Heated debate over pub smoking shelter

This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

PLANS to add a smoking shelter to a Ringwood pub may be stubbed out by district council planning chiefs, despite getting the thumbs up from the town council.

Finn McCouls has applied to build an outdoor shelter for smokers on the back of its grade II listed pub in Market Square.

Ringwood Town Council backed plans for the dining area, a covered walkway, and patio doors from the main building.

However, New Forest District Council, which has the final say on development, said the plans would cause "significant harm" to the listed building and recommended that the planning committee refuse the application at a special meeting tomorrow.

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos