A DECISION on plans to create a beer garden for 48 people in a village pub has been delayed.

The Chequers in Churchill, near Chipping Norton, wants to turn part of its car park into an outdoor seating area and build a wall and gates around it.

The pub, in Church Road, has applied to West Oxfordshire District Council for planning permission. It has also applied for listed building consent and permission to replace an illuminated sign in front of the pub.

Neighbours complained about the increase in noise and loss of privacy.

The council’s uplands planning committee was due to consider the application last week but deferred a decision until next month, because it wants to find out how licensing laws could be used to address residents’ concerns.