Oxford Arms pub in Hereford seeks permission for marquee

Tamara Woolley, landlady at the Oxford Arms in the city’s Widemarsh Street, says in her retrospective application (number 241284), that work to install the marquee on a slabbed surface to its rear began in June 2022 and was completed in July 2023.

It now provides a covered outdoor area for eating and entertainment, “to make the most of outside space”, her application explains, adding: “We find that after Covid, people still prefer being outside if in groups.”

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As to why the application is only being made now, Mrs Woolley “thought we were covered for planning under government marquee erection scheme after Covid”, her application says.

Flooding at the foot of the Oxford Arms beer garden and the Merton Meadow car park beyond (Image: application) It adds that the area is prone to flooding, particularly the western end of the garden furthest from the pub and with a gate onto Merton Meadow car park, for which the pub takes agreed precautions.

“We have been in contact with Hereford [sic] Council on numerous occasions about this but they are not interested,” she writes.

Comments on her planning application can be made until October 10.