A long-running dispute over plans to build new flats behind a popular London Colney pub appears to have finally been settled - after St Albans City and District Council refused an appeal.

The row began back in May 2022 when plans were submitted for the development of four flats behind the White Horse pub, with the pub's car park needing to be reconfigured as a result.

At the time, the plans were met with a raft of public objections and after a lengthy consultation, officers rejected the proposals.

They pointed to the lack of space the development would provide and claimed the new flats would represent an "overdevelopment" of the site.

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Developers Planning Consultants Limited lodged an appeal against the decision in October.

They argued that the site is a "sustainably-located brownfield site" that is suitable for development, while arguing that "the scheme responds positively to the character of the area."

But this week the appeal was refused, seemingly bringing the saga to a close.

The council has cited the proximity of the flats to the pub's beer garden as the main reason for the rejection, believing that this, along with the lack of parking, would be harmful to public safety.