Refurbishment plans for listed liquorice pub

Proposals include a major refit of the ground and first floors at the Liquorice Bush in Pontefract

A town centre pub which celebrates a West Yorkshire town's historical connections with a sweet treat could be renovated under new plans.

The proposals for the Liquorice Bush in Pontefract include a major refit of the ground and first floors of the pub on Market Place.

The Grade II listed building dates back to the late 1700s and is considered to have "high architectural value", according to a report submitted to Wakefield Council.

If plans are approved, the venue would install a new commercial kitchen, flooring and carry out a full redecoration.

A heritage statement submitted to the council on behalf of the Valiant Pub Company said: "The Liquorice Bush in Pontefract is a traditional British pub with a name that reflects the town's history of liquorice cultivation and confectionery.

"Pontefract's history with liquorice dates back centuries, with the town becoming renowned for its cultivation and production of the sweet treat, particularly the Pontefract cake."

Monks are thought to have originally introduced liquorice to the area, with the plant thriving in fertile soil and a favourable climate, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The Pontefract Liquorice Festival parade takes place in summer through the town centre

The refit plans also include installing new fire doors and upgrading the pub's toilet facilities.

"The areas for intended development will not detract from the beauty of the area, nor cause damage to the historic fabric of the building," the planning application said.

"All the works will be finished to a high standard and will blend in sympathetically to its surroundings."

Planning officers have not yet made a decision on the application.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North