A Hampshire country pub has submitted plans for an extension, including a disabled toilet.

The Hunters Inn, near Romsey, was taken over by Chris and his wife Nicola Schutrups last year.

The application will increase the trade space inside. The plan was discussed at Romsey Town Council's planning committee on May 11, when Cllr Ian Culley said: “Anything we can do to keep the pub trade going should be encouraged.”

No comments in support or objection have been submitted to Test Valley Borough Council.

READ MORE: Hampshire country pub closes due to cost of living crisis

On the planning statement, it said: “There have been a number of alterations and adaptations at The Hunters. This application seeks to alter the modern extension and improve the external appearance and at the same time provide additional internal trade space and disabled facilities.

“Due to the positioning of various posts and dwarf walls the existing rear access is not used as it should be. By removing the obstructions and forming the small extension the rear access from the car-park is improved with a ramp down to form access in the rear of the pub.

“The addition of windows facing east will allow additional natural light into the commercial trade areas.

“The proposal touches on an older 19th century extension which would have been to the east of the main original building. This area has been previously enclosed upon to form the modern eastern toilet block and extension from 30 years ago. The roof covering, guttering, fascias would have all been replaced at this time.

“The new extension will tie into the modern roof covering and remove modern fascias with no impact or alterations to the older airbrick beneath.

“The brickwork will not be bonded in to the older brick walls but will be attached with stainless steel brick starters e.g. Furfix profiles to minimise any disturbance to the brickwork. 

“The remainder of the structure is modern and will have a continuation of matching materials.”

To view the plans online, search 23/01085/FULLS on Test Valley Borough Council's planning portal.