An appeal bid to redevelop a pub into a new cafe and flats has been turned down.

A planning application was sent to Havering Council in February 2022 by Dyer Developments to demolish the King Harold Pub in Harold Wood, and erect a building with a café/pub in the ground floor and 25 flats above.

The venue, now known as The Harold, was where seven-year-old schoolboy Harvey Tyrrell died in September 2018 after being electrocuted.

The application was rejected by the council in July 2022, citing that it would result in the loss of a pub and a community facility among other reasons.

The council’s decision was appealed by the applicant the following month, but has now been  dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate.

Inspector Nick Palmer said the plan would "harm" the character and appearance of the area and also said the loss of the pub would cause harm.

Read More: Harvey Tyrrell death: Mum calls for electrical safety checks

Ben Dyer, of Dyer Developments, previously told this paper that the plan was to “provide a positive legacy” at the site.

But concerns were raised by people who claimed that the new flats would add to the traffic and have a detrimental impact on the infrastructure of the area.

A copy of the appeal decision can be accessed on the council’s website: https://msp.havering.gov.uk/planning/search-applications#DOC?DocNo=2825788

The venue has been contacted for comment.