The Chequers Pub in Matching Green has had planning permission granted for a 102 square metre extension following Cheffins Planning Department winning the case at appeal.The extension will improve the dining experience at the 19th century pub and also improve the quality of working area for those in the kitchen. Replacing an existing compound of sub-standard buildings, the new extension will see a larger kitchen and dining area.The Cheffins team took the case to appeal following it being refused by Epping Forest Council in November 2025. The extension will be on green belt land and Conservation Area and was approved in August 2026.Toni Hylton, Senior Planner at Cheffins who handled the application said: “We were asked to submit a planning application on behalf of the pub to remove the existing compound of mixed sub-standard buildings and propose an extension to this area as well as to remove the outside dining area covered by an awning and replace it with a like for like footprint rear extension. The compound which was on site was a series of buildings which accommodated the kitchen; bins; food prep area; wash area and was impacting the business’s ability to retain staff. The applicant wanted to provide a good-sized kitchen that could be in one location, not a series of substandard buildings. Through the submission of detailed Appeal Statement, we were finally successful in the application being allowed at appeal, and the pub will be working on its extension in the near future.”To find out about how the Cheffins Planning Division can help you, please click here