Famous Buckingham landmark set to be transformed into wine bar

The old Well Street garage has remained unused in Buckingham for more than 30 years, with a number of failed attempts to bring it back to life.

But plans to revamp the derelict building, which is still fronted with vintage petrol pumps, have now been approved.

And the cafe, which will have a wine bar downstairs and a function room upstairs, is set to open later this year.

The news has been well received in the town with residents keen to see a motoring theme maintained, although there remains concerns about limited parking and where rubbish will be dumped.

However, Aylesbury Vale District Council decided that the plans would bring a ‘listed building at risk’ back into ‘active use’.

And despite a lack of off-street parking, the cafe is ‘within proximity’ of public car parks and is ‘accessible by foot’.

Buckingham Town Council objected to the plans because of a lack of available nearby parking.

Councillors are also concerned about pollution treatments, tailback traffic on Well Street and disabled access.

But admitted they would be ‘very glad’ to see the building brought back into use.

A spokesman from the historic buildings department said: “The new use will provide a valuable opportunity to share this building with the public, as it was first intended.

“This building in its current mothballed state has been a financial burden to its various owners as they have persevered to try and save it falling to the point of ruin and collapse.

“Moving forward, it is felt this current proposal is an appropriate opportunity for the building to pay for its own upkeep and therefore remain for future generations to enjoy.”