Extension for pub

A historic pub was saved from impending closure when councillors agreed plans for a restaurant extension.The Lord Nelson in Yaxham has been running for more than 100 years, but owners feared it would not survive much longer without more income.

A historic pub was saved from impending closure when councillors agreed plans for a restaurant extension.

The Lord Nelson in Yaxham has been running for more than 100 years, but owners feared it would not survive much longer without more income.

Louise and Bryan Aslett and their son Dominic, a French- trained chef with two rosettes, took over the pub last year hoping to open a 32- seat bistro-style restaurant.

Earlier this year Breckland Council refused permission for a single-storey flat roof extension, over fears of poor visibility as traffic turned out of the pub, off Norwich Road.

But on Thursday the re-submitted application was given the green light after councillors rejected the Highway Agency's concerns.

John Norfolk, representing the pub, said: “We've spoken to the Highways Agency and their records say there's not been an accident on the site for 50 years.

“It's not a question of increasing traffic and the number of customers, it's about diversifying. The customers who come in for a drink will be able to eat as well.”

He said the restaurant extension would not generate more traffic, since there would be no increase in parking size and the entrance was still in a 30mph speed limit area along a wide road.

Cliff Jordan, ward representative for Yaxham, said: “When the decision was made last time my phone didn't stop ringing. People were angered the pub hadn't been given permission.

“There are all sorts of pubs all over the country which have access points like these. What are we supposed to do? Close everything down? It makes me angry.”

There was a unanimous vote against the recommendation for refusal on the grounds that the safety issues expressed by the Highways Agency were irrelevant and councillors approved the extension.