The John Logie Baird pub, on Havelock Road, Hastings, wants to remove its front terrace to expand indoor seating.

This is part of a larger renovation plan that includes installing new shopfront double doors, bi-fold doors, and an entrance lobby. The current balustrades will also be replaced.

The pub has further outdoor seating in a beer garden at the rear.

The building, dating back to the 1850s, is in the Town Centre Conservation Area but is not listed as a heritage asset.

According to the planning application, the removal of the front terrace will allow the ground floor customer area to extend up to the shopfront.

The pub's front terrace would be replaced under the plans 

This will be achieved by demolishing the partition wall that currently separates the indoor customer area from the partially covered terrace.

The application said: "The external appearance of the building's frontage will be significantly updated as part of the proposed changes.

"A newly designed shopfront will be introduced, enhancing both the visual appeal of the exterior and the connection between the interior and the street.

"This design will incorporate larger glazed sections, offering improved transparency and allowing passersby a clearer view into the pub’s interior.

"The new shopfront design aims to reverse this by opening up sightlines, creating a more inviting atmosphere, and establishing a stronger interaction between the pub and the public realm outside."

A drawing showing the proposed new frontage (Image: JD Wetherspoon) The updated shopfront will feature a new set of inward-opening, timber-framed entrance doors connected to a ramped lobby for accessible entry.

The intention is to modernise the frontage in a way that adds functionality and visual interest, without compromising its original charm.

The existing secondary entrance, currently located on the right-hand side, will be converted into a dedicated fire escape.

The door in front of the bus stop would become a fire exit only (Image: Google)

This change is necessary due to the presence of a bus stop directly in front of that entrance, which has been contributing to congestion and crowding in front of the pub.

These renovations are intended to modernise the pub's appearance, improve the customer experience, and enhance its contribution to the street scene.

The new shopfront design aims to create a more inviting atmosphere and establish a stronger interaction between the pub and the public realm outside.