The Fighting Cocks pub in Kingston has been listed as a “development opportunity” by an estate agent, causing concerns for its future.

The popular pub and alternative music venue is well-loved by many locals, comedy fans and gig-goers - who feared they could lose the popular venue when it was listed for sale on Bonsors’ website.

But in plans approved by the council on July 4, the ground floor bar and the basement at the music and community venue remain  - and, in fact, will be bigger.

Owner Jamie O’Grady said: “The planning consent achieved includes a basement conversion to accommodate a larger, purpose built venue taking it from 90sqm to 150sqm, which we hope will attract a capacity of 265 people.

“This will draw higher profile acts to Kingston, embracing and enhancing our live music heritage.

“As the building is of townscape merit there will be no demolition, in fact the existing bar area will remain unchanged.

“Having run this venue for nearly 18 years we are passionate about the live music scene and look forward to its continued success.”

Planning permission includes eight flats above the pub, as well as an acoustic report with recommendations to keep noise escaping the basement to a minimum.

The phrase “development opportunity” appears to refer to the flats, rather than the pub itself.