A decision has been delayed over whether a Grade II* listed  mansion can be permanently turned into a hub for filming.

Langleybury Mansion, next to the M25 and Warner Bros Studios Leavesden, has been used for filming on Tom Cruise blockbuster Mission: Impossible and Netflix drama The Crown, leading to plans for it to be permanently turned into a location for filming.

Planning officers from Three Rivers District Council had recommended the project be rejected, labelling the proposals "incongruous", while hotel group Ralph Trustees Limited argued it would "seamlessly integrate" the mansion with filming facilities.

A final decision had been set for a crunch meeting of the council's planning committee last Thursday (November 21), however councillors agreed to delay a decision.

After a near-two-hour meeting, some councillors signalled that while currently against the plans, they would be minded to approve them if conditions were added.

Langleybury MansionLangleybury Mansion (Image: IF_DO/Ralph Trustees Limited/Three Rivers District Council) It was noted that the plans have been in the works for a couple of years and that a further month delay would cause little harm if it ensured the right decision was reached.

A comprehensive list of conditions will now be drawn up ahead of a future meeting, likely in the new year, that will see a final decision made.

Proposed changes include demolishing buildings, building a café, a new car park, access alterations, and creating a reception inside the mansion. The application also seeks outline approval for workshop buildings, sound stages, support workshops, production offices, backlots and a training building.

Langleybury Mansion, near WatfordLangleybury Mansion, near Watford (Image: IF_DO/Ralph Trustees Limited/Three Rivers District Council) A design statement by the developer reads: “As vacant period mansions available for film production use become increasingly scarce due to repurposing and redevelopment, Langleybury Mansion remains an ideal, flexible blank canvas site for any period-based filming project.”

Key concerns raised at the meeting included the amount of lighting involved and the loss of any public access to the mansion if it were to be turned into a filming hub.

Councillors voted 5-2 in favour of a deferral, with three committee members choosing to abstain.