THE updated plans to revamp a formerly neglected pub in Eastleigh have been given the green light by civic chiefs.

As previously reported, The Lapstone pub was scheduled to reopen before lockdown after an application was accepted by Eastleigh Borough Council for the revamp of The Horton Heath pub.

This £1 million investment was used to create a larger bar area, restaurant and additional toilet facilities, as well as the creation of separate external access to the first floor managers flat and additional parking facilities.

On July 10, an updated application was also accepted by civic chiefs, which proposed there would be a reduction in floor area of the site, and a detailed design for the ventilation ductwork was included in the plans.

The Lapstone - which has been around for around 200 years - closed its doors in 2017, after it had been neglected and not refurbished since the 1960's, and according to new owner Russ Kitching, the site was originally going to be knocked down to make way for 20 new houses.

Russ' intention is to re-open the pub as a community local pub selling a wide range of locally sourced beers and food products.

As part of the original proposal, it was said that a new restaurant would be created at the rear of the building to create a "family-friendly" area, and this restaurant will include a pizza oven as well as expansions to provide a greater choice in food.

The activities provided by the previous public house such as music nights will be continued, subject to licensing agreements and the existing facilities will be redesigned to allow easier access for disabled persons.

On the first floor, it was proposed that the managers flat would be refurbished and there would also be a new access created which re-locates the entrance to the residential accommodation and provides it with its own external front door.

Also, a further six car parking spaces have now be created at the site, bringing the total up to 37, and one of these will be an oversized space by the side entrance for use by disabled persons.

While the pub was planning to reopen in March before lockdown started, with these changes implemented, this was put on hold due to the coronavirus.