PLANS to build a pergola at a historic New Forest pub have been given the go-ahead.

The National Park Authority (NPA) has approved an application relating to The Hobler, a Grade II-listed building at Southampton Road, Boldre.

An NPA report said: "Planning permission (partly retrospective) is sought to carry out various landscaping works which are focused around the rear garden area.

"The works include the introduction of a raised decking area enclosed by a balustrade, referred to on the plans as a pergola.

"No extensions or significant alterations are proposed to the main building and all the landscaping works would lie wholly within the existing garden area.

"The existing parking and access arrangements would not be affected by the works.

"Whilst the proposed paving and raised deck/pergola would introduce a greater extent of hard surface, ground levels would not be altered significantly and the balance between green space and hard surfaces would remain in keeping with the rural surroundings.

"Subject to restricting external lighting, it is considered that the development would not lead to an overly urban character or harm views from the public right of way.

"The closest property lies approximately 40 metres to the west and is separated from the site by the main road and the parking area.

"Having regard to this, along with the fact that the proposals would lie within the existing pub garden, it is considered that there would be no harmful loss of amenity to neighbouring residents."