AN application for a tower block has been refused for a second time because of the lack of affordable housing and the size of the building.

Taywood Homes had resubmitted plans to Chiltern District Council to develop the site behind Amersham Hospital in Whielden Street, but its scheme to put 68 flats in three blocks, was thrown out at by a planning committee meeting last Thursday.

The company had wanted to provide a five storey block of 48 flats, one of 13 flats and one of seven flats.

Cllr Davida Allen (Lib Dem, Amersham Town) said: "It was a very serious concern because the tower block [already behind Amersham Hospital] has a way of appearing wherever you look and this would have been far, far worse.

"It was refused because of the massive size and scale and because of the small units. We do need housing for key workers and the local community."

Taywood Homes had planned to build the flats to three storeys a year ago but the application was rejected at the final stage.

This time letters of objection were received from Amersham Old Town Residents Association and The Chiltern Society as well as 169 letters from residents.

Anthony del Tufo, a member of the Amersham Society, said the society were encouraged by the result and hopes the company has realised the building must be in-keeping with the town.

Mr Tufo said: "We were very pleased the planning committee agreed unanimously and hope they come back with something less tall and large. We hope the developers have got the message."

A spokesman for developers Taywood Homes said: "At present Taywood is preparing plans for new building proposals to the rear of the site."