The Friar Pub Colchester has outdoor structures bid rejected

The Friar Public House in St Christopher Road, Colchester, applied to install a pergola and a wooden covered structure with built-in seating, as well as new security fencing.

The project would have seen outdoor heaters also included for customers to stay warm during colder weather.

A planning statement said: “These proposals are crucial for the business to continue to thrive”.

Planning bid - The Friar in St Christopher's Road, Colchester (Image: Google)

But Colchester Council rejected the application in August last year, stating the structures would be “dominant and discordant” additions to the street scene.

Planning chiefs feared they would increase noise and disturbance experienced by neighbours, as well as fuelling anti-social behaviour.

Tim Adams, on behalf of Greene King, launched an appeal against the council’s decision after it was made.

However, a planning inspector has now thrown out the appeal after determining it would be “harmful”, instead suggesting a marquee would be preferable.

Outdoors - guests outside The Friar (Image: Newsquest)

He wrote: “I note that the noise report recommended the use of thick timber and acoustic material.

“However, on the basis of the public house being busier on weekends and being able to accommodate more people, I am not convinced that this would be sufficient to mitigate the harm.

“It is also likely that neighbouring occupiers would be using their gardens during warmer summer months and have their windows open which is contrary to the noise survey.

“Any noise and disturbance from the public house would be more noticeable in these circumstances.”

Busy - The Friar pub in Colchester (Image: Google)

The inspector said he sympathises with the pub’s landlord, who is trying to build a new trade kitchen in order to introduce a full cooked food menu.

The planning application stated the proposal would help to recover some of the investment involved in this project.

“I also note that the appellant considers that without the kitchen and outdoor seating the public house might be financially unviable,” added the inspector.

“While I sympathise with the appellant, it has not been shown that the proposal is the only way to ensure the future viability of the site.”