Havering Council has approved plans for The Drill, in Brentwood Road, to keep two outdoor seating areas already constructed either side of its entrance.
The proposals, submitted in November 2025, described the terraces as “essential” for the “long-term success” of the boozer.
Both areas have been historically sectioned off as outdoor drinking spaces, according to the planning documents, but have more recently been upgraded with slatted wooden fencing and raised to the same level.
In a report, the planning officer said these changes did not raise “any particular concerns” and are not “especially harmful visually”.
The report also noted the historic use of the areas for outdoor seating, and the lack of objections from residents, concluding that permission should be granted.
It follows the council’s refusal of a seating area outside Meteor Meze & Grill Restaurant in Gidea Park.
The raised terrace area at the Main Road eatery, which also received no objections from residents, was described as “utilitarian” and “harmful to the character and appearance of the building”.
For this eatery, it was highlighted in the officer’s report that an enforcement case is “under investigation”.
