A LANDLADY has criticised a decision to refuse smoking shelter plans for her pub.

Brewers Joseph Holt wanted to build a glazed, single-storey extension with open sides at the Rose Hill Tavern in Leigh Road, Westhoughton, ahead of the smoking ban in enclosed public spaces which comes into force on July 1.

But the application was thrown out by Bolton Council's planning and highways committee last week.

They upheld the views of neighbour Carol Freshney, who was the only person to oppose the plans. She feared the shelter would put her security, privacy and health at risk.

But landlady Tracey Hennings would like the brewery to appeal against the decision.

"When the ban comes in, customers will have to go into the garden to smoke anyway," she said.

"We designed a structure that we thought would take account of neighbours' concerns and avoid any risk to them. I'm surprised the plans have been thrown out."