Chesham Bois campaigners have urged people to object to a church’s plans to build a new conference centre.

St Leonard’s Parochial Church Council was refused planning permission for the new site on Glebe Way, which would replace its existing parish centre at the site once that was demolished.

The applicant has now appealed to the Planning Inspectorate to overturn Buckinghamshire Council’s refusal of planning permission.

The Protect Chesham Bois Common & Surrounding Area group has advised residents to object to the appeal by July 28.

The group says on its website that it has engaged Bell Cornwell as its new planning consultant, which has drafted submission letters for the appeal.

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Dozens of supporters of St Leonard’s plans have welcomed the new facility to replace the old parish hall, which the applicant said was ‘coming to the end of its life’.

However, hundreds of people objected to the plans, including because of the perceived impact the new facilities would have on Chesham Bois Common.

Bell Cornwall’s letter reads: “The group’s main concerns with the development relate to the location of the site, which is not appropriate for a ‘parish centre’ of the scale and intensity proposed and the adverse impact it would have on the amenity of the area.”

Plans for the parish centre include a 275-capacity main hall, an additional multi-purpose hall, a café and meeting space, a parish council office, meeting rooms, toilets and a shower room, storage space and 114 parking spaces.

The appeal reference is APP/X0415/W/24/3343635

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