Plan seeks to extend beer garden at Wetherspoons pub in Stourbridge

JD Wetherspoon has applied for permission to extend the existing beer garden and add a new bin store, new double door and windows to the rear of The Chequers Inn.

A previous application was withdrawn after complaints were submitted to Dudley Council planners from residents concerned about noise pollution and the council’s environmental safety and health team recommended refusal of the application.

A new application was registered on April 15, according to Dudley Council’s planning portal.

A noise assessment report by Dragonfly Consulting submitted on behalf of JD Wetherspoon PLC to Dudley planners indicates there would be no issue with noise from the development and it adds: “It is proposed to extend the external area into a seating area, and increase the capacity to 80 covers, totalling an area approximately 925 sq ft. 

“As part of the extension, the existing building south of the external area is to be repositioned and situated to the west and utilised as a bin store. The hours of use for the external seating area are: opening time to 11pm.”

A biodiversity impact assessment says an area of hardstanding used as a beer garden and a former bin store have already been developed to create a new beer garden which is now in use.

Dudley Council confirmed an application to extend the beer garden has been lodged with council planners after a previous proposal was withdrawn.

John Chapman, head of acquisitions and disposals for JD Wetherspoon, said the additional proposed changes would tidy up the rear of the pub site and as well as making provision for a few extra customers.

It's understood the pub chain wants to buy the public toilet block at the rear of the pub to use as a bin store to help create the extra space for the revamped garden.

Mr Chapman said: "It's just going to improve the general area and view from the street - make it visibly more appealing and get a few more tables in."