Play equipment located at a popular Stafford restaurant may need to be removed if retrospective planning permission isn't granted by Stafford Borough Council.

An application has been submitted "for the retention of play equipment" at Hickory's Smokehouse on Kingsway.

According to the retrospective proposal "The play equipment consists of a small climbing rig and children's slide with cover.

"The wooden equipment covers a small area to the side of the main building with a maximum height of 3.4m and total length of 8.2m."

Hickory's Smokehouse opened in Stafford in 2024 and serves a range of Southern-style cuisine including corn dogs, smoked wings and Texas style brisket.

Replacing a pre-existing play area, the application claims that the new equipment is "a more modern, safe and appropriate construction."

The proposal continues: "The location [of the play equipment] allows children to be monitored both internally and externally allowing parents and staff to keep a close eye on the area.

"In planning terms, the play area is set slightly lower than the nearest public footpath and road and is some 40 metres distant from the nearest residential building on the opposite side of Newport Road.

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"The wooden materials used in the construction are sustainable and are in keeping with the overall development."

A consultation will commence on Tuesday 16 June.

Read the application here.