Plans lodged for The Lord Nelson on Poole Quay

Hall and Woodhouse have submitted proposals to BCP Council for minor adjustments to the Lord Nelson on Poole Quay.

This includes kitchen extract ductwork, a new gate, double doors in place of a garage door and new lighting, along with a new light above the main pub sign.

Internal works will see the female toilets moved from next to the bar, which will allow the trading area of the pub to be increased, along with moving the disabled toilets and creating a new kitchen.

A design, access and heritage statement submitted by Planning Potential on behalf of the applicant said: “As the council will be aware, wider pressures facing the hospitality trade since Covid have been well documented.

“Most pubs now rely on food as well as drink as the main source of income, therefore, any opportunity to optimise the pub’s offer should be taken.

“By doing so, the more likely that the pub will be able to safeguard its future.

“Thus, the creation of a trading area, which is better from an operational perspective will assist the viability of the pub, as its looks to build upon on its reputation and is a place to visit and eat.”

The statement said it considers the works to be minor, but that they would ‘preserve and enhance the special architectural and historic importance of the area’.

It added: “The proposed changes will allow for the current operator to refresh and improve the pub.

“They will enable a better external area to be created that will optimise the use of this space during the critical summer months.

“This will allow Hall and Woodhouse to improve their operation and ensure the viability of the pub.”

The applicant concluded: “The rationale for these minor alterations - together with the internal changes to the building – is to update and refresh the pub’s offer to meet modern day customer requirements.”

Neighbour comments on the plans are welcome until August 27. No date is set for a decision at this stage.