A popular pub refused planning permission for alterations to its outside bar has revealed updated plans – minus a controversial 72-capacity teepee.

In the autumn, The Eagle and Child, Whalley Road, Ramsbottom had retrospective planning permission refused for permanent retention of a circular tented ‘teepee’, outside bar, pergola and toilet block.

The structures were erected during the Covid pandemic and have been in operation ever since. The timber frame and UPVC teepee seats up to 72 people and was described by owners Daniel Thwaites as an ‘essential part of the business’.

Neighbours’ objections to the structure included noise, that the teepee was an ‘eyesore’ and that it ‘interrupts views across the valley to Holcombe Hill’.

Now Thwaites have submitted a revised application to Bury Council, without the teepee.

A planning statement in support of the plans, said: “In order to remain financially viable and survive the premises have however had to adapt.

“Initially this was by the introduction of a food offer which has gradually expanded over time and latterly by the introduction of a small number of bedrooms.

“More recently the premises have also begun to offer pizza from the external bar which is the subject of this application and accommodate small functions and events in the currently unauthorised garden teepee.” The statement added that there was a need to ‘strike the right balance’ between protection of the pub and the amenity of neighbours.

The statement said: “This is particularly important in circumstances where the pub and restaurant was long established before the adjacent housing.

“In addition, there is a need for local planning authorities to work collaboratively with operators to try to find solutions and compromises.”

The new application seeks the retention of an external bar where customers are served drinks in the beer garden. The structure also houses a pizza oven with Thwaites saying that feature ‘has been hugely successful’.

Permission is also sought for a covered pergola and a toilet block.

The statement added: “Overall, the works to the garden create a more attractive, welcoming, modern and usable outdoor seating area while also enabling it to be accessed by everyone.

“The works have not changed the use of the garden or how it functions, rather they have simply enabled improvements to customer facilities and made access to toilets and bar more convenient.”

Planners in Bury are set to consider the application in the next few weeks.