The owners of a historic Isle of Wight pub have gained listed building and planning consent to develop its garden and begin refurbishment works.

Pub and brewing company Greene King applied to County Hall to enhance the Crab Inn's outdoor space with a covered pergola, glass balustrade and festoon lighting and carry out changes to the pub's interior.

The Grade II listed pub, in Shanklin, described by the American poet Henry Longfellow as a 'lovely little thatch-roofed inn' and 'extremely desirable', dates back to the 18th century, according to historic environment public body Historic England.

The company's agent, interior designer Design Management Partnership Ltd, said in a statment: "In keeping with current trends, the client wishes to develop the outdoor space to provide covered outdoor seating for its clientele that can be utilised year round.

"Outdoor seating is highly desirable for the hospitality industry post 2020.

"There has been a general move towards customers gravitating to outdoor spaces following the shift towards social distancing with perception of safety, and this has become easier to achieve with much improved comfort and technology in supply and manufacture of good quality outdoor furniture and fittings.

"When carefully designed and specified, outdoor furniture can add significantly to an improved experience for customers."

Internal changes include a complete refurbishment of the toilets and putting in an accessible platform lift, extra dining seating and an enlarged bar servery.

Greene King also applied to upgrade the interior floor and wall finishes to create an 'inviting' drinking and dining experience for both tourists and locals.

In an Officer Written Justification report, the council said: "A comment received states that not enough consideration has been given to the historic significance of the area.

"Concerns were raised over the use of a glass balustrade as the material was considered to be out of character with the architectural and historic significance of the area.

"Following discussion, this was revised to a black metal railing which was considered to be more appropriate to the setting of the listed building and to the character and appearance of the conservation area."

On the proposed internal changes, the council added: "With regard to the internal alterations, these are relatively minor and mostly relate to previous alterations.

"As such, there is no concern with the refurbishment of the toilets, new floor finishes and the accessible platform lift (this would replace a set of stairs which are of no historic merit.

"The bar is to be extended but this would also have no impact on the historic fabric of the building."

Conditions attached to the council's approval are that development is begun within three years from permission being granted, submitted plans are followed and a fully detailed soft landscape scheme is approved by County Hall.