A NEW FOREST pub is about to gain a new kitchen as part of a major facelift costing almost £300,000.

A raft of improvements will be made to the Borough Arms in Avenue Road, Lymington, which will close on January 27 to allow the work.

Plans for a single-storey extension housing the new-look kitchen have been approved by New Forest District Council after sparking only three objections.

A similar application was rejected last year amid fears over late-night noise but the council says the concerns have now been addressed.

According to a report produced by planning officers the rear beer garden will become more enclosed.

It adds: “It is intended to place a set of double gates at the north western corner of the site, which will provide more security to the car park and stop it being used as a through route by the general public, as happens at present.”

The Borough Arms is surrounded by homes, including the Grade II-listed Kempthorne House in Union Place.

One of the objectors to the proposed extension was Kempthorne House Cindy Scott, whose letter to the council said: “Often noise levels from outside the pub are unacceptable for a residential area, especially at weekends and in the summer.”

But the officers’ report claims the extension will shield Kempthorne House from the beer garden.

It adds: “The applicants have offered to cease using it at 10.30pm, which is a tighter restriction than that shown on their licence.”

Owned by Admiral Taverns the pub is run by Carl and Debbie Millward, who took over about a year ago.

Debbie listed some of the proposed improvements, saying the interior and exterior of the building would be refurbished. The pub would be provided with new toilets as part of the £280,000 scheme and the car park would be resurfaced.

“We want to be a traditional family pub serving good food. The refurbishment will make it more attractive, both inside and out,” she said.

Carl and Debbie are hoping to re-open the popular watering hole on February 18.