Plans to turn a failing pub/restaurant into housing have been turned down after two people stepped forward to say they wanted to take it over.

The proposals to convert the Kings Head in Prestwood into a house were unanimously turned down by members of Chiltern District Council’s planning committee last night, with a loss of a community facility being cited as the main reason for refusal.

During the meeting it emerged two people had separately approached the council to say they would be interested in buying the business and operating the Kings Head as a pub. It was most recently run as an Indian restaurant, with a separate bar area.

Committee members were also told that Great Missenden Parish Council has made a bid to have the building listed as a community asset under the Localism Act, which would mean it could be run by a community organisation.

Members said the applicant had not demonstrated the property had been on the market for long enough to determine if there was any interest in buying the pub.

Cllr John Gladwin said there were a number of very successful pubs operating in the Prestwood, Great Missenden and Little Kingshill area and said there was no reason why the Kings Head could not run as a viable business.

He said: “The reason why the pub has failed is because they haven’t put proper management in, who know how to run a pub.”

Cllr Nigel Shepherd added: “Our policy is quite clear. The very last thing we would consider is residential [use], and that’s a long way away.”