PLANS to demolish a pub extension and create a takeaway have been backed by the town council.

Last month plans were submitted to change the use of The Old Pier Tavern in Pier Street, Burnham-on-Sea from a pub to a mixed use pub, restaurant and takeaway and demolish part of the front of the building and install an extraction unit.

The applicants want to demolish a modern extension at the front of the pub and return the building to its original state.

In the planning documents the applicant said the new takeaway would lead to an increase in activity at the pub and make it ‘more economically viable.’

At a meeting on Monday evening (September 14) councillors from Burnham and Highbridge Town Council’s planning committee discussed the applicant’s plans to transform the venue.

Councillor Louise Parkin said: “We need to be consistent on this. It is a good use of the building and this is needed to support the businesses.

“It will also take down that hideous extension and replace it with something more in keeping with the town. I fully support this application.”

Councillor Nick Tolley also spoke in support of the application and said he thinks the plans will make good use of the building and help increase business at The Old Pier Tavern.

“This pub has had a difficult time because it is in competition with Wetherspoons but it offers a lot of things that Wetherspoons does not,” Cllr Tolley said.

“The Old Pier Tavern is part of the infrastructure of Burnham, it is important that we do what we can do to support them with this.”

Councillor Bill Hancock added: “I agree with Cllr Parkin and Cllr Tolley. To get rid of that abhorrent building and put something different in will be great.

“Employment will be there rather than an empty pub. It will be nice to see that there and for people to spend money there.”

Councillors unanimously voted to support the plans. The plans will now be considered by Sedgemoor District Council.