Plans have been revealed for the beer garden at a historic Wetherspoons, which has been a pub since 1623, to be extended, writes local democracy reporter Daniel Clark.

Drinkers at Okehampton’s White Hart Hotel could soon be able to relax in a new beer garden at the pub, while a conservatory with additional seating is also planned.

The White Hart Hotel is the town’s oldest surviving inn dating back to the 17th century and was Grade II listed in 1952. The busy inn was built to serve travellers and supply fresh horses for the next stage of their journey.

It was given its official licence as Okehampton’s premier inn in 1623 and has held its licence ever since.

Plans for full planning and listed building consent to construct a new conservatory for customer seating, and to extend the existing beer garden, have been submitted to West Devon Borough Council.

The proposals would see a new single storey, aluminium framed conservatory, with a part glazed roof and fully glazed walls, created to provide an additional customer seating space. The proposals are also to extend the existing beer garden.

A statement with the application said: ‘The White Hart is a successful business popular with visitors and locals alike. Extra public space would be created by adding the extension to the rear of the building.

‘A new enclosed beer garden located within the existing car park would provide a screened seating area away from the traffic on George Street. The new scheme would attempt to improve upon existing disabled access to the hotel, restaurant and bar areas.

‘The proposal would enhance and build upon the previous success of the former business. It will enable greater access to the public by increasing the existing floor areas thereby allowing the site to achieve even greater potential.

‘The improved hotel would also provide additional employment opportunities while also bringing more visitors to Okehampton by providing improved over night accommodation. By continuing to operate as a successful hotel, bar and restaurant the business would ultimately benefit the local economy.’

West Devon Borough Council planners will determine the fate of the application at a later date.