A former pub and Indian restaurant in Prestwood could be turned into a nursery if new plans are given the green light.

Developers want to turn the now derelict Kings Head, in Wycombe Road, into a day nursery looking after around 70 children.

An application to convert it into a house with double garage was refused by Chiltern District Council two years ago on grounds that it would “result in the loss of land and a building used for community purposes”.

The building was formerly used as a pub and subsequently changed to an Indian restaurant which closed down two years ago, and the site sits within the Metropolitan Green Belt and Chilterns AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty).

Bosses at Aitchison Raffety say the proposal would replace a “vacant and unviable drinking establishment” with a “much-needed community facility in the care sector”, adding that this addressed the council’s previous concern of the loss of a community asset.

They added: “This proposal would provide a valuable facility which would help meet the community’s day to day needs in full compliance with local policy.

“The public house had been experiencing a continued downfall in profit, resulting in three different operations in the last few years.

“The last leaseholder, in order to provide a more flexible business with less reliance on wet sales, converted the building into an Indian restaurant.

“However, even with greater food offering and formal dining, the business failed to turn an acceptable level of profit and the lease was not renewed in early 2016 when it expired.”

The application has received a number of objections, with one resident, Derek Copland, saying the “potential noise and disturbance” of up to 70 children playing outside, particularly in the summer “could be very disruptive”. He added that a smaller number would be “more acceptable”.

Another resident, Philip Gray, who is in favour of the conversion, pointed out that introducing parking to the area would not allow fire access to Woodlands in Perks Lane, which he said is a requirement.

A decision is expected to be made by Friday, May 12.