Giant St Georges Cross on pub frontage to be investigated for planning breaches

Publican and Wiltshire Council member, Cllr Jerry Kunkler, first painted a cross on the frontage of the Moonrakers in Pewsey in 2016 ahead of the UEFA European Football Championship.

It was painted over in 2020 before being repainted in 2022 in celebration of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

It is thought that concerns have since been raised about the pub's paint job in light of 'Operation Raise the Flag', which has seen members of the public fly flags from their homes and street lampposts across the country.

The property is a Grade II listed building within the Pewsey Conservation Area.

Cllr Adrian Foster, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Development Management and Housing, said: "Listed Building Consent is sometimes required for external redecoration where there is a change of paint colour.

"The changes reported about this property will be investigated in accordance with the council's Planning Enforcement Policy."

Kunkler told Local Government Lawyer that he has now instructed a firm of architects who will be submitting a listed building consent and application.

He added: "This has nothing to do with recent events relating to raising the flag. It is a sports bar (English supporting) but all-inclusive to any customers as we are and always have been a family pub."

Adam Carey