Landlords of an Oxfordshire country pub can proceed with plans to build a three-bed holiday cottage.

Geoff and Jackie Noquet, of Blaze-Inn Saddles in Burdrop near Sibford, had their scheme permitted by Cherwell District Council's planning committee. 

The scheme had drawn criticism over the use of the pub. It had 22 objections and one supporting comment. 

However, the application was an amendment of a previously permitted scheme, so the planning officer recommended it for approval. 

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Holiday cottage plans (Image: Cherwell District Council) The planning committee unanimously permitted the new scheme. 

Phil Chapman, ward councillor for Cropredy, Sibfords and Wroxton, said: “There is a long history with this site, but this has been reduced in scale to make it more acceptable.”

In the planning officers' report, it said: “The conservation officer considers that there would not be harm to the designated heritage asset as a result. Therefore, the proposal would preserve the character, appearance and setting of the conservation area.

“It is noted that the proposal develops part of the car park for the existing public house, and there are concerns on the loss of this area for the viability of the public house. The local highway authority has not objected to the scheme.”

The pub was previously called The Bishop Blaze Inn, but recently had a rebrand to be called Blaze-Inn Saddles. This is so the pub is more aimed at bikers, similar to Caffeine and Machine in Stratford.