PLANS to restore a much loved Ascot pub were given the go ahead last week.

On July 28 Bracknell Forest Council's planning committee rubber stamped a £5.2m restoration of the Royal Foresters.

The news means the London Road pub finally has a fixed future, after closing its doors in April 2015 before being taken over by Greene King amidst rumours it would ditch its carvery pedigree and become a nightclub.

A public consultation into the future of the pub saw 150 responses sent to owners Oakmans Inns, with 80 per cent approving of the proposals.

Many people said they wanted more trees to be planted around the pub and called for the Wisteria that surrounds the building to be kept.

Both suggestions have been approved, as have a refurbishment of the bar area and a new glazed extension around the outside.

Oakman Inns’ CEO, Peter Borg-Neal, said: “We are delighted with the outcome and would like to thank the very many members of the public who gave us their unwavering support.

"This is the biggest project Oakman Inns has ever done and is incredibly important to us.

"Getting planning permission is a significant step in what will be a lengthy and extensive project and we will commence work immediately."

Once a flock of bats living in the building has been rehoused and further planning details are approved, work on the project will people - likely in around a month's time.

The pub will open in Spring 2018.

Adrian Laws, Oakman Inns’ Area Manager, added: “Given that I live in Ascot I am incredibly excited that I have been given the opportunity to bring the Royal Foresters back to life.

"My senior management team are in place and are currently being trained in other Oakman sites.

"We are all literally ‘champing at the bit’ to get started with serving our guests."

Oakman are also looking to renovate their second Berkshire pub, The Walter Arms in Sindlesham, and have gone through pre-application consultation with Wokingham Borough Council.