Russell Brand has reportedly sold his historic country pub for almost £1million after neighbours thwarted his bid to turn it into a recording studio. The controversial comedian, who is due to face a rape trial later this year, purchased the Crown Inn in Pishill, Oxfordshire, in 2020.

He twice applied to turn the 15th-century boozer into a recording studio for his online videos and podcasts, but was met with fierce resistance by locals. His first bid was refused after more than 50 neighbours complained. Brand, 50, withdrew the application after more complaints were lodged about his second application.

Planners had argued Brand’s agents failed to provide information The Crown Inn was economically “unviable” as a business.

The Henley Standard first reported the pub was sold to a local businessman for £975,000 – about £125,000 more than Brand is reported to have paid for it.

John Bloomer, Group Secretary of the National Farmers’ Union, is the new owner, according to the same publication.

Freddie van Mierlo, the Liberal Democrat MP for Henley, told the paper: “I’m delighted for residents who had their local pub closed for years by a ‘celebrity’ for the purpose of recording self-promotion and conspiratorial YouTube content.

“I’m so pleased that this much-loved pub is back in good hands. I wish the new owners huge success and I’m sure they will be well supported by the community.”

Brand made his name as a comedian in the late 2000s and early 2010s, but he has since reinvented himself as a podcaster and influencer.

The comedian is accused of three counts of rape, three charges of sexual assault and one allegation of indecent assault with six women alleging crimes dating from 1999 to 2009.

Brand and Mr Bloomer were approached for comment.