A GRADE II Listed pub in Preston Candover will be extended to provide overnight accommodation after plans were approved by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

The Purefoy Arms will reopen under new management after Candover DFB bought the freehold of the pub, previously owned by head chef Gordon Stott, after its closure in January.

Developers lodged an application with the borough council on March 27 to transform the building to allow overnight accommodation in addition to a deli, a cafe and an extension to the car park.

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Under the proposals, the extension named the 'Garden Wing' will contain three double bedrooms, a lounge and toilets. A covered walkway will be built to connect the Garden Wing and the pub, providing covered seating areas.

The existing barns will be utilised as a new deli and cafe, with the current car parking available at the pub transformed to provide spaces for customers. 

A number of other changes will also be made as part of the transformation, including the installation of a commercial kitchen, the removal of walls to open up the bar area and a new dining space illuminated by natural light.

Residents have raised mixed opinions about the plans due to concerns it could affect Swifts inhabiting the area and impact business for the village shop.

Objecting to the plans, resident Alison Davidson said that plans to build a shelter outside the front of the pub could harm the 'character and architectural interest of the building'.

Charity Hampshire Swifts, which works to conserve the birds living in the county, also raised an objection, stating that the proposals could have a 'seriously detrimental effect' on the Swift colony at the pub.

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The charity continued: "If the Purefoy Arms colony loses its current nest sites, it is very unlikely that the birds would find anywhere to nest in the surrounding area as the houses tend to be too well maintained to have the necessary gaps or crevices."

Resident Sophia Hill said she 'wholeheartedly supports the plans', adding: "Keeping and enhancing the pub will be a valuable asset to the village and local community."

Another, Charlotte Hellewell, said she supports the redevelopment but would welcome the installation of 'integral swift bricks' to protect the birds.

In a decision published on Monday, October 21, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council approved the proposals subject to conditions.