A POPULAR Ribble Valley pub has applied for permission to significantly alter its appearance.

The Bonny Inn, a Daniel Thwaites-run pub in Ribchester Road, Clayton-le-Dale, has submitted a planning application to Ribble Valley borough council for the work.

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The plan includes the construction of a timber conservatory to the rear of the beer garden, the re-location of the beer store and adaptations to the existing beer store to form a new lounge, as well as an extension of the kitchen and bar service.

Architects Fish Associates said in the design and access statement on behalf of Thwaites: “The existing premises are tired and outdated and are not able to provide the quality food and drink offering our client desires.

“The scheme seeks to use a previously developed site and has been designed to provide a high-quality scheme with its own identity and coherent character.”

The architects also said the scheme will have no impact on the surrounding countryside.

The statement said: “Thwaites have secured an existing and respected successful licensee and chef, Michael Heathcote, to take over the Bonny Inn and add this to the Duke of York at Grindleton and recent success for Thwaites – The Higher Buck in Waddington.”

The detached pub, characterised by its 19th century stone, will be extended by 118 square metres from 393 square metres and add extra disability car parking spaces.

Thwaites also propose to extend the seating in the pub to 100 people, and will include stained lacquered oak doors and windows in the conservatory.

No one was available to comment from Thwaites but according to the company’s website: “The Bonny Inn is the sole pub in the village and boasts beautiful views over the valley.

“The planned refurbishment will develop the interior and exterior of the pub, making structural and decorative changes to create a brand new pub business.

“This is a public house that requires investment to sustain its future and the client is willing to expand its current operation on site by providing a high-quality destination food offering.”

Phil Drew chairman of Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) East Lancs branch, said it was important the pub stayed open and would still be a drinkers’ pub.

He said: “It’s a positive step forward for the pub to be refurbished.”