EXTENSIVE changes, including an extension and open-plan seating area, could be made to the former Browns Hotel building in Tavistock, if plans by pub chain JD Wetherspoon are approved by West Devon Borough Council.

The company has submitted a planning and listed building application for a ground floor extension and internal alterations to the Grade II Listed building in West Street.

The plans include the alteration of interior spaces on all floors and alterations to the existing outbuildings to provide more open space.

The planning and heritage statement, submitted as part of the application, states: 'Extra public space and a new kitchen would be created by adding the extension to the rear of the building, while relocating the bar into the existing stable block would create a greater area for customer use.

'A new beer garden located in the existing passage to the side of the building would provide a screened seating area away from the traffic on West Street. The new scheme would improve upon disabled access to the hotel, restaurant and bar areas.'

The extension would be built into the rear courtyard, connecting the existing outbuildings to the main building, and the new beer garden would be enclosed by double gates to West Street.

The current 21 bedrooms in the hotel would be altered to provide 13 slightly larger bedrooms, a staff room, staff changing rooms and toilet facilities for the bar and restaurant.

The site was formerly occupied by a 17th century coaching inn and the building is said to be the oldest licensed premises in Tavistock.

The historic features are due to be kept, as stated in the planning and heritage statement: 'Those older features which contribute to the importance of the building, will be retained and will be subject to sympathetic repair and refurbishment. These would include the existing windows, flagstones to the ground floor, fireplaces and exposed stone walls, existing exposed timber beams and timber frame to the upper floors. The Roman well will remain as a feature of the ground floor areas.'

The closing date for submission of comments is today (Thursday), after which time a date will be set for the borough council to make a decision.