A Macclesfield pub have submitted a planning application to improve their beer garden.

Ye olde Kings Head Gurnett, in Gurnett, near Sutton, hope to future-proof their outdoor area.

The Byrons Lane boozer have submitted plans to Cheshire East Council, after a rigorous community consultation period done independently by Macclesfield architects Bower, Mattin and Young.

The pub's proposals is for a "Replacement of existing temporary shelter with new Oak framed shelter, retention of temporary decking and extinguishment of two redundant car bays for the managers flat", according to the Cheshire East planning website.

(Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

A planning document reads; "During the COVID pandemic, Ye Olde Kings Head erected temporary shelters for customers to facilitate safe distancing and maintain some semblance of business continuity."

"The publican confirms that without the shelter the pub would have been at risk of closure.

"The shelter has allowed customers to visit safely during the pandemic, which is continuing to be a risk. The publican confirms that because of the shelter, trade has improved and stabilised the business.

"Loss of the shelter will adversely affect the future sustainability of the business as it will remove a degree of future-proofing which it provides should the pandemic reoccur.

The pub dates back to the 17th century.

"The proposal is to replace the existing shelters with an oak framed manufactured shelter of 5m x 10m x 4.2 high to the ridge. The sides will generally be open.

"The roof finish will be Indian stone slates with a close boarded soffit. It will have [a] designed life expectancy of 50 years.

"The shelter will not have a floor. The shelter will not be heated. The existing decking is to be retained."

"The design approached favoured by the landlord is to celebrate the history of the pub using traditional timber framed technology with stone slab roof.

The proposed plans pictured in the foreground, and the current structure in the background. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

"The design drivers are to produce a structure which is clearly subservient to the Ye Olde Kings Head pub. [sic...]

"[And] open sided to the extend that the frame is the key feature rather than providing any significant mass.

"This lightness of form ensures that it is integrated into the streetscape rather than being a dominant mass."

The shelter has doubled the number of covers, as dining is allowed outdoors. A permanent structure will secure this statistic.

(Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

The CAMRA-award winning pub, just off the Macclesfield Canal, has been co-operated by Emily Taylor and Paul Montegrande since September 2021.

A survey conducted by Winterton Way architects Bower Mattin and Young, suggested that 93.4% suggested the removing the existing old shelter, in place of a new one.

A planning document concludes "The proposal is fully endorsed by the community."

"On balance the proposal makes a positive contribution to the community it serves and should be supported with planning approval."

The pub is a boon to the local economy, employing 26 staff. (Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

While the pub dates back to at least 1695, and potential timber structures from the century prior, it is not a Listed building.

Macclesfield residents can read and respond to the plans via this link.

Comments will cease after February 21, after which a decision will be made.

Ye Olde King's Head Gurnett is located at 30 Byrons Lane, Gurnett, Macclesfield SK11 0HD. 

(Image - Macclesfield Nub News)

Macclesfield: You can follow the pub on Facebook and Instagram.