Councillors will decide next week whether a pub near Hitchin will be allowed to build nine new houses on its land, despite concerns about overdevelopment on the site.

The owners of The Bell, in Codicote High Street, are applying for planning permission to demolish its current outbuildings and build new residential properties.

The outbuildings to the rear of the pub had previously served as motel units, but according to the application these had "not been trading well" in recent years.

The pub and motel are currently closed, with the development bringing the space back into use.

However, residents have said that the plans risk being "imposing and overwhelming".

The plans include a mix of two, three and four bedroomed terraced or detached dwellings, up to a total of nine units. The sizes "appropriate for this location in Codicote". One of the dwellings will be single-storey, with the rest two-storey.

There will be parking provision for each home as well as a new car park built for customers of The Bell, if it was to reopen.

The decision will come more than a year after the proposals were first brought forward. After a number of objections were raised, the developers and owners submitted revised plans in March 2021.

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North Hertfordshire District Council's Planning Control Committee will hear the application on Thursday September 2, after being called in by Councillor Ian Moody (Conservative, Codicote) who said he was aware of a number of public objections.

These included from neighbouring residents concerned about the number of dwellings included in the land, proximity between homes and a potential increase in traffic.

Historic England had also raised concerns about the impact on the Codicote Conservation Area, but following the reduction in the height of one building and the introduction of gabled roofs, believes steps have been made to ensure there is no adverse impact on the area.

A conservation officer from North Hertfordshire District Council also said that the more recent proposals are unobjectionable, although said a reduction in the number of dwellings and more space to the rear of The Bell would be their preferred option.

Council officers have not raised any concerns about the proposals and note that the closest plots will have slanted roofs and be at a lower ground level to avoid affecting the privacy of other residents.

Officers are recommending that councillors grant planning permission, subject to conditions. These include requiring approval on the brick type, roof tiles and including provision for electric vehicle charging points.

A decision on the proposals will be made at council's Planning Control Committee on Thursday, September 2.