REFURBISHMENT plans for the White Hart in Okehampton by pub chain J D Wetherspoon will be supported by Okehampton Town Council – as long as they are sympathetic to the building's proud history.

As early as last September the chain said it had identified locations for new pubs across Devon, including in Okehampton.

The White Hart Hotel went on the market back in January, and after several months of discussions and negotiations, a deal has been struck that will see the pub taken over by the Wetherspoon chain.

Plans submitted by the pub franchise include the construction of a new extension covering the existing rear courtyard and the creation of a new beer garden.

In their planning and heritage statement, Wetherspoon state the proposals 'would serve to retain and enhance the existing building'. It also states 'older features which contribute to the importance of the building will be retained and will be subject to sympathetic repair and refurbishment'.

The White Hart, which is a Listed building, is renowned as one of the longest established hotels in Devon and is a fine example of a 17th century coaching inn. The White Hart was part of The Trafalgar Way — the historic route used to carry dispatches overland from Falmouth to the Admiralty in London, with the news of the Battle of Trafalgar.

Town councillors recently held a meeting with representatives from the pub chain to discuss the plans in detail, and further discussed the issue at a council planning meeting on October 20.

Cllr Tony Leech, chair of the council's planning committee, said: 'We have looked at these plans in depth and this is not a quick decision being made about one of our most historic buildings.

'If the pub owners decide to keep certain historical items not included in the sale, there is nothing we can do about that. But things such as historic building features are different, and we want to ensure any changes are sympathetic and careful to preserve its history.'

Cllr Jan Goffey said she was pleased that the firm was looking to take over the pub, as they could afford a sympathetic and extensive refurbishment.

She said: 'As long as we have reassurances that any historical features are retained or looked after, I am supportive of this.

'Following the closure of a different public house in the town several years ago, historical features important to the town of Okehampton were lost and it upset several people. I am sure we won't, but we do not want a repeat of that situation.'

To view the plans, visit the West Devon Borough Council planning website, and search for application number 01006/2014.

l What are your thoughts on Wetherspoon's plans for Okehampton? Write a letter to The Ockment Centre, North Street, Okehampton, EX20 1AR or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]