PLANS to replace the outside awnings at a Christchurch town centre pub have been submitted.

The Thomas Tripp in Christchurch has applied to Christchurch council for permission to replace the damaged awnings in the beer garden with a single large awning.

When it is not needed, the new awning will be 'retracted' into a central frame, to reduce the visual impact from the street.

A statement included with the application said: "The beer garden area of the pub is a significant and historical feature of the building and the proposal is designed in such a way as to make this space useable in a wider variety of weather conditions which patrons of the public house will benefit from."

The statement also says the new awning has been designed to minimise its appearance and not detract from the appearance of the 'main street facade'.

And the work will not affect the existing building at all, it adds.

The Thomas Tripp is locally listed and dates back to the early 19th century with original features including sash windows and chimneys.