A popular pub in Wallington has applied to expand into an empty shop next door.

JD Wetherspoon-pub The Whispering Moon, on Woodcote Road, could extend into the vacant premises, which was previously party shop Celebrations Forever.

According to plans submitted to Sutton Council, the pub’s customer area would extend to the rear of former shop, which closed in January 2022, with the aim of creating a comfortable space for visitors.

The plans claim that extending the pub will inject new energy into the neighbourhood, which was previously also home to The Wallington Arms, which closed in March 2020.

The surrounding area consists of three-story, red brick buildings, with commercial properties occupying the ground floors and residential units above.

The plans, which have been submitted by designers nineteen47, claim that the development would create a “dynamic atmosphere” in the area.

JD Wetherspoon, which has closed a number of pubs in London over the last year, says in the plans that the move reflects its confidence in Wallington as a “thriving business and social hub” and expects The Whispering Moon to attract a steady flow of customers.

The pub chain promises the extension will create more jobs and bring economic benefits to the area, which is described in the plans as a “lively and vibrant hub for residents, both day and night”.