A COUNTRY pub that features in the Swallows and Amazons books is at the centre of a planning row over decking.

Arthur Ransome, the author of the children’s books, was a regular at the Butt and Oyster at Pin Mill, near Ipswich in Suffolk, which overlooks the River Orwell. The pub features in We Didn’t Mean to

the seventh book in the series, published in 1937. Proposals by the pub’s new owners to add decking to the front of the Grade II listed building have angered local people. Malcolm Harding, who lives 100 yards from the pub, said the decking would “detract” from the historic charm and “dramatically alter the visual impact of the pub in a detrimental way”.

Deben Inns, which owns the pub, said it did not wish to cause “upset”. Steve Lomas, a director, said: “The plans were submitted so we could level out the area outside the pub which is currently sloped. It is a Grade II listed building and the plans will not be touching any part of the building. We are not doing anything which will affect the ambience and feel of the area.”

In We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea

the Walker family, known as the Swallows in the books, are staying in the Butt and Oyster while they wait for their father to return from service with the Navy.

The children’s mother allows them to sail on the Orwell as long as they promise not to venture out to sea — but their anchor breaks and they are thrust into a fight for survival.