Greene King pub The Otter near Norwich applies for upgrades

Greene King has applied for planning permission recently to make The Otter's pub garden weatherproof by installing a pergola and a covered walkway, as well as a walk-in freezer.

The pub, in The Square in Thorpe Marriott, is known locally for its live music and outdoor seating area.

The plans for the pub have also sparked controversy, with one local homeowner saying: "The pergola construction will encourage social interaction in all weathers and though I'm not opposed to the structure, the use of such should be time restricted to avoid any disturbance to nearby residents late at night.

The Otter is owned by pub giant Greene King (Image: Google)

"Two houses' nearby front bedrooms are in close proximity to the proposed area and this should be considered when approving a structure that is being created to encourage social interaction which is enhanced by alcohol.

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"In addition, the walk-in freezer operating noise will be created 24/7 and may cause further disturbance through the night as the cooler kicks in and out of service."

The Environment Quality Team at Broadland District Council has raised a similar issue with the application.

An officer wrote: "Having reviewed the application documentation, we note that no information has been provided regarding the walk-in freezer and the noise levels associated with it.

The plans show the walk-in freezer next to the new pergola in the pub garden (Image: ARC Design Consultants via Broadland District Council)

"Therefore, I request that a Noise Impact Assessment is provided for review.

"Until it has been provided and reviewed, I object to the application."

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Greene King, the brewery which owns the pub, is waiting for Broadland District Council to make a decision about the building work.

The pub currently has opening hours between midday and midnight on Friday and Saturday, shutting at 10.30pm on Sunday and 11pm on other days.

Proposals to build two flats in the car park outside The Otter and the neighbouring shops have also recently been opposed by several of the local folk.