A SOUTH Lakeland pub is set for an expansion after planning permission was granted for extensions at the front and side of the premises.

The work at The Pheasant Inn at Allithwaite, near Grange, will see internal floorspace increase from 281 to 360 sq metres and new outside seating areas erected. Two additional parking spaces are to be provided.

Residents have expressed concerns about the work at the pub in Flookburgh Road, however.

In their representation, Anne and Keith Hackney, who live in Flookburgh Road, described The Pheasant Inn's car park as 'alarmingly inadequate to accommodate the vehicles of the existing level of customers'.

They said customers 'regularly have to park their cars on the highway, sometimes in dangerous places, causing obvious traffic hazards' and feared the pub's expansion would exacerbate these stated issues.

"The increase in cars and delivery vehicles associated with a substantially higher volume of customers, together with an increase in pollution levels, we feel, would greatly undermine the character of our village, which is cherished by everyone," they said in their submitted representation.

The work at the pub will see the existing conservatory demolished, while the new side extension is to feature a 'pitched roof and retractable louvred roof system'.

Flookburgh Road resident Malcolm Bentley said he anticipated 'increased noise from a design which allows an open roof'. He also felt expansion of the pub would mean his lounge was 'overlooking a busier car park with a possible increase in air pollution'.

South Lakeland District Council planning officer Liz Arnold, in her recommendation of approval of the application, said the number of spaces provided in the plan adhered to advice provided by the county council.

She acknowledged that concern had been raised by Cumbria County Council's highways officer regarding illegal parking on roads near to the pub.

"In response, the agent has advised that it is not The Pheasant Inn's policy that any overflow parking is to park on the road, and in the past they have complained about residents doing so and also parking in the car park," said Ms Arnold.

"Unauthorised parking in the public-house car park is a civil matter within the control of the landlord. Illegal parking on the road is not a material planning consideration."

The application was approved subject to a number of conditions, including that music from the site shall not exceed 50 decibels between 11am and 11pm from Monday to Friday or at other times 'at measurement locations closest to residential dwellings'.