Great Cornard’s Kings Head pub refused permission for outdoor seating area and smoking shelter

Plans for a new outdoor seating and smoking area outside a Suffolk public house have been rejected, ruling that the design would have an unacceptable impact on surrounding homes and the pub itself.

The Kings Head pub in Great Cornard had sought permission to build a smoking shelter, covered seating area and snow-boards outside its premises.

The planning application received the backing of Great Cornard Parish Council – although it added that maintaining low noise and privacy for neighbouring properties needed due consideration.

However, Babergh District Council refused the application on Wednesday, ruling that it conflicted with the area’s Joint Local Plan.

In particular, a report highlighted flaws in the proposal’s design, which it concluded would be to the detriment of the pub – a Grade II listed heritage asset – as well as nearby homes.

Case officer Adam Lockwood said: “The structures have the appearance of being temporary and of a poor quality, and do little to compliment the setting of the listed building in which they are set immediately behind.”