A VILLAGE pub has been given the green light to transform its beer garden.

Plans to create a modern outdoor seating area with a pergola at the rear of the Bunbury Arms on Little Stanney Lane in Stoak have been approved by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The development will be based on an existing area of hard standing and will feature a polycarbonate roof covering, planting boxes, low energy lighting and heat lamps.

In his report recommending approval, local authority case officer Edward Shepherd said: "No comments have been received. The structure would be an open sided pergola, located on an area of hard standing, 5m from the main rear elevation of the existing pub.

"The siting design and location means that there would be no unacceptable highway safety, visual amenity or residential amenity impacts.

"The development would not represent inappropriate development within the Green Belt."

The Bunbury Arms is open from midday until 11pm seven days a week.