COUNCILLORS have approved “first class” improvements to a popular pub in Burnham-on-Sea – despite some concern about the materials being used.

The Reeds Arms on Pier Street, which is operated by JD Wetherspoons, is due to reopen in early-June after a substantial refit costing the company £600,000.

The company applied to Sedgemoor District Council to install glass wind-breakers outside its western entrance, and to construct a glazed conservatory or canopy over its southern entrance.

The council’s development committee has welcomed the plans, but has asked the pub to consider different materials be used in the wind-breakers.

Members of the council’s development committee met in Bridgwater on Tuesday morning (May 28) to discuss the proposals in detail.

The conservatory will increase the floorspace available to diners and drinkers by around 15 sq m, with the company saying the work “would not affect the integrity of the subject building”.

Burnham and Highbridge Town Council objected to the plans, stating it had no concerns about the conservatory but felt the glass screens were “not in keeping with the existing building”, which is in the town’s conservation area.

A total of 16 residents wrote to the district council in support of the changes, describing them as “a brilliant idea”, “aesthetically pleasing” and “very elegant.”

Councillor Alistair Hendry (Conservative, Burnham North) said: “I think this is absolutely first class.

“We get very strong winds of Burnham-on-Sea sea front. This will be a first class improvement, and I will support what they are doing.”

Councillor Mike Murphy (Liberal Democrat, Burnham North) said he had visited the site before the meeting and claimed that some of the work had already started.

He said: “I’m a little surprised that we’re sitting here discussing this when the screens have already been installed.

“They say in the application the glazed screens would include anodised aluminium – but they’re not, they’re stainless steel.

“The stainless steel clips elsewhere on the building are showing evidence of corrosion. This building is right in the teeth of the storm – the material is not adequate for this.”

Under planning law, companies or individuals do not technically require planning permission prior to carrying out changes to a property.

However, they must reverse any work undertaken at their own cost if the council serves them with an enforcement notice – or if they apply for retrospective planning permission and it is refused.

Mr Murphy also claimed the refit would include two new doors on the western side of the building, which “will makes it more suitable for wheelchairs.”

Despite his concerns, the committee voted unanimously to approved the plans.

JD Wetherspoons has indicated the Reeds Arms will re-open to the public on June 7.