A PROPOSAL to extend a pub and convert part of its beer garden into a car park has been withdrawn.

Whitbread Pub Partnership submitted a planning application to give the popular Travellers Rest at Hart Hill, Hythe, a major facelift.

The scheme included internal alterations, a single-storey extension and extra parking spaces.

But members of the district council planning and development control committee were told the application had been withdrawn.

The committee would have been recommended to reject the proposals.

A report said the parking proposals would damage the "undeveloped setting" of the pub, which is in the strategic gap between Hythe and Fawley.

It added: "Proposed extensions are relatively minor and would not have a significant impact on the character of the building. The alterations would also improve access for wheelchair users.

"But the proposed increase in floorspace requires an additional eight parking spaces in an area which currently forms part of the pub's beer garden.

"The change of use would be detrimental to the character of the area."

Councillors were told there had been 12 letters of objection from people worried about extra traffic problems.