A pub which pleaded for "common sense" after being told it couldn't erect a marquee when it reopens has won a wrangle against the council.
The Crown, in Beeston, will only be serving customers outside in its beer garden when it reopens and wanted the temporary shelter so customers could shelter if weather is poor.
James Brown, who runs the pub, said the labyrinth of small bars would make it impossible for staff and customers to stick to the social distancing rules so inside will remain closed for now.
After Nottinghamshire Live highlighted the problem, Broxtowe Borough Council planning chairman David Watts intervened and the marquee is now up ready for the pub to announce its opening day.
Mr Brown said: "If the council had shown common sense in the first place we wouldn't have had to go through all this rigmarole and negative publicity. We'd have just cracked on with it."
He'd previously been told by Broxtowe Borough Council he could put up a marquee for 28 days but no longer, despite the pub previously being allowed to have a marquee during the tram works in 2014 for 18 months.
He said at the time: "I can put one up for 28 days but why they can't they allow me to have it longer just while the crisis is ongoing? I don't understand the decision. There's been a precedent set."
Councillor Watts intervened and spoke to the department, reminding them of the importance of supporting local businesses.
"They appreciate now that what is being looked at is a temporary structure that isn’t actually fitted to the listed building. For my part I’m glad that I could help.
"Part of the role of a local councillor is to be an activist for the community and to make sure that we give businesses all the support we can.
"None of the councillors were aware of any discussions with the Crown until we read the article in the Post.
"I was really disappointed with what they had been told because the Rainbow Coalition which runs Broxtowe want to do all that we can to support local businesses and get our community back on its feet as much as possible."
