Controversial plans to redevelop the site of a historic pub in Chalfont St Giles were thrown out by the council for the third time amid concerns over parking and the size of the property.

Proposals to build a block of flats and cafe where the Miltons Head Pub once stood in Deanway were presented to Chiltern District Council’s (CDC) planning committee on December 20.

Despite council officers recommending the scheme should be approved, councillors binned the latest set of proposals.

They raised concerns the planned nine parking spaces is not enough to serve seven flats, as council policy states 18 would actually be needed.

Councillors also feared  the 2.5-storey building would be “visually intrusive and overbearing” for people living in the neighbouring property.

A report detailing the committee’s decision states: “By reason of its depth, height and proximity to the neighbouring dwelling at 22 Deanway, the proposed building would appear visually intrusive and overbearing to the occupiers of this dwelling.

“Consequently, this would be harmful to the amenities and living conditions of the neighbouring property.

“The proposed scheme details the provision of nine parking spaces to cumulatively serve the seven residential flats and coffee shop use, whereas the relevant development plan policy requires the provision of eighteen spaces in total.

“The scheme is therefore wholly deficient in parking provision.”

The popular watering hole, which sat opposite the home of 16th century writer John Milton, was gutted in a fire in 2017 and the building was quickly demolished after it was deemed unsafe.

Attempts to build a gym and apartment block, then another pub and apartment block, have also been thrown out by the council over the past year.

The latest set of proposals failed to impress residents who have branded the development “overbearing” as it is “much larger” than the neighbouring property.

Concerns were also raised over the “hazard” of extra traffic on the already congested street.