DISTRICT planners have approved a scheme to build a detached four bedroom home in the grounds of a Forest village pub.

Paul Williams has been granted permission by Forest of Dean District Council to go ahead with his plans for the Yew Tree Inn in Longhope.

His proposals for the two-storey home to be occupied by the manager of the public house were debated by councillors this week.

The rationale for the development is to provide accommodation for the operator of the inn as their current first floor has severe limitations, such as the lack of a kitchen separate from the public house.

The application site itself is a small parcel of the curtilage of the Yew Tree Inn public house on the raised land to the rear of the pub’s car park.

Council officers recommended approving the plans but they were referred to the development control committee on June 13 as the site lies outside of Longhope’s defined settlement boundary.

Case officer Roland Close said: “The proposal may assist in maintaining the viability of the public house as a viable enterprise.”

Councillor Simon Phelps (I, Westbury-on-Severn), proposed accepting the officer’s recommendation and this was seconded by Cllr Richard Burton (G, Newnham).

Cllr Gill Moseley (LD, Newent) said: “All of the previous objectors seem to have withdrawn their objections so I see no reason to do anything but support the officer recommendation.” The committee voted to grant planning permission.