The proposals for the Bedford Road site would have seen the existing hotel demolished and nine three-bedroom family homes built in its place.

North Herts Council has refused planning application 26/00393/FP, citing concerns about the impact of the proposed development on neighbouring homes.

The council said: "By reason of the proposed three-storey height and the siting in proximity to the rear boundary of the site, the proposal would result in an unacceptably dominating and overbearing presence on the rear gardens and rear windows of the neighbouring properties."

The scheme proposed nine three-bedroom properties arranged in two rows running parallel to Bedford Road. Each home would have had two off-street parking spaces and a private rear garden, as well as EV charging points, cycle storage and air-source heat pumps.

The development would also have involved alterations to the site's access onto Bedford Road and Firs Close.

The Firs Hotel is located at 83 Bedford Road, on the northern side of Hitchin.

The planning application was submitted earlier this year, with the council's concerns ultimately focusing on the scale and positioning of the proposed three-storey development and its effect on people living nearby.

The refusal means the scheme cannot go ahead in its current form, although the applicant has the option of appealing the decision or submitting revised plans.

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Residents can search for 26/00393/FP on North Herts Council's planning portal to see the full application and associated documents.