A city centre pub has been allowed to keep its timber pergola after a government inspector overturned a council decision to refuse planning permission.
Neither the council nor the inspector opposed timber planters, astroturf and branded canvas barriers at the Midsummer Tap, in Savoy Crescent, but the council had a problem with the pergola.
When Stonegate Pub Company applied for planning permission from Milton Keynes Councll, the officers refused permission in January, saying they thought it did not fit the character or appearance of the area.
Planning inspector Rekha Sabu visited the area on August 7 and made a judgement on how it has been affecting views in the areas.
In her decision notice published last week the inspector said: “While the corrugated roof does not appear to be a common feature in the area, it is not prominent from street level.
“Therefore, the materials of the pergola do not adversely affect the character and appearance of the area.”
She said the pergola’s roof and posts were “relatively modest in thickness” and did not “adversely affect the open character of Savoy Crescent.”
She added: that it does not harmfully diminish the open permeable feeling of the area, nor unduly prevent surveillance of the public realm.
The inspector added that temporary permission would not be necessary.
