A pub wants to create a roof terrace so that customers can avoid smokers.

The Hare and Hounds, in Brighton, has applied for planning permission for the project which will also see the reconfiguration of public space and managers flat at first floor level.

The pub, in London Road, said the scheme will “enhance the customer offer and future viability of the popular public house through the provision of an inviting outdoor seating area”.

Planning documents said: “The Hare and Hounds currently only has a very small outside area that is sandwiched in between the pub and neighbouring commercial buildings.

“The area is very tight and means that non-smokers and smokers will inevitably be in close proximately to each other than they may prefer.

“In the post-pandemic climate, there is a distinct trend for sitting outside at public houses.

“Public houses without decent outdoor spaces face additional challenges over the well-publicised industry pressures to stay viable into the future.

The Argus: The Hare and Hounds in Brighton wants to create a new roof terrace

“The additional seating would support the ongoing viability of the drinking establishment in a time of economic uncertainty and difficulty for public houses. The Hare and Hounds serves as an ‘anchor’ building within the town centre.”

The planning statement references the recently unveiled roof terrace at The Joker pub in Preston Road.

Launched in June, the terrace seats 50 customers on an extended flat roof with fencing and a retractable canopy.

Planning documents for The Hare and Hounds’ roof terrace said it was “unaware” of there being any issues caused by its fellow pub’s terrace.

“Also of note is a recent grant of planning permission for a roof terrace to the rear of The Joker pub, also on Preston Circus,” the planning statement said.

“This approval has been successfully implemented, and we are unaware of any problems with its ongoing operation.”

The planning application said the roof terrace will have very limited visual impact, as it will be “bounded on three sides by the existing pitched roof”.

The only visible change will be on views from the south east, documents said, where the new acoustic screen will be erected.

The screen will be two metres high and the screen’s height will not exceed that of the existing ridge line so that the overall height of the pub remains as existing.