A PERGOLA which has proved popular with pub-goers has to be taken down because it doesn’t have planning permission, Leeds City Council has said.

Malcolm Hughes, landlord of The Black Bull, in Otley, provided the non-fixed outdoor structure for his customers, creating a space to sit with open sides and front and a corrugated plastic roof for wet weather.

It provided a space during the restrictions for people who could not go into the pub and was in the open air, but sheltered.

“It has been well used and customers love it,” said Mr Hughes.

“It is sturdy and made from wood which is placed in wooden barrels. It’s not a fixed structure and can be moved but it cost around £4,000 to produce. Last summer it was covered in flowers and looked really good.

“The problem here is that most of the buildings in Otley market place are listed and we’ve now been told by the council that we either have to apply for planning permission or take it down by the end of August or face enforcement action.

“It would cost quite a bit to get plans drawn up and then there is the cost of putting planning in. I’m not prepared to pay out for that on the chance permission is refused. It’s not worth it.

Mr Hughes added that like most hospitality venues they have struggled through the restrictions and in the face of increasing competition in the town. He said the pergola provided somewhere for people who liked to sit outside who may not want to sit inside on nice days.

“It’s out the back, it looks nice and doesn’t harm anyone. Everyone says it enhances the back of the pub with the plants and flowers.

“We will be taking it down before the end of next month but I am very unhappy about it.”

A spokesman for Leeds City Council said: “The premises of The Black Bull Inn is a listed building and is located within a conservation area. The use of this unauthorised structure was agreed to be in place over the summer months with a written agreement it would be removed in September. The council received this written agreement in May so as long as that is complied with and the structure removed as agreed in September no formal enforcement action will be needed.”

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