PLANS for a new restaurant in Pewsey have been welcomed by the parish council. David Cowen, who opened the very popular Chequers Bistro in the High Street last autumn, is planning to open a restaurant as well.

He is seeking planning permission for change of use of the former shop at 20 River Street to a restaurant which will also have outside seating on a rear patio.

His application went before the Pewsey Parish Council planning committee on Wednesday where the only concern expressed was over possible noise nuisance for neighbours from a proposed extraction system from the kitchen.

Chairman Peter Deck said he had discussed the plans with the applicant, who had assured him that he had spoken with neighbours and there were no objections.

Clerk Alison Kears confirmed no objections had been submitted to the parish council.

Coun Deck said that technical details submitted with the application stated that the extractor fans conformed with the latest international standards and with the latest British Standards.

Council chairman Alex Carder said the plan should be supported.

"Over the years this council has tried to encourage new businesses into this village and this is a new business that we should be supporting," he said.

Coun Deck said the applicant had indicated that the restaurant would provide work for six people.

Councillors agreed to support the applications subject to noise levels from the extractor system conforming to accepted levels.