A construction company is seeking permission to turn the disused The Bell pub into flats.

The former pub, a Grade II listed building in Primrose Hill, Kings Langley, could be converted into two two-bed flats and one one-bed flat if listed building consent is granted.

The application was submitted to Three Rivers District Council on November 25 this year and follows an application, also for listed building consent, which was approved on June 27, 2019.

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Full planning consent had been refused in 2019, because the application did not demonstrate the site could not be viable as a pub, but it was granted on June 23, 2021, following a further application.

A condition of the 2019 listed building consent approval stated that development must begin within three years. Both listed building consent and planning permission must be obtained before work can go ahead.

The heritage statement for the latest application says: “The pub is in a very poor state of repair, having been neglected for decades as turnover had reduced year upon year as a result of increased local competition and the changing of social habits. This led to its closure in the early months of 2018

“No historic fabric is proposed for removal; stud walls to be removed are modern insertions.

Watford Observer:

"Proposed new walls follow the line of bay divisions within the building or appear to reinstate previously removed walls.”

It adds that windows which are set to be replaced “appear to be late 20th century replacements” which are “unsympathetic to the character of the building”.

The approved full planning application also includes the construction of two two-storey semi-detached houses at the site.

The conservation officer commented that: “Sensitive conversion to dwelling units is considered to be an appropriate use particularly as the upper floors of the pub were historically used as accommodation.

“It will offer a viable long term use to ensure the future conservation of the building. The proposed scheme is considered to be sympathetic.”

The latest application also includes replacing the entrance, windows, staircase, roof covering, vent pipes, gutters, and handrails as well as internal alterations.

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