The site of a demolished former pub is set to get a major regeneration to bring a new inn to a Berkshire village.

The former Royal Oak in the village of Paley Street, which was demolished last year, will be redeveloped into a new restaurant.

Planning officers granted retrospective approval for the demolition and gave the green light for the fresh development to go ahead.

The design and access statement claims: “The Royal Oak will be a beautiful, accessible restaurant which sensitively responds to its classic English countryside surroundings.

“Special attention has been paid to making this building blend into its surroundings with naturally weathering materials and carefully planned landscaping.

“To achieve these aims will require substantial investment to develop a new, environmentally sustainable building to house the modern facilities that create a warm and welcoming environment for customers.”

The plans will see the original historic core of the previous building rebuilt as part of the project.

It would also bring a new dining area, refuse store and plant area with screening garden to the site.

While the pub falls within the Green Belt, planning officers deemed that the proposals would not have any greater impact than what came before it.

The officers’ report added: “The proposal would employ 14 full time jobs and more part time ones.

“Pubs are considered important community facilities, and is defined in the Hurley and Waltham Neighbourhood Plan Policy GEN5 as such.

“Pubs are closing at an alarming rate and as such, the retention and redevelopment of this pub is considered a planning gain.”

It adds that a total of 33 parking spaces would be provided, including two accessible spaces.

The planning statement reads: “The key goals for the design has been to rebuild the historic core and to create a new building which can support a successful and sustainable business, offering customers the best possible experience, and which is also appropriate development in the Green Belt.”

To find out more about this planning application, visit the RBWM planning portal with the reference 23/02106/FULL.