A councillor has stepped down from her planning duties after applying to open a restaurant in Borehamwood’s high street.

Councillor Hannah David, Hertsmere Borough Council’s planning and housing portfolio holder, asked to temporarily relinquish her role on the authority’s executive while the application was considered by officers and fellow councillors.

A decision on the plan, to change a former Kosher deli and takeaway to a restaurant and takeaway, will be considered by the Elstree and Borehamwood planning committee on Thursday.

Mrs David said: "I am hoping to open a business in the town and need to be able to represent myself at a planning meeting in the same way as any resident can.

"I do not believe I can query officers recommendations when I hold the position at the council of overseeing the planning department."

Edwin Nelken, chairman of Hertsmere’s chamber of trade, said: “We are pleased she has made an ethical decision to temporarily stand down as she is the applicant for the change of usage.”

Planning officers have recommended the application for 5 Shenley Road be refused. Their report states that given the number of existing non-retail units in the town, the proposed change of use would result in "an unacceptable over-concentration of non-retail uses in the parade”.

Council leader councillor Morris Bright said: “I agree in the interests of transparency and democracy Mrs David should not serve on the executive while the planning matter is being reviewed. However, as she has done nothing wrong, I did not feel there would be any benefit in losing this experience from the executive on a long-term basis so have agreed she should step back from this position in the short term.”

In the interim, Mr Bright will take on Mrs David’s responsibilities and will review the situation in no more than one month. Mrs David’s constituents can still contact her.