A Warwick pub has been given the go-ahead for a series of refurbishments which it says will ensure the venue remains a "vibrant destination".

Warwick District Council has given The Saxon Mill planning permission for a new bar area, internal makeover and refurbished toilets.

The Coventry Road pub's car park can also been repainted, with two new freestanding umbrellas to be allowed in the garden area.

Plans for a jasmine arch had been including in the original application but were removed "as it was considered an alien feature in the context of the listed building".

Signing off on the plans, a council report said: "The proposal constitutes appropriate development within the green belt, and will not be harmful to its openness.

"The proposals would not have a detrimental impact on the listed building.

"In addition, the proposals are not considered to have a harmful impact upon the amenity of the neighbouring properties in relation to outlook and amenity.

"The proposal is in accordance with the aforementioned policies and it is therefore recommended for approval."

Pub owner Mitchells & Butler put forward the scheme earlier this year saying the plans reflected the "high quality nature" of the brand.

"The proposals will form an attractive, bespoke and inviting environment," the application said. 

"The scheme will therefore reflect the existing high-quality design of the site, ensuring there is a sympathetic approach to both preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the host building."

This is the latest in a number of planning applications for the grade II listed building, which was recently given permission to repair its boundary wall with the Guys Cliffe estate.

The application added: "The rationale for development is to upgrade the building to meet present day needs and commercial expectations, allowing the continued success and viable operation of the pub and heritage asset. 

"Ongoing investment and maintenance are essential for the long-term protection and use of the building. 

"The proposed works are sensitive to the host building and are considered to have a negligible impact on the wider surrounding area, thus conserving the Listed Building and its setting."

See the full application here.