Plans by the Italian food chain Carluccio’s to install a timber floor at its new High Street eatery were shot down by politicians.
The firm, expected to open the base in late April, applied to have it sit on top of the stone floor “for hygiene reasons” at the now-vacant Berkhamsted eatery Chez Gerrard.
But at a meeting of Berkhamsted Town Council on Monday, member Laurence Handy said: “This is a listed, very important building and every other occupier has managed admirably with the stone floor.
“I find it odd that they can serve meals at tables on the pavement outside with dogs and all sorts, but need to cover the inside floor for hygiene reasons.”