Developers have launched an appeal after the council refused to allow the demolition of a pub and the building of four new houses.

Hertsmere Borough Council refused planning permission to knock down the Queen Adelaide pub, in London Road, Shenley, last November.

At the time, the council said: “The demolition of the existing building would be detrimental to the character and appearance of Shenley Conservation Area.”

But Firecrest Real Estate is now appealing against the decision. The developer wants to build four, three-bedroom houses with space for eight cars.

The pub closed last February and is located next to the village’s Cage Pond and war memorial.

The appeal has now been sent to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and will be dealt with over the coming months.