Seven homes could be built behind a derelict pub under a plan that would turn the boozer into an eighth.

The plan, submitted to Hertsmere Borough Council on March 20, is awaiting decision after changes were proposed for The Cat & Fiddle which closed in May 2019 and has been vacant ever since.

The new-build homes would be made up of seven three-bedroom properties of various sizes, in Cobden Hill, over three detached buildings.

Five of the houses would be two-storey while two of the furthest back would be three-storey.

The plan adds that the new buildings are positioned "slightly away from the pub", where the pub garden currently is.

The modern style flat roofed buildings are "screened" by fencing and tree planting, according to the plan, and would be built in red brick with stone parts surrounding large windows.

Watford Observer: The area behind the pub, where the new buildings would beThe area behind the pub, where the new buildings would be (Image: Google Street View)

The pub itself would also be turned into a three-bedroom home.

A heritage officer has apparently outlined that there is a heritage benefit to bringing the building back into use pre-application.

The plan’s heritage statement claims that the early 18th century construction date given in its description as a listed building is not accurate, instead estimating it was built in the early 19th century.

Watford Observer: The Cat & FiddleThe Cat & Fiddle (Image: Google Street View)

It adds that the building was extended some time before 1871 and then several other changes were made by 1967, including an extension made up of a cellar and a two-storey kitchen/bedroom. The upper floor of the extension was apparently intended as on-site accommodation for staff.

Another extension was added circa 1970 and the modern extensions are apparently seen as a “negative element” which would be removed under the plan.

A new extension would replace the existing one to the north and cover around the same area.

The heritage statement added: “Other than the removal of what fixtures and fittings remain, the internal alterations are relatively minor and largely utilise the existing plan.”

The mid-19th century staircase would be removed and replaced while some internal partitions would also be changed.

There would be 16 car spaces for residents at the development and two for visitors.