Bid to convert old maltings buildings to 45 homes

A vacant grade II-listed maltings building in Amersham could be converted into 45 homes under plans submitted to Buckinghamshire Council.

Thomdell Developments has applied to convert The Maltings in School Lane, Amersham, some of which dates back almost 200 years, into 21 houses and 24 flats.

The buildings, once part of the Weller Brewery and later a printworks, are currently vacant. In between those uses, in the 1930s, there was an unsuccessful attempt to turn it into a kind of leisure venue called a road house. Elements of all three uses remain.

The proposals mean demolition of some more recent buildings and restoration and conversion of the main parts.

The design and access statement by Jane Duncan Architects and Interiors concludes: “The Maltings site presents a great opportunity to bring these building of considerable heritage value and significance back in to use in a way that will benefit the wider conservation area and the local community in terms of meeting local housing need and prevent deterioration of the condition of the site and its assets.”

However, dozens of locals have objected, for widely varied reasons, ranging from parking, traffic and privacy issues to concerns about wildlife.