COUNCILLORS have delayed making a decision on whether to support plans to convert an area of parking spaces at The Cerdic pub in Chard into an art deco style outdoor drinking area.

JD Wetherspoon has applied to South Somerset District Council for planning permission to build boundary walls, relocation of bin and bottle store and landscaping of a planned beer garden at the pub on the corner of Fore Street and Essex Close.

Chard Town Council’s planning and highways committee last week deferred making a decision until it had received details of “acoustic tests” on the wall around the proposed beer garden.The proposals are to turn customer parking spaces around the side of the pub in Essex Close into an enclosed beer garden with a series of courtyards.

A report from the applicants said the plans would be “drawing inspiration” from The Cerdic building’s original use as a cinema which opened in 1937 with a showing of Shirley Temple in Dimples.

The applicants have said they would be “taking a cue from 1930s art deco styling, the courtyards would be defined by raised planters which would separate the bays and provide additional seating in the summer”.

“The new area will be contained by a new boundary wall on the west and a wall to the east,"to separate the garden from the road,” the report added. “These walls act as acoustic barriers to the surroundings.

“The proposed beer garden will enhance an existing redundant car parking area, resulting in visual improvements and an enhanced design.”

Cllr Amanda Broom last week suggested at the town council’s planning meeting on Monday (July 20) that she was unsure as to whether people were aware of the proposals.

A final decision on the application will be made by South Somerset District Council.