A POPULAR town centre pub has applied for planning permission to extend its beer garden.

The Ralph Fitz Randall Wetherspoon pub in Queens Road, Richmond, one of the busiest in the market town, has submitted plans to install new canopies, extend the decking and add new flooring to the outside area.

Owners of the pub hope to extend the garden into a car park at the back of the building – but some neighbours are unhappy at the prospect.

One local resident said pub staff and service vehicles use the car park at the rear and removing the space would exacerbate parking problems in the area.

In a statement to Richmondshire District Council the applicant said: “The proposal provides a refurbishment to the external area of the public house, introducing new furniture and floor finishes, making the area more attractive for potential users."

Richmond Town Council has raised concerns Richmond and District Civic Society has objected.

The plans are likely to be heard by Richmondshire District Council's planning committee in the future.