A LANDLORD has lodged a retrospective application after building a wooden pergola to protect his customers in the rain while Covid restrictions are in place.

Matthew Todd, who runs The Wonston Arms, has submitted the application to Winchester City Council for the pergola that is situated in the pub’s beer garden.

In the plan, he states: “To protect my customers from the rain in the pub beer garden and allow the pub to trade for the community outside during the Covid pandemic restrictions I have made a wooden pergola that is covered with a felt roof. This has replaced the commercial pergola tent I have had in place since July of this year on the same area.”

The application has been given the support of neighbour Nicholas Wood who wrote to the city council.

Mr Wood said: “We write in support of the application for retrospective permission for the erection of this pergola.

“It is unclear at this stage precisely what relaxation in restrictions will be permitted by government in all aspects of life, but they will certainly have an effect on this public house's ability to operate for the rest of 2021.

“The provision of an external and well-conceived shelter should be approved in order to aid the business's recovery and, once again, to provide a much appreciated and well-run local amenity.”

To view the application, go to planningapps.winchester.gov.uk and search 20/02658/FUL.