A POPULAR pub will be extended after residents withdrew their objections.

The Carlbury Arms pub in Piercebridge, near Darlington will be expanded to include a bigger dining room and kitchen.

An outdoor seating area will also be created after permission was granted at a meeting of Darlington Borough Council’s planning committee today (Wednesday, July 2).

A small number of objections had been lodged by residents concerned that timber fencing initially proposed as a building material would not be in keeping with the surrounding area.

In response to the concerns, the proposals were altered to feature hedges and greenery in place of the fencing.

Councillor Paul Crudass spoke on behalf of the residents and said: “The changes have totally satisfied the residents who were only concerned about the visual impact.

“Their objections have been fully discharged and they are looking forward to enjoying their first pint in the new facilities.”

Chair of the planning committee, Cllr Paul Baldwin, said: “Councillor Crudass showing up to withdraw objections shows we are here and we are open for business.

“It proves we do listen to objectors and we’d invite anyone to come and talk to us - talk to officers and it does go in.”