A planning application to extend The Hare and Hounds in Northbourne was unanimously agreed by planners.

The popular pub applied for a first floor rear extension, a single story rear and side extension as well as external alterations to provide terraces.

The application brought forward at a meeting on Thursday was a revised plan, which neighbours said was an improvement on the first.

It received eight letters of objection on the grounds of loss of parking. But case officer Kerri Bland outlined that only the few parking spaces at the front will be lost with the main car park being retained.

Others concerns were that the redesign and alteration was out of keeping with the village and that the rear terrace will create noise to neighbouring properties.

Mrs Bland explained that any air ducts would need planning permission in their own right.

Cllr James Back moved the recommendation to approve the application, which was seconded by Cllr Trevor Bond.

Cllr Bond said: “I cannot find one reason why we would refuse it. I am aware of this pub and its location. Parking is not an issue. It looks like it has been pretty tastefully designed. I am supporting it 100%.”

Cllr Simon Bannster agreed. He said: “We should be supporting local businesses.”

Speaking to the Mercury afterwards, a neighbour, who didn’t want to be named, said: “We are in support of the pub. We want to see it succeed.”