Plans to transform a much-loved village pub into a high-end eatery owned by celebrity chef Raymond Blanc were thrown out by the council on Wednesday amid concerns over parking.

Wycombe District Council’s planning committee binned The White Brasserie Co's proposals to expand The King's Head in Church Road – which closed in March this year - following opposition from residents and Little Marlow Parish Council.

Plans outlined the construction of a single storey side extension and a linked extension to the rear pavilion to accommodate a new kitchen, customer area and toilets at the 17th century pub.

Representing the White Brasserie Co, Paul van Zijl, said the £1million development would “breathe new life” into the pub and prevent further deterioration of the Grade II listed building.

He said: “The building is listed so it is even more important that it receives the investment it needs to keep it water tight, productive and beneficial to the local community and 30 new jobs will be created although not all of these people will be working simultaneously…

“The proposal is an excellent opportunity to breathe new life into the pub and secure significant investment into the fabric of an attractive, listed building which until now has been vacant for over five months.

“The alternative would be to remain empty, unproductive and at risk of further deterioration.”

The proposals outlined 28 parking spaces for the development, including two for staff, to fit in line with the Buckinghamshire Countywide Parking Guidance.

However councillors argued that two parking spaces would not facilitate the 20 full-time members off staff that would work at the pub, adding that there is no alternative parking nearby.

Councillor Neil Marshall said: “I would propose that we refuse on the grounds of, and as the high ways officer has said, the parking requirement could exceed the provision that’s made.

“He acknowledges in that he has particular concern due to the lack of any public car parks in little Marlow, lack of regular public transport links and the restricted width of the road without pedestrian footways.”

The online application received mixed reaction from residents, with some supporting the revitalisation of the pub while criticised the loss of the pavilion for community use.

Summing up the concerns of councillors planning development manager Ray Martin said: “The proposed development, by virtue of the configuration of the number of parking spaces proposed, is considered to provide inadequate parking for the size of the development proposed, taking into account the unsustainable location and reliance of the business to attract customers from the immediate locality.”