Proposals warn High Wycombe’s ambulance base is “not fit for purpose”

It's also been said failing to invest in the site could affect frontline operations.

South Central Ambulance Service (SCAS) NHS Foundation Trust is seeking permission to upgrade its resource centre in West End Street, warning that failing to invest is likely to affect frontline operations.

The proposals would see two garages demolished and replaced with a single-storey building where ambulances would be prepared, cleaned and restocked.

A planning statement submitted on the trust’s behalf says the existing site, originally constructed in 1955, needs significant investment. Andrew Field, the trust’s head of estates and capital works, said: “The SCAS site, originally constructed in 1955, over 70 years ago, is in a poor state of condition and in desperate need of investment.

“The upgrades that form part of the planning application are critical to site security, operational capacity and efficiency and providing adequate welfare facilities.

“Failure to make this investment is likely to have a negative impact on frontline operations.”

The letter says the improvements would help the trust meet health and safety and environmental requirements, improve infection prevention and control, and reduce risks including accidents and contamination. It also says more energy-efficient buildings would reduce carbon emissions and save money, while providing a more comfortable working environment for crews.

The planning statement says SCAS and the council investigated a new-build ambulance station in 2021/22, but increased costs made the scheme unfeasible. The trust therefore decided to refurbish its existing base.

Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet had agreed in July 2021 to progress a replacement ambulance resource centre on the former Orchard House site on Cressex Link. SCAS’s 2023/24 annual report said a development agreement was signed in March 2022, but building works had not progressed by the end of March 2024.

The current application covers the first phase of improvements at West End Street. A second phase would involve essential upgrades to the existing crew building, subject to a separate planning application once funding has been secured and detailed design completed.

The proposals include 23 car parking spaces, five more than the existing informal provision, alongside seven ambulance spaces. The planning statement says additional car parking would reduce overspill onto surrounding residential roads. Existing vehicle access would remain unchanged, with motorcycle and cycle parking also proposed.

In April 2025, Wycombe MP Emma Reynolds said she had raised concerns with SCAS about the station’s run-down vehicles and buildings following a visit. She said a trust letter dated April 24 confirmed the station was a priority for rebuilding and refurbishment.

The planning application reference is PL/26/07679/FA