ONE of Stockton's most popular pubs and restaurants in a Grade II-listed building on an 18th Century terraced street has applied for permission to extend the premises.

However, there have been four objections to the application to build a single storey rear extension at The Masham, in Hartburn Village, Stockton and former leader of Stockton Borough Council, Councillor Ken Lupton has also objected.

Previous applications have been turned down due to worries about traffic and parking problems caused by more visitors, but this time the council's planning officers have recommended approval.

The plan is to replace existing outdoor seating, which is covered by two large parasols, with an extension, or orangery..

The new indoor space would be about 62sq metres, about half the size of the current pub which is 113sq metres.

Cllr Lupton, Conservative ward councillor for the area, objected because he thought not enough nearby residents had been notified and due to significant parking concerns.

He said: "This is a popular venue and in summer months the garden is well-used but the area of the proposed extension is also used as smoking shelter during inclement weather and I am concerned that as this area will no longer be available for this purpose, customers will spill out into the garden, causing possible nuisance to nearby neighbours."

Other objectors pointed out it was in a conservation area and there was already noise from the pub.

However a planning officer report noted the council's head of technical services had no objection and "the application is considered to be practical in regards to the impacts of car parking."

The application will be considered on Wednesday, February 25, at 1.30pm, in Stockton Central Library.