PLANS to convert a vacant building to flats have been refused.

Bucks Council has rejected a ‘change of use’ application by Life Build Solutions Ltd for P&A House, on Alma Road, in Chesham because of its impact on Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Plans had outlined the conversion of a ‘light industrial building to 10 apartments (one and two-bed mix)’.

The site is currently vacant and has been since January 2021, however it was a printworks.

“The application site is located within 12.6km of the internationally designated Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation (SAC),” a decision notice reads.

“Recreation within this designated area has resulted in an adverse impact on the health of the site.

“New evidence has demonstrated that new housing within 12.6km of the Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation (SAC) can be expected to result in an increase in recreation pressure which would adversely impact upon the conservation objective of the SAC.

“Therefore, prior approval is refused on this basis.”