A bid to build a new terrace and outside bar at a landmark East Lancashire pub has been thwarted by planners.

Greene King bosses, who took over the Spread Eagle in Mellor at the start of this year, have been told they are not allowed to expand their outdoor area in the way they had planned.

In documents submitted to the Ribble Valley Borough Council, a plan for a new terrace with grassed area for seating next to the car park was outlined, as was a desire to create and outdoor bar complete with cellar.

In total the project would have allowed the pub-restaurant to accommodate an extra 100 covers outside.

However the application, which was objected to by seven nearby residents in the village and the parish council, was rejected for several reasons.

In a report, planning bosses said: “It is considered the proposed surfaced area and external furniture would result in the introduction of an unsympathetic, incongruous and discordant encroachment into the defined open countryside.

"It would significantly undermine the open-aspect character of the area, being of significant detriment to the character and visual amenities of the defined open countryside and immediate vicinity.

“As such, for the above reasons and having regard to all material considerations and matters raised that the application is recommended for refusal.”

The Parish Council said it was "surprised" pub bosses had "not appeared to have availed themselves of the opportunity to seek planning officer guidance" for the application, considering it had been refused permission previously for a timber pergola.

It added: “The design and layout of the proposal show a lack of local awareness for the surrounds and is not in keeping with the situation of this rural aspect.

“The proposed extension would create light pollution both in the locality and across the Ribble Valley, given the site’s position on the top of the hill.

“The proposed location of the new terrace area and bar would reduce the view of the valley from Mellor Lane for walkers as well as residents.”

It went on to say an outdoor bar would be out of keeping with the largely local, farming community – and raised concerns over an increase in noise levels.

Very similar concerns were expressed by the villagers who objected to the plans.

Bosses now have six months to appeal the decision.