A 280-YEAR-OLD Dorset pub has had a kitchen extension and internal changes approved – which allows for the retention of a community shop in its former coffee lounge.

Dorset Council agreed the changes to the grade two listed Kings Arms in the High Street at Langton Matravers which also included the removal of outbuildings from the garden.

An architect acting for the pub says that the single storey extension to the rear will provide a purpose-built kitchen for the pub for the first time, replacing a temporary kitchen in a timber shed in the garden which will be removed.

The building has been redesigned to fit in better with the main stone and slate building after initial concerns about an earlier proposal. The re-design includes a fake chimney to hide the kitchen air extraction unit.

The planning consent also formally recognises the small community grocery store and shop which was opened in the pub’s former coffee lounge following the closure of the village Post Office and general store in 2021.

Application papers to Dorset Council say the shop has the support of the parish council and has strong support from local people.

The pub itself dates back to 1743 and was originally known as the Masons Arms, popular with those working in the stone industry. Its name was changed in 1803 during the reign of George III.