SUPPORT has been thrown behind a Herefordshire pub's plans for a new building in its garden.

One set of neighbours had raised serious concerns over the plans for the Crown Inn in Woolhope, between Hereford and Ross-on-Wye.

A new two-bed building is wanted in the garden as the pub pushes itself towards profitability, documents sent to Herefordshire Council said.

The application for planning permission said the building, to the back of the pub, would be for guests or staff.

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Tompkins Thomas planning consultants said this would be an important revenue stream for the pub, or also help it recruit long-term, quality staff.

But neighbours Norman and Barbara Whaley said they had several concerns over the bid, including the proximity to their home, and an adverse impact on their privacy, security and "peaceful enjoyment" of the home during the night and day time. 

The couple said they were concerned over night-time lighting and more noise would disturb their sleep and be "detrimental" to their health.

But now Alina Ingham, of Aylton, said she fully supported the application as it would be "very useful" to have good quality accommodation available locally rather than having to go to Ledbury to stay.

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Walford Parish Council also threw its backing behind the project, as long as additional car parking was created.

It also wanted the applicant Annalisa Slocombe to work to alleviate parking issues in the village relating to the pub's customers.

The consultants, on behalf of Mrs Slocombe, said that the plans showed a clear business model than could secure the long-term future of the rural business.

It said it was necessary as the country pub needed to change quickly to suit the changing trading conditions.

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"Owners' and managers' accommodation and smaller letting units are essential to the pub's future," they added.

Plans show facing materials would be birch cladding under a flat, partially green, roof, with solar panels. Parking would be provided in the existing car park, which will be extended.

Herefordshire Council planners will make a decision in due course.