A NEW look for the Smugglers Inn at Osmington has been approved – giving the historic pub a revamp and adding four guest bedrooms.
Dorset Council has agreed the changes for Blandford-based owners Hall and Woodhouse.
New doors and windows are planned as part of the works which will see the conversion of existing private rooms on the first floor into new guest rooms complete with showers and baths.
The work will involve re-opening blocked doorways and removing some storage space with a new log burner installed in the dining area.
Said Mark James, Property Director at Hall and Woodhouse at the time the planning application was submitted: “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.
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“This will add to our four existing bedrooms which we have just upgraded to a high standard ready for this summer.”
The works are expected to take place later in the year after the peak holiday season.
Said neighbour Peter Hales in a letter commenting on the application to Dorset Council: “I am pleased to see that the area at the back of the pub is to be tidied up, this has become rather neglected over recent times. Hall and Woodhouse should be applauded for making this area more appealing. “
Osmington Parish Council has welcomed the changes although commented about the 35-space limit on parking given the likely increase in visitors.
Dorset Council say that a previous application for additional letting rooms was approved in 1994 but was not implemented.
One of the conditions of this, new consent, is that work will have to begin within three years, or will lapse.
Other conditions include the replacement door, window and brickwork having to match the existing for materials, finish and colour. Prior to work starting on replacing a defective rear walkway a structural report will need to be submitted and approved by the council.
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