Russell Brand’s second attempt to turn an 800-year-old village pub into a recording studio for his wacky videos and podcasts comes after 53 neighbors objected to the first.
The disgraced comic, 48, had his first application to convert The Crown in Pishill, Oxfordshire, rejected in February, with furious residents 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 turned into offices, with the garage and house turned into a studio shooting.
The latest plans for the Grade II listed building are still under consideration by South Oxfordshire District Council, despite a decision expected earlier this month.
Neighbors previously told MailOnline that Brand used the space to record his YouTube videos and podcasts, as well as hosting meetings which they said sometimes brought “20 or 30” cars onto the country road.
Russell Brand’s second attempt to turn an 800-year-old village pub into a recording studio for his wacky videos and podcasts comes after 53 neighbors objected to the first.
Russell Brand, 48, bought The Crown in Pishill, Oxfordshire in 2020 for £870,000, with many believing he would keep the Grade II listed building as a beloved bar for residents of the small village.
Initially the council received 53 objections to the plans which were rejected in February
Today, furious Pishill residents voiced their objections to the most recent application to parish council clerk Pat Pearce, highlighting the similarities between this project and previous plans.
She said: “The parish council maintains its strong objection to the proposed mixed use of the site as described in the supporting documents provided with the application.
“The parish council considers that the application is very similar to the previous application and our comments on this remain valid for this application.”
Ms Pearce added: “The claimant has never opened the premises so he cannot prove that it is not viable.
“It was previously a successful pub and restaurant, with the barn being used as a successful wedding and party venue.
“We see no reason why this cannot be achieved again with the appropriate dedication and commitment.”
Local residents Dr Noel and Barbara Snell slammed the application, saying the pub had been used “without permission for a change of use as offices and a recording studio”.
The couple added: “We were delighted when the current owners purchased this property, not least because it stopped it falling into the hands of developers.
Furious Pishill residents have voiced their objections to the most recent application to parish council clerk Pat Pearce, highlighting the similarities between this project and previous plans.
Neighbors previously told MailOnline that Brand used the space to record his YouTube videos and podcasts.
“Unfortunately, we have been disappointed as we have seen the buildings used for unauthorized purposes, and it currently appears unlikely that the Crown will resume its function as the principal meeting place and community pub.”
Marnie Watson called on the council to act on behalf of residents to “prevent predatory buying by developers and businesses”.
She added: “The Crown Inn is a unique part of Pishill’s heritage and a vital community asset. It also provides 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 uses despite having 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 psychological abuse dating back to the height of his career, and police have investigated the allegations. Brand has vehemently denied all allegations.
The alleged incidents took place during his heyday between 2006 and 2013, when he worked for the BBC and Channel 4, while also starring in Hollywood films.
Brand is estimated to earn around £4.7 million a year selling exclusive online content featuring his anti-establishment rants.
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