OWNERS of a popular Hampshire pub have unveiled plans to turn part of the building into overnight accommodation.

Debbie and Duane Lewis have applied for planning permission to convert a former skittle alley at the Bold Forester in Beaulieu Road, Marchwood, into four double rooms.

Mr and Mrs Lewis are two of the best-known publicans in the New Forest.

They also own five other watering holes in the district - the Royal Oak at Beaulieu, the New Forest Inn at Emery Down, the Trusty Servant at Minstead, the Mortimer Arms at Ower and the Royal Oak at Downton.

Now they have devised a £100,000 scheme to upgrade an old barn at the Bold Forester.

Daily Echo:

The application says: "The proposal would operate in conjunction with the pub, as part of the same overarching business, and would generate an additional source of income.

"Firstly, letting rooms are likely to widen its customer base by attracting leisure demand and people who may not have otherwise visited the pub.

"Secondly, they will increase food and and drink revenue."

The application cites the success of a similar scheme at another Marchwood pub, the Pilgrim Inn. Six months after the number of letting rooms rose from seven to 14, food and drink sales were reported to have increased by 41% and 102% respectively.

"Letting rooms generally provide a much higher profit margin than food.

"After the initial outlay has been recouped, costs are minimal and the pub is provided with a new revenue stream from the first day of letting."

Daily Echo:

The application has been submitted to the New Forest National Park Authority.

It says: "The proposal would result in a development which makes use of an existing building, proposing minor alterations which would only improve its appearance through sensitive design and high quality building materials appropriate to the national park.

"The only impact of the development in terms of character and appearance would be a visual improvement."

Mrs Lewis said the skittle alley had already closed when she and her husband bought the Bold Forester in 2018.

She added that anyone who wished to play skittles could use a similar facility at the Mortimer Arms, which was only a short drive away.

The proposed development is likely to create at last two jobs.