A FISH and chip shop in Herefordshire has been told it can build an extension as the council thinks it will help it better function under Covid-19 restrictions.

The Old Stables fish and chip shop, in the Golden Valley village Ewyas Harold, asked Herefordshire Council if it could build a single-storey open-sided extension.

In a design and access statement submitted with the application, consultants said the shop had limited waiting space inside, and due to coronavirus restrictions, customers were not able to go inside.

Current rules mean social distancing must be maintained.

The extension, they said, would provide a small covered area for customers to wait for their order.

They said as the extension would only be 6.5 metres, it was very small and subservient to the main building, and was in character.

The design, of oak posts and a slate roof, also meant it would "harmonise" with the main building.

Case officer David Gosset, from Herefordshire Council, said the application should be passed as it provides an established local business in a recognised settlement the ability to better function under the Covid-19 restrictions and does not pose any identified adverse effects on the local environment.

The application was then passed with conditions.