FURIOUS neighbours say they are losing sleep over their local pub’s plans to transform into the ‘Love Island villa’.
Owners of The Old Volunteer in Caythorpe, Nottinghamshire, have applied for permission to make huge changes to the beer garden.
The Old Volunteer on Caythorpe Road in Caythorpe has applied for retrospective permission for its beer garden to construct a new retractable pergola[/caption]
The expansion plan has been slammed, however, by a furious neighbour who has suggested the new additions are like something viewers would see on Love Island (above)[/caption]
Plans show sketches of a proposed covered seating area outside the pub[/caption]
If granted, the popular watering hole will have a brand new kitchenette, toilet block, timber bar, two footbridges and fencing added outside.
The pub’s planning agents said the £200,000 investment would bring in £1million every year and would turn it into a “vibrant community facility”.
Pub owner and tech firm CEO Sean Reddington, called the venue his “passion project”, after living in the village for the last 20 years.
He built an incredible play area so parents can have a little peace and quiet, which has a miniature Co Op, hairdressers and train station.
It even has a mini version of the pub, called “The Young Volunteer.”
The pub made local news after it donated just over £45,000 to the Ukrainian Red Cross.
The eye-watering sum was raised in just one week and the staff even donated their personal tips.
But those living next door to the pub say that it’s already destroying their peace and quiet, and the plans will only amplify that.
One local, who formally objected to the planning application said the expansion plan was “more in tune with the set of Love Island” than a country pub.
The objector added: “I am a resident of Lowdham and am unfortunate enough to live within hearing of the pub.
“The situation at present is that not so near neighbours are unable to sit in their gardens in good weather enjoying the quiet of the countryside nor get their children to sleep because of the noise.”
According to the pub’s planners, the changes would see a boost to employment as the pub would need three full-time chefs and a further 10-20 part time staff.
The environmental health officer for Newark and Sherwood District Council said they had no objection to the change of use, but confirmed there had been complaints about loud music.
If the plans go ahead, there would need to be a curfew on the outdoor area as well as an ‘acoustic barrier’ in the form of a fence specially created to reduce noise.
New owners took over the pub in 2022, transforming the boozer into a top-notch establishment.
The new chefs, who’d previously worked at other impressive local restaurants, introduced a high-end gastro-fusion menu.
The Sun has approached The Old Volunteer for comment.
The Old Volunteer on Caythorpe Road could soon get a glam new makeover[/caption]
Love Islanders can be seen gathered around the fire pit during series 7 in the luxury Majorca villa[/caption]
