A pub in Borehamwood’s high street is hoping to extend into an empty neighbouring shop despite concerns over the loss of another retail unit in Shenley Road.

Woods pub, owned by pub chain Bar Room Bar, is due to have its application to extend into a former tanning shop heard at a meeting of Hertsmere Borough Council's planning committee tonight.

Last month, the Borehamwood & Elstree Times reported other businesses in the street were worried the application would herald the loss of another shop.

Despite these concerns, planning officers recommended councillors should approve the proposal because they felt it would not have a negative impact on the high street.

In the report compiled by council officers it said: “The proposed change of use will help to revitalise the shopping parade by supporting the expansion of an existing local business.”

Officers also said although a retail unit would be lost it had been left empty for a long time.

Conditions included in the officers’ recommendations include the pub keeping to its current opening times of 10am to am Sunday to Thursday and 10am to 2am Fridays and Saturdays.

Edwin Nelkin, chairman of Hertsmere’s chamber of trade said although he supported the expansion of established businesses the high street would suffer from the permanent loss of another shop in Shenley Road.

Food outlets Pizza Hut, Great Wall of China and Caledonian Chicken and Ribs are all located close to Woods.