Developer launches appeal over Hillcrest flats

Jun 12 2012 By Lawrence Poole

An artist's impression of the Hillcrest Court development proposed for Amersham.

DEVELOPERS hoping to build a multi-million pound residential and retail development have launched an appeal to the Government.

Plans to convert Hillcrest Court in Chesham Road, Amersham into 31 flats, a retail shop, two cafes and a gym were originally rejected last November by Chiltern District Council citing concerns about the scale, use, extra traffic and overall appearance of the development.

The Government has since introduced targets to build 2,400 new homes in the Chilterns by 2026 and the Planning Inspectorate will now visit the site to assess Coda Studios' appeal before announcing a decision.

David Cross, managing director of Coda Studios architects, said: "I think it's one of the best applications for a development we've ever done.

"We've had no issues in the community over it and we've thoroughly considered all the factors and the impact it will have on Amersham.

"We were shocked when the initial application was turned down as we don't feel there are any issues with it, we'll have to wait and see what the inspectorate makes of it now as it's down to design and that's subjective - I'd say we're over 50 per cent hopeful it will get approved."

If approved a percentage of the housing must be affordable and CDC have requested it be built within the next three years.

Amersham Action Group chairman Brian Woods said: "Generally we're very much for it, it certainly needs sprucing up in that part of town and this development will do that considerably."

Dan Lavender, who manages nearby Dees Cycles, he said: "I think there is definitely a need for more housing, but the price has to be affordable.

"I think extra shops would be good for bringing in more business too - I'm not sure about a gym though, they seem to open and close here all the time."

Chiltern District Councillor Nigel Shepherd, who represents the ward, said: "I do have concerns about the size of the units, I'd prefer them to be bigger - but I think that site desperately needs to be developed as it's been empty a long time."

What do you thing of the plans? Write to bucksnews@trinitysouth.co.uk