PLANS have been submitted to refurbish and extend a popular Bournemouth pub.

Huge changes are proposed at the Riverside Inn at Tuckton and members of the public have been urged to have their say.

The pub will no longer be part of the Harvester branch but will be converted to a Premium Country Dining Pub by owners Mitchells & Butlers.

A planning application gives details of a further 50 square metres of inside space and a full internal refurbishment.

Existing outdoor terraced areas would be removed and replaced with a more simple arrangement of steps with new retaining walls and grassed banking down to the river path level.

The planned extension would be formed over the current upper level decked area which overlooks the River Stour.

The plans reveal that frameless glass would be used to give an open appearance and to ensure good views of the river.

There are also plans to move the entrance to the pub to a more central location and to demolish the porch at the existing entrance, giving “a modern and inviting appearance.”

They claim the changes will “improve the overall customer experience.”

If the scheme is allowed by Bournemouth councillors, it will also include repairs to damage, cracking and potholes in the car park.

The entrance from Belle Vue Road, near to Tuckton Bridge, will also be widened

The pub is situated near to the Wick Village Conservation Area and a Heritage Statement also forms part of the application to be considered by planners.

It concludes the proposals would not have a detrimental effect on the conservation area.

The public has been invited to submit comments with a deadline of January 26.

A spokesperson for owners Mitchells & Butlers said: “From time to time we review our estate and take the decision to convert a business to another of our successful brands.

“We are planning to convert the Riverside Inn Harvester to a Premium Country Dining Pub this Spring.

“Once open, the new Riverside Inn will offer a premium waterside pub, bar and restaurant serving a delicious menu of pub food dishes.”

He said fans of the Harvester brand should not be disappointed and that there are other Harvester restaurants nearby. They include the Neptune at Boscombe pier, the Cooper Dean in Bournemouth, and the Cat & Fiddle in Hinton.”