Councillors have deferred a decision on plans to build nine homes on the land of a Codicote pub, after concerns were raised about the impact on the village's Conservation Area.

The proposals would have seen the demolition of The Bell Inn's outbuildings, which would be replaced with residential housing.

The plans submitted to North Hertfordshire District Council would bring the High Street site back into use, following the closure of the pub, while the application said that the motel had "not been trading well".

The plans included two, three and four bedroomed terraced or detached dwellings. It also included 11 parking spaces for the pub, in case it reopens.

The application was called in by local councillor Councillor Ian Moody (Conservative, Codicote) following a number of public objections, including concerns about the impact on neighbouring houses, the flood risk and damage to the Codicote Conservation Area.

A resident speaking against the proposals at the meeting on Thursday, September 2 said that he risked losing all privacy if the developments went ahead.

He said his 1.8m fence is only at "waist-height" at ground level because of the site's slope, adding "there would be absolutely no privacy either way between my property and the proposed property on both floors."

Mark Wescott, Director of HGH Consulting, spoke in favour of the scheme and said they had worked with the council to refine the design to address many of the concerns – including heritage and privacy concerns.

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The applicant said that they had taken steps to ensure that it would not impact the village's heritage, and the houses would be an appropriate size for the location.

Mr Westcott added: "In planning terms, the scheme is policy compliant and will make a positive, optimal and efficient use of this underutilised previously developed site."

Officers recommended approval of the scheme, however councillors said they wanted more information before voting on the scheme.

Councillor David Levett (Conservative, Letchworth South East) raised concerns about the flood risk in the area, and said that the buildings would have a "significant" impact on the views from the High Street.

Cllr Levett said: "As it stands at the moment, I think it's far too much of an imposition on the Conservation Area, it hasn't been considered enough and I can't agree to this development."

The councillor had originally proposed to refuse permission, but said he was willing to propose a deferral of the decision to allow the applicant to address the council's concerns. The motion passed 8-0 with one abstention.

The application will now be heard at a later date upon completion of a Flood Risk Assessment, and a more detailed report on the impact on the Conservation Area.