Refusal, then agreement, for recess (4)
I believe the answer is:
nook
'for recess' is the definition.
(a nook is an architectural recess)
'refusal then agreement' is the wordplay.
'refusal' becomes 'no'.
'then' says to put letters next to each other.
'agreement' becomes 'ok' (I've seen this in other clues).
'no'+'ok'='NOOK'
(Other definitions for nook that I've seen before include "Comfortable corner" , "Recess offering seclusion" , "Hidey-hole" , "Quiet corner" , "small secure zone" .)