PLANS to refurbish part of a Winchester pub have been approved by civic chiefs despite objections from nearby residents.

Greene King had submitted plans to demolish and rebuild a new boiler house at the Mucky Duck in Hyde Street with the addition of a new garden bar.

But residents said the redevelopment would result in patrons staying in the beer garden for longer periods of time – something they say already contributes a lot of noise.

The case officer, Simon Avery, said the redevelopment would actually impede on the garden’s existing space.

He said: “In terms of noise issues there's actually no more of an impact. The single storey will in fact reduce the outside area. From a planning point of view there’s no reason as to why this planning application would increase any noise or disturbance.”

But residents remained unconvinced and said its managers needed to appreciate the needs of nearby residents.

Helen Bliault, who lives behind the pub, said: “Officers do not feel there would be a noise issue, residents do. Residents are becoming increasingly frustrated. We have seen the pub actually sweep their slurry out of the garden.

“Other pubs in the area observe any curfews. This one does not and I wonder why it does not. I'm really sorry that people who run this pub seem not to have any neighbourly concerns.”

Cllr Dominic Hiscock added: “It’s a pretty place and that part needs refurbishment and would be greatly improved with this. Our concerns are about how much disturbance this will result in. From my point of view it’s about preventing problems in the first place.

“My concerns are there will be more people staying out there and I think that will create more disturbance. It’s very nicely managed and most residents are very fond of it but there is a problem.”

Councillors said while they were sympathetic with the noise issues they argued many of the objections were licensing queries.

Cllr Robert Johnstone said: “The proposal is a massive improvement. I shall be supporting this application.”