Plans submitted for various refurbishment works at The Badger in Ponteland

The Badger has submitted a bid to install new fixed seating, new festoon lighting, replacement French doors and a new paved area to the front beer garden, as well as carry out repairs to windows, the chimney and roof tiles, and other associated refurbishments.

The pub is located in a Grade II listed building, next to Dobbies’ Ponteland store. A new wine unit and waiter station joinery to the bar area is also being proposed.

A planning statement, one of the documents submitted to Northumberland County Council on behalf of the applicant, includes the following: “The proposal would not undermine the building’s identity as a pub or harm its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the works proposed to the building are limited in nature and do not adversely affect any overall aesthetic appearance of The Badger in any way.

“It is proposed that the internal works would benefit the function of the pub, whilst preserving its historic and architectural significance.

“This has been achieved by adopting an appropriate design approach having due regard to the local character.

“It is considered that the proposed development, overall, would improve the appearance of the public house.

“The updated scheme proposes only necessary additions to modernise where necessary and seeks to retain and repair all significant features of historic interest.”

No changes are proposed to the opening hours of the pub or garden area.