Wycombe Approves 303 Flats at Shopping Centre Redevelopment Plan

Dandara Living got approval to rebuild the Frogmoor site. This happened at a Buckinghamshire Council meeting, where the vote was eight to zero in favor of the plan. Someone from the public gallery shouted “thank you.”

Cllr Lesley Clarke said it took a long time and thanked the officers for their work. The Chilterns Centre has declined for years, and Wilko and Primark left in 2024. The council considered Dandara’s plan then.

The remaining shops have uncertain futures, including CM Communications and Mannat’s Hair and Beauty. Dandara extended their leases until December 2025.

The committee wants to redevelop with housing. Cllr Catherine Oliver called Dandara’s plan ‘exciting,’ noting that the plan includes many one and two-bedroom flats. It also has some three-bedroom units and six retail spaces, with historic buildings being updated as well.

Some members had concerns, with Lucy Bellinger saying the fact that none of the 303 flats will be affordable was a big problem and made rejecting the plan more likely. They might, however, get money from Dandara later to fund affordable housing elsewhere.

Cllr Mark Turner disliked the parking plan, finding the “first come, first serve” system bad. Turner asked about flexible parking leases to ensure people without parking know about it, believing Wycombe’s parking is chaotic. He also addressed street furniture, suggesting benches should deter sleeping with dividers.

Cllr Clarke wants Dandara to rethink parts, including new green space along the street. She said benches shouldn’t encourage sleeping, noting “various people living in Frogmoor” currently.

Frogmoor hosts FrogFest and Christmas lights, and she said, we “can’t have a grass area there.” Clarke raised the issue that extra patients occupying that space will impact local NHS services. The Integrated Care Board objected last month, wanting Dandara to fix health service impacts, suggesting a £286,016 financial contribution.

Rachel Allwood felt “delighted” about approval, calling the plan “key” for the town’s changes and saying it might bring more investment later. She thanked those involved and local tenants, clarifying the shops “aren’t closing yet” and that residents should support businesses there. Dandara will update the plans.

Mayor Nathan Thomas and Cllr Sarfaraz Khan Raja recused themselves due to conflicts of interest with the project.

The planning officer summed up the meeting well, stating that public benefits outweigh any heritage harm, that the “benefits…outweigh its harms,” and the plan has an overall “favour.”