INVERKIP Hotel has been granted permission to continue using its outdoor seating area which bosses say has become a 'critical element' to its success.
Plans to allow the popular village venue to continue utilising a vacant space at the back of the premises as a designated outdoor dining space have been approved.
The Covid-19 pandemic saw a relaxation in planning requirements around the provision of outdoor areas, which the hotel took advantage of when it opened its own space in May 2021.
No permanent alterations have been made to the area but 'substantial' investment was required for furniture, licensing compliance, health and safety, fire safety and garden design.
Management at the hotel say the outdoor area has become a major part of the venue's success, due to the change in customer habits and the 'challenging industry landscape' they have continued to face since the pandemic began.
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