Appeal launched against decision to block pub plans

The plans could see the pub replaced by shops, offices and apartments

A developer has appealed against a council's decision to reject proposals to demolish an empty pub and replace it with flats and shops.

The Feathers pub on the High Street in Rushden, Northamptonshire, closed in January 2018 after a fire.

Briggs and Hulland Ltd (BHL) had been told by North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) it could not build on the site. BHL has now asked the government's planning inspectorate to overturn the decision.

NNC planners originally rejected the plans in January 2024, describing them as "unsympathetic and eclectic".

'Overbearing impact'

Rushden Town Council, also said the plans would have an "overbearing impact".

The proposals involved knocking the pub down and replacing it with a three-storey building and a two-storey courtyard building containing two retails units, two offices and 10 two-bedroom apartments.

BHL argued that the council "comprehensively failed to address the application in an appropriate manner" and said it believed there are "no compelling reasons" to refuse the project.

While no decision date has been set for the appeal, final comments from all parties are required by 3 September.