Popular Cheltenham pub plans outdoor seating pods

The Suffolk Arms in Cheltenham (Credit : Cheltenham Planning)

A pub in Cheltenham has submitted a planning application to the council to build external part-covered seating pods in the courtyard of its existing licensed dining area. The Suffolk Arms, located in Suffolk Road, is a Grade II listed building that dates back to 1820.

It is situated within ‘The Suffolks’ character area, which is known for its Georgian and early Victorian terraces and villas. The applicant is Mr Graham Craig from Stonegate PLC.

In the application it states the proposal would not alter the layout or appearance of the listed structure. The seating pods would be removable if needed in the future.

It says: “The application is for the proposed construction of an external part-covered seating pods within the courtyard of an existing licensed dining area. The design has taken in consideration the adjacent neighbouring properties and the construction materials have been carefully selected to ensure a reasonable ambient noise level is achieved.”

According to the application, the seating pods would use 50mm absorption panels on the internal sides and vertical timber cladding on the external sides. The roof would be made of triple cell opaque polycarbonate sheets.

Mr Craig added: “The proposal will create no additional internal increase to the building but will reinstate the external yard as dining. To ensure there is minimal disturbance later in the evening, the external dining area will close every evening at 9.30pm and no late evenings are proposed.”

The Suffolk Arms has a long history in Cheltenham, as it was first recorded in 1824 and was occupied by Anthony Major, who may have been the first landlord, in 1830. The pub is part of the Stonegate Group, which operates more than 700 pubs and bars across the UK.

The planning application is currently under consultation with Cheltenham Borough Council.