THE High Wycombe Society makes no apology for the position it has taken on the proposed Rye Environment Centre (Pat Morris' letter, September 15).

THE High Wycombe Society makes no apology for the position it has taken on the proposed Rye Environment Centre (Pat Morris' letter, September 15). This project involves a very difficult balance of advantage and risk for our town.

On the face of it, what could be better than finding a new use for a redundant building in the Holywell Mead Swimming Pool complex?

The 1950s buildings are tired and dated. An imaginative conversion of the cafe building would breathe new life into them. Surely it is right to help our schoolchildren make the most of the priceless asset that is The Rye, and advance the cause of sustainability, by a comprehensive environmental facility. That is why we supported this project.

And yet, there remain so many unanswered questions, starting with the building itself. The architects certainly felt they should try to create a 'landmark' building: their very first slide said so (and we are sorry the purpose of that meeting was misunderstood!). Our members quickly saw the risks in this and we are glad that a less elaborate entrance was quickly proposed. The sedum (grass-like) roof would reduce the building's prominence; but about half the area would be filled by solar panels. And please could it be ensured the building is not lit for security purposes at night?

Of even greater concern is what happens outside the building. The joy of The Rye is that it is an area for informal recreation. Fairs, the Wycombe Show and football matches come and go, but always The Rye and the Mead are restored to their unencumbered state. At last six 'trails' will emanate from the centre. Will the council guarantee there will be no fixed interpretation boards on the open area of The Rye and Holywell Mead?

The Business Plan aims for over 200 visitors every day, and talks of attracting them 'from the area between London and Birmingham' with a catchment area of eight million people. Yet the planning application states there will be no increase in vehicular traffic to the site because 'the Management Plan will actively discourage visitors from arriving by car'. How will that be achieved?

The centre would be run by a trust, its running costs earmarked for three years. Beyond that, it must pay its own way. In the years to come, might circumstances force it to be transformed into a brasher, more commercial operation? What about the future of the swimming pool itself? Diversifying the architectural style of the complex of buildings might open up new possibilities for redevelopment of the whole site.

The High Wycombe Society is drawing up a formal objection to the planning application. We have arranged to discuss our concerns with district council officers. Depending on the outcome, we shall decide whether to try to persuade our councillors not to accept the application as it stands.

Frances Presland

Honorary Secretary

The High Wycombe Society

Hicks Farm Rise

High Wycombe