CHANGES proposed to a Weymouth harbour pub have been refused by Dorset Council.

The Old Rooms Inn at Cove Row had requested a number of external cosmetic changes as part of a refurbishment of the Grade 2 listed building. These included new planters, re-cladding an existing fence with new feather edge boards, altering and adapting the existing bar servery, creating a new door opening, the removal of an existing modern screen and installing a new fixed seat.

An application from the pub chain Greene King said: “The design philosophy of the proposal is to interfere with the authentic charm that already exists as little as possible but recognises the need for the development to enhance the existing space by developing the internal areas.”

Although Weymouth town council had supported the changes Dorset Council’s conservation team was not happy with some aspects –“Feather edge boarding is not appropriate, and a neater boarding/cladding solution should be found.

"Insufficient detail has been provided in respect of the lamp fixing. The proposed size is large and likely to look oversized above the door. The proposed mounting (scaffold poles) for the festoon lighting would not be appropriate for the listed building and a higher quality solution should be provided.”

In rejecting the application the council decided that although there would be ‘less than substantial harm’ to the conservation area the changes would not be outweighed by the benefits.

The council say that the brewery was offered the chance to submit amended plans to overcome the objection, but did not do so.

It comes as a popular harbourside restaurant, Quayside Bar and Kitchen, was refused retrospective planning permission for new doors and windows, and may be forced to rip them out.

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