Plans which aim to breathe new life into the historic Black Swan pub in Belford have been lodged with Northumberland County Council.

It is planned to carry out multiple works to the existing structures to the rear of the Grade II-listed building.

This will provide annexed accommodation to the pub which will benefit the pub trade and make use of the kitchen area which has fallen into disrepair.

Chatton-based architect Michael Rathbone, in reports with the planning application, states: ‘It is hoped that the improvements to the accommodation and the facilities will generate an influx of new clientele to the property which will aid with the tourism of the area and employment.

‘It will also help sustain the pub as a going concern and benefit the community as a hub for social gathering.’

He added: ‘This is an important aspect of rural village life and has been proven recently with the full modernisation of the nearby Percy Arms in Chatton, which until recently was only used by a select few locals, but is now a thriving business and has a growing following both locally and within the wider area.’

Among the proposals is a plan to demolish a section at the rear, beyond a storage area and small toilet, which has been deemed dangerous.

The report states: ‘We have been advised that there is no historical merit in this section of the building and is therefore proposed to demolish this dangerous section and rebuild with block and render but with stone to the quoins, lintels and sills.

‘The roof is to be stripped and replaced and the insertion of a mix of dormer windows and conservation roof lights and water tables to break up the roof line.

‘Similarly it is also proposed to provide a new-build section to the east of this and using a similar style and construction to try and produce some uniformity. The new-build roof will be a pantile covering and the rebuild will be of natural blue slate. The existing store building will be retained and the structure made good and repointed and a new build mono pitch section provided to the rear – east side.

‘It is proposed to re cover the roof with pantiles to the existing section and the mono pitch section will have a fully supported slate covering. The large door openings will be partially built up using stone to match and also rebated within the opening to retain the outline of the former double doors. The top section will be fitted with windows.

‘The facilities provided will be modern internally whilst retaining some form of uniform character and will be used in conjunction with the existing toilet facilities located on the ground floor to comply with the disabled requirements and the proposed upgraded kitchen facilities.’

The plan has received the backing of Belford Parish Council but there are objections from local residents.