A LANDMARK Dorset pub could expand and undergo refurbishment works under new plans announced as the region prepares for an influx of visitors.

The Smugglers Inn, based in Osmington Mills near Weymouth, is a popular pub and hotel which was recently described as having one of the best beer gardens in the country.

Its owners, Hall and Woodhouse, has submitted a planning application to Dorset Council to create four new bedrooms to enable more tourists to stay.

The plans also include the replacement of doors and windows, blocking up one window, installing a balustrade and replacing a defective walkway.

Dorset Echo: Smugglers Inn aims to change its pub as Hall and Woodhouse aims to expand the business. Picture: Greenline Design LTDSmugglers Inn aims to change its pub as Hall and Woodhouse aims to expand the business. Picture: Greenline Design LTD

The pub already has four bedrooms, but the owners aim to convert existing private accommodation on the pub's first floor into new guest rooms.

Plans show that the four bedrooms will be of varying sizes and shows that they will have beds, TVs and shower and bath units. In order to carry out the work, blocked doorways will be reopened, existing cupboards and facilities will be removed as well as modify its existing plumbing.

The plans show a staircase and adjacent structure within the dining area will be removed as well as block up the opening in the ceiling. A new masonry fireplace will be created in the same area with a new log burner installed.

Doors and windows around the popular pub will be replaced with new 'like for like' doors and windows while the area at the rear of the pub will be refurbished.

Dorset Echo: The first floor will see more guest rooms. Picture: Greenline Design LTDThe first floor will see more guest rooms. Picture: Greenline Design LTD

The proposed changes have already won the support of one neighbour, who praised Hall and Woodhouse for wanting to tidy a 'rather neglected' space outside the property.

If the application is approved by Dorset Council, Hall and Woodhouse aims to begin works later this year.

Mark James, Property Director at Hall and Woodhouse, explained that the proposed works on the 'beautiful' pub are in a bid to 'invest in the future of the pub' and capitalise on the popularity of staycations.

He said: “The Smugglers Inn is a beautiful Dorset pub nestled on the Jurassic coast. With the increase in tourism and staycations, we want to invest in the future of the pub by converting some of the private accommodation into four bedrooms to provide premium overnight accommodation.

Dorset Echo: The scenic Smugglers Inn overlooks the Dorset coastThe scenic Smugglers Inn overlooks the Dorset coast

"This will add to our four existing bedrooms which we have just upgraded to a high standard ready for this summer.

“A planning application has recently been submitted for the additional four bedrooms and is yet to be determined. If successful, we would hope to carry out the work later this year.”

Comments are welcome on the application from the public until Saturday, May 8. The plans can be found on the planning section of Dorset Council's website under the reference P/FUL/2021/00531