A village pizzeria says it is “excited to bring the restaurant experience” after an expansion plan was approved.

San Giorgio Pizzeria in Abbots Langley High Street said moving into the Simon East Butchers unit would allow it to seat more customers.

The family-run butchers closed for good this year after 50 years of trading. Owner Russell Hansard blamed the pandemic, cost of living, and the number of working hours required.

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San Giorgio's planning application was approved by Three Rivers District Council yesterday (December 21).

It proposed a change of use for the former butchers from a retail shop to a bakery, restaurant, and takeaway, alongside alterations to turn the two shops into a single larger unit.

Abbots Langley Parish Council commented: “Members have no objection to this change of use as per previous comments on application. We support this use of the high street”.

Amy de Santis, who owns the pizzeria with her husband Fausto, said: “We are excited to open the extended pizzeria. We will be able to offer a restaurant experience.

“Many thanks for the last year of loyal customers in the community.”

Watford Observer: A screenshot from the council planning portal showing the pizzeria to the right of the butchers, which has closedA screenshot from the council planning portal showing the pizzeria to the right of the butchers, which has closed (Image: via Three Rivers District Council planning portal)

According to the application, the proposal will "increase footfall" and allow space for more tables and chairs for the restaurant, which also operates as a bakery, café and takeaway serving dishes including pizza and pasta.

The proposed floor plan shows a door would be added between the units, rather than knocking through the wall entirely to create a single floor.

A previous application, submitted in July this year, also proposed to extend San Giorgio.

At the time, Abbots Langley Parish Council said: “Members support these plans as they will increase daytime traffic into the village, however request more information on how the two shops will be integrated."

But a letter dated October 19 from the district council to Abbots Langley Parish Council revealed the plans had been dropped.

The letter read: “The above application has been withdrawn on 19 October 2022 and no further action will be taken on it.”