Residents living near the Monks Walk pub in Highgate urged a Government inspector to reject plans by applicants Caymanor Ltd for the planned alterations at the pub, which is in the shadow of Beverley Minster.

The plans include the erection of extensions at the rear of the building to provide a function room, a dwelling and a flat, alterations to a store and the refurbishment of existing cottages on the site.

The application was turned down by East Riding Council last year, amid fears that it would spoil the tranquility of the area and obscure views of the Minster.

Objectors claimed the scheme was an over-development of the site, would cause noise and disturbance and cause traffic problems in the narrow street.

But the applicants have appealed against the council’s decision to the Planning Inspectorate. The proposals were discussed yesterday at an informal hearing at County Hall, Beverley which were conducted by the inspector, who was later due to visit the site.

Among the residents objecting to the application are James and Jo Lay of Eastgate, who claim the proposals will overshadow and dominate their rear garden, which they say will be enclosed on all four sides if the extensions are built.

Mr Lay said the garden is currently enclosed on two sides and the proposals will have a ‘devastating’ effect.

The couple are also concerned about possible noise and disturbance from the planned function room.

“It is a beer garden at present, but in our climate there are not many evenings when people can sit out there. There is no music and it has never bothered us, we would not have moved next to a pub if it did, but this will be right outside our garden wall and obviously has the capability of being used all year round.

“It could be used for music, discos and who knows what - they can put conditions on to keep the noise down, but enforcing them is a different matter,” he said.

Councillor Gary Shores, who spoke on behalf of nearby residents, said the effect of the proposals on Mr and Mrs Lay’s garden would be deplorable.

He claimed: “This is a development around a Grade 2 building within sight of the Minster which, with the proposed function room, flat and apartment will also drastically impact on the traffic parking within an area which already has parking issues.”

But Terry Litten, agent for the applicants, said the historic building, parts of which date from the 15th century, had been neglected for some years. The building needed to be upgraded to meet new legislation on access for disabled people.

“To upgrade it in terms of toilets etc is very difficult because it is a Grade 2-star listed building. Unless we do it within a new area it will be difficult to achieve,” he added.

Mr Litten said the proposed development will cost around £400,000.