Russell Brand's second bid to convert pub comes after 53 objections (2024)

Russell Brand's second bid to turn an 800-year-old village pub into a recording studio for his ranting videos and podcasts comes after 53 neighbours objected to the first one.

The disgraced comic, 48, had his first application to convert The Crown in Pishill, Oxfordshire rejected in February with furious locals accusing him of treating the picturesque village like a 'playground'.

Then just two weeks later, Brand's production company - Pablo Diablo's Legitimate Business Firm Limited - submitted another application, calling for the pub's first floor to be made into offices with the garage and cottage converted into a filming studio.

The latest plans for the Grade II listed building are still under consideration by South Oxfordshire District Council, despite a decision being due earlier this month.

Neighbours previously told MailOnline that Brand had been using the space to record his YouTube videos and podcasts, as well as to hold meetings, which they claimed sometimes brought '20 or 30' cars onto the country road.

Now furious localsin Pishill have voiced their objections to the most recent application with the parish council clerk,Pat Pearce, pointing out the similarities between this and the previous plans.

She said: 'The Parish Council maintains their strong objection to the proposed mixed use of the site as described in the supporting documentation supplied with the application.

'It is the parish council's view that the application is very similar to the previous application and our comments on that remain valid for this application.'

Mrs Pearce 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.'

Locals Dr Noel and Barbara Snell hit out at the application claiming that the pub has been used 'without permission for change of use as offices and a recording studio'.

The couple added: 'We were delighted when the current owners purchased this property, not least as this kept it from falling into the hands of developers.

'Sadly we have become disillusioned as we have seen the buildings used for non-permitted purposes, and there seems currently little prospect of the Crown resuming its function as our major community meeting place and pub.'

Marnie Watson called on the council to act on locals behalf to 'prevent predatory purchases by developers and businesses'.

She added: 'The Crown Inn is a unique part of Pishill's heritage and a vital community asset. It also serves as an important amenity for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and visitors who regularly visit this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

'Too many local pubs have already been lost locally to alternative use when they have a viable future as a pub, often because the value of the pub site for development is greater than its value simply as a pub.'

Since purchasing The Crown, the British actor has been accused of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse dating back to the height of his career, with police investigating claims. Brand has vehemently denied all allegations.

The alleged incidents took place during his heydey between 2006 and 2013 while he was working for the BBC and Channel 4, alongside starring in Hollywood films.

Brand is estimated to earn around £4.7million a year selling exclusive online content which feature his anti-establishment rants.

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