Couple appeal after pub plans are refused (From Watford Observer)

Couple appeal after plans for Royal Oak pub in Bovingdon Green to be turned into home are refused

5:10pm Wednesday 20th February 2013 in News By Rebecca Perring, Reporter

A couple have appealed against a council decision to refuse their plans to turn a Bovingdon pub into a private house.

Last year, Mr and Mrs Power put in a planning application to change the use of the Royal Oak pub in Bovingdon Green into a four or five bedroom house, which was refused by Dacorum Borough Council in January.

The couple have now submitted an appeal against the council’s decision which will be considered in the next few months.

When the original planning permission was put in, residents expressed concerns that the community would be deprived of its only rural public house and hoped the premises, located at the junction between Middle Lane, Water Lane and The Green would one day reopen as a pub.

Ley Hill, a resident against the plans said: "This dear old pub is a central and important attribute to The Green and is an essential part of this attractive village.

"More than that it has been my favourite pub and I was very disappointed when it closed.

"The immediate area does not need any extra housing development but it certainly needs this amenity which I hope the owner will reopen when he finds you have not accepted his plans."

Bovingdon Parish councillor, Richard Briden said he had supported the refusal because of resident concerns and the voice of the community.

Councillor Briden said: "It is not a surprise they have put an appeal in, which they have a right to. They will now have to prove and justify their case.

"The majority of residents were against the plans and want to see a pub remain there, so as a parish council we supported them in their views."

A date for the decision on the appeal has not been confirmed.