A GRADE II listed hotel may need to take down its outdoor seating area if councillors refuse planning permission.

Members sitting on the Windsor and Ascot development management panel are to consider three applications all called in by the lead member for Windsor, Councillor Samantha Rayner (Con: Eton & Castle).

A councillor can ‘call in’ an application for the planning committee to decide if they disagree with an officer’s decision and requires debate by panel members.

READ MORE: Windsor & Maidenhead Council leader defends 434 flats plan

The Grade II listed Castle Hotel in Windsor High Street has retrospective plans to add a new outdoor seating area with entrance gates, decking, steps, and handrail.

What is retrospective planning permission? Its permission sought after a development has been built. In the case of the hotel, the structures were erected alongside the building and part within the carriageway arch in April.

According to the officer’s report, it was in response to the “opening up” of the hospitality sector to provide an outdoor seating area for hotel guests and members of the public using the hotel.

READ MORE: A look back at Windsor's Harte & Garter Hotel's history (and its future)

Planning officers say the works have a “negative” impact on the setting of the listed building in terms of character and appearance, and the siting, height, design, and materials make the appearance within the carriageway arch look “cluttered and incongruous”.

Cllr Rayner called this in if refused on the grounds of economic regeneration of Windsor, Covid, and tourism.

Councillors sitting on the planning panel will decide the application’s fate on Wednesday, January 5.