JD Wetherspoon applied to extend a small external smoking area at The Chequers Inn in Stourbridge, as well as demolish a council building that is on the site, build a new bin store and install a new boundary wall, gates and railings to enclose the enlarged beer garden to the rear.
The application, which is in part retrospective, was approved by Dudley Council planners this week (September 22).
It is the second application the pub chain has made the authority to expand its beer garden, with initial plans having been withdrawn in October last year after complaints were submitted to Dudley Council planners from residents concerned about noise pollution.
12 letters of objection were submitted to council planners in relation to the first application, compared to two in regards to this application.
In the officer’s report, it says the plans have been amended throughout the progression of the application, which was registered in April, to improve the appearance of the proposed wall, gates and railings that are set to enclose the beer garden.
These will comprise of traditional brick wall, brick pillars and railings at a maximum height of 2.05 meters.
The plans also grant permission for a double door and new windows to be installed at the rear elevation of the pub.
Part of the proposed application site is currently owned and maintained by the council.
Two letters of objection had been received from neighbours referencing potential noise impacts to nearby residents and the historical importance of the Court Chambers building.
The officer’s report concludes: “It is considered that the part retrospective permission for the extension to the existing outdoor beer garden along with the erection of a new bin store and alterations to the host property and boundary treatments would have limited impact on the character and appearance of the property and respects and responds positively to the designated Area of High Historic Townscape Value.
“Furthermore, the proposal, subject to appropriate conditions, would have limited impact on residential amenities in terms of noise and disturbance and on highway safety.”
Head of Planning at Dudley Council, Carl Mellor, approved the plans under the conditions that the beer garden cannot use any speakers or musical amplification equipment and that it can only open between the hours of 9am and 9pm.
The beer garden will have room for 78 guests in total, expanding from 17 square meters to 88 square meters.
External seating had already been installed in the beer garden prior to the approval of the application.
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