A bid to build a three-storey block of flats in Wycombe has been refused over concerns  about the impact on neighbours.

The scheme, put forward for land off Templeside Gardens on West Wycombe Road, would have created a single building containing five two-bedroom flats, along with a bin store and associated external works.

However, the scheme was turned down with planning officers recommending refusal.

Officers warned that the development would have a “detrimental impact” on nearby homes. They said the flats would overlook neighbouring properties, resulting in an unacceptable loss of privacy.

cThe council concluded that the proposal did not meet planning standards and would not provide an acceptable form of development for the site.

In documents submitted with the application, the developer argued that the scheme would have delivered “much needed” housing for the town.

It said: “Each dwelling will have amenity space and have dual aspect accommodation. Each flat provides above the minimum required size as per the National Space Standards. Residents have access to a parking space each and a large cycle and bin store.

“The juxtaposition of the proposed development and relationship with all other neighbouring property and sites in the locality is not considered to give rise to any significant concerns regarding residential amenity impacts.”

Describing the site as a “convenient and sustainable location,” the applicant argued the proposal was acceptable and urged the council to grant permission.

Cllr Darren Hayday also lodged a strong objection to the plans and requested that the application be referred to the planning committee if officers were minded to approve it.

He said: “In order for the residents of this proposed site to enter or exit, they have to go through Templeside Gardens as there is no other way to access this site.

“This is unfair to all the affected residents and means that to exit onto the A40 will be harder to do as the line of site is normally obstructed by vehicles parked down the Oxford (A40) Road.

“This is yet another former building which the garden is being looked to be sold off and for flats to be built on top of it – meaning that the ground water has less surface to drain through.”