A “much loved” pub which has recently been refurbished will not be turned into flats.

Plans to transform the Royal Oak in Bushey into eight flats were unanimously refused by the planning committee at Hertsmere Borough Council last night.

Despite the decision made last night, the pub cannot celebrate too much with a separate application for a smaller scale redevelopment at the site already in place.

The applicant, Setha Sparrow Lane Ltd, wanted to turn the pub, which is in Sparrow’s Herne, near High Street, into eight two-bedroom flats. The proposal included a three-storey side and rear extension and conversion of the loft space as well as the existing pub space.

But the plans, which had been recommended for refusal, were knocked back by the committee.

Watford Observer:

It was agreed by councillors that the height and mass of the development, in particular the extension, would have a “harmful” impact on the building’s development as well as the wider streetscape while reduced access into the site would have impacted the road and obstructed the flow of traffic. The road is also a bus route.

A second application was submitted to the council in August which includes seven flats rather than eight and a two-storey side extension.

The Royal Oak, which is under new management reopened in March following a refurbishment. General manager Warwick Clough said he was “delighted” with last night’s outcome.

He said: “A unanimous decision was made to reject the application due to a number of factors. One of those factors was the concern of residents which has been put forward with great determination from valued customers and members of the local community.

“The Royal Oak has been a social hub for many years providing a cosy and welcoming setting. In March, London Gastro Pub Management 2 Ltd secured residence of the premises and have made a vast change in the look and feel of the pub for the better.

“We are not entirely out of the woods after last night's result but for now The Royal Oak will remain at the heart of this great community as a much loved pub and restaurant. We would like to thank all who have supported and continue to support us in our fight.”

Last night's application can be found here and the second application can be found here.