A FLOOD-hit historic hotel and riverside pub, overlooked by the ‘Sex Education’ hit TV series chalet, has been given the go ahead for a first-floor extension on its separate kitchen and toilet building, to provide more safe storage space.

The Saracens Head at Symonds Yat East, in the heart of the Wye Valley AONB, suffered thousands of pounds’ worth of damage in the 2020 floods when the water reached the top of the bar counter.

Its owners applied for permission for the extension to Herefordshire Council planners, and were supported by both Goodrich and Welsh Bicknor, and Whitchurch and Ganarew parish councils.

The pub has suffered thousands of pounds’ worth of damage from flooding in recent years (The Saracens Head)

A report on behalf of the scheme said: “The proposal is to add a first floor and to create as much storage space as possible for the hotel.

“During 2020 the River Wye flooded to the level of the counter tops in the hotel bar. Tens of thousands of pounds’ worth of damage resulted.

“In the instance of a future flood warning – and floods are predicted to become more frequent – the first floor of the store will enable the safe keeping of valuable equipment and goods all above flood level.

“A hoist will be located at the southern end of the building to lift heavy items to the first floor.”

The extension walls will be clad in grey-stained timber boarding to minimise the visual impact and the roof will be of slates.

Planning permission was granted by Herefordshire Council with several conditions, including the suitable provision of a bird nesting box and a bat roost.