Russell Brand dealt fresh blow as he's refused permission for major career move

The comedian had submitted plans for the Crown Inn pub in Pishill, near Henley-on-Thames.

But furious villagers kicked up a fuss as they feared losing their “popular watering hole” - with a total of 53 objections being submitted.

The application to convert the pub, which he bought in 2020, was submitted to South Oxfordshire District Council in November.

But it has now been refused by the council after planners said Mr Brand’s agents had failed to provide information that The Crown Inn is economically ‘unviable’ as a business.

If proven, this could have cleared the way for its conversion.

The planning officer wrote: “The proposed development would result in the loss of an essential community facility.

“This application has failed to demonstrate an acceptable replacement for the lost facility and has failed to demonstrate that the facility is no longer required and is no longer economically viable.”

The conversion project would have created office and studio space for Brand's popular independent video series.

Jeremy Tweddle from Berrick Salome, was among those to object.

He said: “I have lived in the area since 1989 and have enjoyed many visits to the Crown, which I consider to be an asset to the community and surrounding area.

“In my opinion, it appears that the current owners have bought a public house, made no effort to run is as such and now declare it not viable.”

David Orpwood from Britwell Salome said he was “devastated” at the prospect the pub could close.

Mr Brand reportedly previously met councillors from Pishill with Stonor Parish Council to try and dispel their concerns about his plans.

He promised not to submit any planning application until a public consultation event was held, according to council clerk Pat Pearce.

“This never took place,” Mrs Pearce said in a public comment on behalf of the parish council.

She added: “The applicant has never opened the premises, so they cannot prove that it is not viable.

“It has previously been a thriving public house and restaurant, with the barn being used as a successful wedding and party venue.

“We fail to see why this cannot be achieved again with the correct dedication and commitment.”

David Cooper from the South Oxfordshire branch of the Campaign for Real Ale claimed the pub was an “essential community facility”.

The application to convert the pub was submitted by Pablo Diablo's Legitimate Business Firm.

If approved, the ground and first floor of the seventeenth century building would have been changed from a pub into offices under the plans.

A barn beside the main building would have been used for “community-based purposes” and “a food/drink outlet” would have been created in nearby stables, planning agents JCPC said in a design and access statement.

It added: “The proposals would deliver and maintain significant economic benefits, with the offices utilised in connection with an established digital media production enterprise that provides a range of job opportunities.”

Mr Brand’s representatives have been contacted for comment.