A village pub will be able to play an even more focal role in its community after plans for a new outside space gained council approval.

The Old Crown in Hesket Newmarket unveiled plans for a new permanent outside shelter to the upper part of the pub’s rear yard which were given the go-ahead by the Lake District National Park's planning authority.

Pubs were able to reopen for business earlier this month, however, only venues with outdoor space can currently serve.

The historic pub is believed to be the first public house in the country to be run as a co-operative, which is made up of around 150 members.

The success of the pub's rural initiatives has won the personal approval of HRH Prince Charles, a firm supporter of the “Pub is the Hub” campaign. An admirer of the north Cumbria Fells, Prince Charles has paid two official visits to Hesket Newmarket.

On the pub's Facebook page, Co-operative member Simon Robson said of the pub's current situation: "It's been a tough decision as to when to open given the restriction and our very limited outdoor space."

The pub's planning officer confirmed in application documents that the plans were accelerated as a result of the increased demand for outdoors space due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

They state: "The applicants have previously erected temporary fabric marquees over the picnic tables in the yard area but a more substantive shelter is now desired in order to give better weather protection for customers.

"Given the Covid situation there is an increased demand for customers to stay outside."

The plans received the backing of Caldbeck Parish Council prior to the approval.

Caldbeck Parish Council Clerk, Simon Smith stated: "[We] support the application given the Old Crown’s importance to the local community and beyond and the need to support local businesses in their determination to provide a COVID safe environment for customers."

View the application online at lakedistrict.gov.uk.

Use reference: 7/2021/2061