Plans to demolish an Amersham MOT centre and build a stone masons workshop in its place have been given the go-ahead.

Kenward & Son Limited submitted plans to replace the existing MOT garage with a new workshop for its stonemasonry business at White Lion Road in Amersham.

Planning documents confirm the workshop was occupied by CSG Motors Limited until July 2025.

It is described as being in poor repair, with an asbestos roof and poor insulating qualities.

While the building could be upgraded, the applicant said it was considered expedient to replace it.

There were 14 objections to the plans by residents, however the full public planning comments are hidden by Buckinghamshire Council, which is one of only a handful of authorities in the country to restrict access in this way.

Instead of providing full responses, officers summarised the concerns raised.

They noted residents had claimed hedge screening had been removed from the land in breach of a planning condition and Section 106 agreement.

Further concerns were raised regarding the proposed change of use. It was stated that the change of use would result in air pollution and noise pollution, and would negatively impact local air quality.

Concerns were also expressed that the change of use could lead to contamination of the land and create health and safety risks, including potential long-term health hazards.

In addition, it was suggested that the change of use would cause disturbance to nearby residents, lead to excessive water usage, and may result in structural damage to neighbouring properties.

It was also noted that the change of use would adversely affect the wellbeing of residents in the surrounding area.

In response, planning officers said that several of the concerns raised did not directly relate to the assessment of the application.

They noted that allegations of a breach of planning control, including the removal of hedge screening from the land, should instead be reported to the council’s planning enforcement team for investigation.

Officers also addressed a number of environmental concerns raised by residents, including issues relating to air pollution, noise pollution, air quality, land contamination, health and safety risks, and disturbance to nearby residents.

They stated that these matters fall under environmental health and confirmed the council’s environmental health team had raised no objections.

It added: “The proposed development does not include any alterations to the existing vehicular access arrangements, which are already established via the shared access with the adjoining petrol station from White Lion Road.

“The proposed change of use from a car garage to a stone masonry business is not anticipated to result in any material increase in vehicle movements to and from the site. The gross internal area of the buildings on site will reduce as a result of the proposal.”