Plans to change a village pub into a high-end gastropub owned by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc could “decimate a valuable and unique old building”, residents fear.

The King's Head in Little Marlow could become part of The White Brasserie Company after plans were submitted to Wycombe District Council by the celebrity chef's chain last month.

If they are given the go-ahead, the Grade II listed, in Church Road, will be extended after plans complained that the kitchen is "too small and cannot cope with the demands made upon it."

The 16th century pub, which was run by Clive and Julie Harvison for nearly ten years, closed in its current form on April 2 to allow for the new owners to start renovation work.

Some residents in the village have criticised the plans to extend the historic pub who fear the development will be a “disaster” for the people of Little Marlow.

Linda Green, who lives in nearby Winchbottom Lane, said: “This looks like it will decimate a valuable and unique old building that has been there for hundreds of years.

“In addition, because the new owners are internationally known, it will cause additional traffic problems for those who want to park in the village.”

Emma Marsden, on behalf of Little Marlow Parish Council, said she is “pleased” the pub will be developed and “remain an amenity for the village” but agreed that parking is a concern.

She said: “There is already a shortage of parking at the Kings Head with the proposed increase in covers this will only exacerbate the problem.

“The pub is located in narrowest part of Church Road - cars from the Kings Head already impede the access to neighbouring properties and this will only get worse. This will also hinder access for emergency vehicles.”

On the other hand, Roy Mills, who lives in School Lane, said the project would be an “asset” to the village.

He said: “We need to bear in mind that parking is a common issue throughout the village. I would encourage seeking a solution to the general car parking issue in the village but it would seem wholly in appropriate to delay the Kings Head redevelopment until a solution can be found.”

As well as extending the kitchen and relocating it to the pavilion, developers will improve wheelchair access to the pub and the toilets while adding more dining space and returning the main bar back to drinking space only.

They also plan to reinstate the main entrance to the pub after completing the improvement works.

A planning statement said: “For an old pub it lends itself pretty well in terms of access for its customers. There is a good amount of level car parking immediately adjacent to the pub.

“The introduction of a wheelchair accessible WC, larger kitchen and larger dining space make the practical changes that will ensure a sustainable future for the premises.”

Wycombe District Council has until May 2 to make a decision.