A new cycle café and six houses will be coming to Eton Wick after Royal Borough planning councillors gave the go-ahead on Wednesday, writes James Bagley.

Councillors unanimously agreed on the plan by Tejpal Chatha to convert the deserted Shepherd’s Hut pub, which closed its doors three years ago into a bicycle friendly café where both locals and passing cyclists can stop and have a warm cup of coffee.

As part of the plan the adjoining property at 49 Victoria Road will be demolished to make way for two new semi-detached homes with four others to be built on Princess Close.

Councillors and residents overwhelmingly supported the plan.

Councillor Samantha Rayner (Eton and Castle), deputy leader of the Royal Borough, said: “The new homes and café will help the economic viability of the surrounding shops and secure a better future for the residents to shop nearby and give an opportunity for a much needed café and a community meeting place.”

However, concerns were raised about the danger of flood levels as the houses would be surrounded by a high risk flooding zone.

Speaking on behalf of the applicant, Sandip Pawar, argued the walkway at the rear of the sites will be elevated to allow safe passage to Eton Wick Road.

He said: “We’ve looked at the flood levels and the floor levels of the houses to make sure they are above the flood level, including climate change, so therefore they would not flood in the event of that happening.”