Details of £1 million investment plans at the Folly Inn in Whippingham have been unveiled – transforming the outside areas to make the most of the riverside location.
The pub, part of the Greene King chain, announced the refurbishment earlier this year and said it would be taking place in May.
New outdoor area
Now, plans have been submitted to the Isle of Wight Council, to build an outdoor bar, pergolas, a deck as well as extending the patio and creating a patio island.
In planning documents, submitted by agents Walsingham Planning, on behalf of Greene King, the Folly is described as tired, dated and in need of an upgrade.
Improving outdoor dining facilities
The outdoors areas, it says, do not make the most of its attractive settings, based on the banks of the River Medina and its particular focus is to improve the outdoor dining facilities.
As part of the plans, bifold doors will be installed on three sides and there will be a feature indoor/outdoor fireplace.
Internally, the dining areas will be reorganised and help better link the inside and outside spaces.
“Not controversial”
Walsingham Planning says the alterations are not controversial and intend to improve the overall quality of the premises, making it more attractive to customers.
The substantial investment is to give the pub a long-term future.
Flood resilient plans
The proposals have been designed to be as flood resilient as possible, given the location.
The risk will be mitigated by good flood management practices, including closing flood gates and ensuring the outdoor areas are not used when there is a risk of flooding.
View the plans
You can view the plans, 22/00564/FUL, on the council’s planning register. The public consultation runs until 16th May.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
