PLANS to bulldoze some shops for new homes have resurfaced – but there could now be some hope for disappointed local shoppers.

Bucks Council is due to consider a revised planning application relating to 175 to 179 Gordon Road in High Wycombe (Totteridge and Bowerdean).

Plans detail the demolition of the existing shops and residential buildings for three two-bed and four one-bed flats in a three-storey building, with a retail unit at ground floor level, and six parking spaces.

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The existing access via Bowerdean Road/Gordon Road would serve the new development.

The plans, submitted by Mr Kirk and which affect the popular grocers Carrot and Coriander, the Kirk Store, and a (vacant) barbershop, are an amended version of those which first emerged in February last year sparking outrage among locals.

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At the time, some branded the application “ludicrous” because it would deprive the community of a long-standing local service that saved a trip into town – while others claimed Gordon Road already suffered with heavy traffic.

To “address concerns”, a retail unit at ground level has now been incorporated (possibly for Carrot and Coriander) and the number of flats has been reduced from eight to seven.

An internal lift, motorcycle parking, and electrical charging points have also been added.

As a result, the scheme will have “no adverse effect” on the character of the area, or traffic, documents state.

Several councillors, including Cllr Steve Guy, Cllr Julia Wassell, (former) Cllr Marten Clarke, and Cllr Sarfaraz Raja have concerns about the loss of the shops, “insufficient parking” and electrical charging points.

Cllr Guy: “The current shops are an important community facility. There are many elderly residents nearby and many of those have no car. We need reassurance that the retail unit in the proposals will meet their needs.

“I am concerned by the insufficient parking provision since there are few opportunities for on-street parking nearby.”

At the time of publication, 107 objections and a petition had also been raised from residents about the loss of the shops, reduced parking, and overlooking.

However, a Community Needs Assessment (CNA) states “there is little demand and therefore need for the retention of these shops/retail units”.

Adding: “The day-to-day needs of local residents can be adequately met by other nearby shop units offering the same or similar services.”

All the buildings are in a poor state of repair, according to a report, and the barbershop is “incapable of being re-let in its current condition”.

“Due to the condition of the single-storey building (no. 175) it is incapable of being reoccupied as a barbershop (or any other use) without significant investment and refurbishment.

“The flat above the greengrocers is in need of complete refurbishment before it can be inhabited, and it is anticipated that the convenience store (the current occupier of which is soon to retire) would be incapable of being re-let without substantial internal and external improvement.

“The Carrot and Coriander ceased trading for a number of years only to reopen at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Its future trading potential is currently unknown. It is capable of being accommodated in the proposed scheme should it wish to keep trading from the site.”

The application is recommended for approval.

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