THE owners of the Kingsbridge Bar in Wollaston have told of their delight at being able to re-open their beer garden.

A courtyard seating area had been created outside the relatively new bar which proved a hit with customers in the first few weeks of opening in September 2020.

But planning permission for the venture was refused in March as it had not been part of the original planning approval and it was created by using amenity space from the neighbouring property which is owned by the applicants.

Changes, however, have since been made and a revised application was given the thumbs up by Dudley councillors who officially approved the plan at last night's development control committee meeting.

Co-owner of the bar, Steph Brown, said: "We are over the moon to be able to open our outdoor area again.

"It’s been a really difficult year but we have worked with the council to find a solution to the planning issues.

"Our thanks go to all our supporters, Dudley Council for giving us a chance and to Cllr Nic Barlow who has always supported us throughout our journey."

Planners were satisfied after hearing the amenity area of the neighbouring residential property, 81 Bridgnorth Road, would be increased from 10.5sqm to 27sqm by moving the existing fence line back into the seating area and permission to open the outdoor seating area was granted for a temporary period of a year so the impact on residents can be assessed.

The courtyard area will be operational 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 3.30pm on Sundays.