PUNTERS planning to visit a popular bar and kitchen will be able to sit outdoors when they re-open later this month.

Bosses at The Forum, which is located on King Street in Whalley, applied to the Ribble Valley Borough Council to transform part their outdoor space into a terrace area with seating for up to 22 people.

The plans have since been approved, meaning staff at the venue can now get to work on creating the perfect outdoor space for the summertime.

A section of the planning application reads: “[Plans are to] change part of the existing car park and bin storage area on the ground floor of the rear of the property to be part of the licenced area allowing us to put to tables and chairs out and serve food and drinks.

“The area will have a boundary of temporary low-level fencing or planters to enclose the space that will be removed in winter.”

Extracts from documents approving the plans read: “The proposal includes the use of the area for six outdoor tables and 22 chairs with planters marking the boundary. There will be a limited and temporary in nature visual impact which is considered acceptable.

“The proposal will not result in any fundamental changes to the character of the area and as such it is not considered that there will be visual harm to the conservation area. The issues of the distance of the tranquil setting of Whalley Abbey has previously been cited as a concern through the change of character of its setting.

“However as aforementioned this is a busy centre with many businesses, and it is not considered that this minor additional impact would be a reason to refuse consent nor is it within the immediate setting.

“The benefits gained by allowing a business to expand and adapt to current circumstances is an economic benefit which will outweigh any limited harm by contributing to the vitality and choice within the centre.”