Development Of Thame Landmark Rejected For Second Time

A planning application to demolish the Essex Road Hotel, in Thame, and replace it with two apartment blocks, has been unanimously rejected by the town council’s Planning Committee.
Thame Town Council tried to get the Victorian building Listed, but failed, despite an Appeal. It was originally built as the Railway hotel when the railway came to Thame, but it was subsequently decided to site the station further along the line (now the Phoenix Trail).
Cllr Nicola Dixon said that she had been to look at the site and was of the opinion that the proposed development would be too cramped. “Also,” she added, “there is bound to be increased traffic on the Chinnor Road, especially at its juction with Essex Road, already a death trap.”
The committee unanimously recommended refusal of the application on the grounds that it would be:
1. Unneighbourly
2. Over-development of the site
3. Out of character with the area
4. Traffic generation, parking and safety on an already very busy corner.