”

It added: “Whilst the building will obviously need some repair, it is not necessary or appropriate to demolish it.”

“The proposal would result in the loss of an existing community facility,” a council document reads.

“However, its loss is considered justified [because] another local need would be met in the form of affordable housing.”

It adds: “There are no adverse effects of the proposal that would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.”

The application is recommended for conditional permission.

The matter is due for debate during a South Bucks Area Planning Committee, on July 13.

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