Arboro Lounge seating area in Ringwood opened to all

The large, boxed structure with surrounding planters outside the Arboro Lounge in Ringwood’s Furlong centre was dismantled after a retrospective planning application for it was refused by New Forest District Council.

The principle of an external seating area was accepted with the granting of a premises licence, however the surrounding enclosure proved problematic.

The refusal decision came after planning committee members found the design and siting had an “adverse impact” upon the Furlong’s open character.

Now removed enclosure for seating area belonging to Arboro Lounge in The Furlong, Ringwood. Picture: D2 Planning/Loungers

However, while the boxed area has been removed, the tables and chairs remain in the centre and Arboro Lounge has decided to allow all Furlong customers to use them.

In a social media post, a Furlong spokesperson said: “After a few planning hiccups, we have opened up the Arboro seating area. This informal seating space is for customers of Arboro Lounge but the owners have said all Furlong customers are free to make use of it when it’s not busy.

“A perfect little meeting spot to watch the world flow by. Enjoy.”

In response, one resident said: “That looks nicer I must say.”

Arboro Lounge, owned by national operator Loungers, opened in October last year to positive reviews and replaced department store Furlong Furniture which moved online.