The Eastern Area Planning Committee of Wiltshire Council met on Thursday 16 April 2026 and approved the retention of a painted striped colour scheme on the front elevation of The Moonrakers Inn in Pewsey. The committee also noted an update on planning appeals.

The Moonrakers Inn, High Street, Pewsey

The committee considered an application for listed building consent to retain a painted striped colour scheme on the front (South) elevation of The Moonrakers Inn, a Grade II listed building within the Pewsey Conservation Area.

Decision: Listed Building Consent was APPROVED.

Arguments for Approval:

• The retention of the painted striped colour scheme was considered to preserve the special interest of the Grade II listed building and its setting.
• It was argued that the proposal caused less than substantial harm to the building's significance as a designated heritage asset.
• Public benefits were cited as outweighing the harm, with reference made to the building's function as a sporting bar used by local sports teams and for supporting English teams in sporting events.
• Supporters highlighted that the scheme added colour to the High Street and demonstrated pride.
• Concerns were raised that only five people out of Pewsey's circa 3,800 population had complained.
• It was noted that other listed buildings on the High Street also had painted colour schemes.
• The Chairman proposed an amendment stating that the scheme preserves the special interest and that public benefits outweigh the harm, which was accepted.

Arguments Against Approval (Officer's Recommendation):

• The officer's report recommended refusal, stating that the striped colour scheme was not an appropriate or traditional form of decoration for a principal elevation, causing visual harm to the special architectural character and historic interest of the early 19th-century façade.
• It was argued that the scheme failed to preserve the special interest of the listed building and its setting, and did not enhance the character and appearance of the Pewsey Conservation Area.
• The scheme was considered to cause less-than-substantial harm to the significance of the designated heritage asset.
• Concerns were raised that the decoration was more of a statement, appearing as a National flag, and that this was not sympathetic to the building's architectural detailing or its setting.
• It was suggested that support for English teams could be shown in other ways, such as temporary displays or flags on poles.
• The officer noted that the building had been colour-washed prior to its listing in 1987, but the striped decoration was a later addition.

Informative: The approved painted striped colour scheme is to be retained to the exact detail as documented within the photograph in the Senior Conservation/Planning Officer's report.

Planning Appeals and Updates

Karen Guest, Development Manager Team Leader, presented an update on planning appeals received and determined since the last meeting. It was noted that none of the appeals discussed were related to committee decisions, but rather those made under delegated authority. An overview of the appeals was provided, with specific detail on the appeal for PL/2025/02647 at Wilcot Road, Pewsey, which had been allowed. Gary Collins, Head of Development Management, clarified that the current percentage of major applications successfully overturned at appeal was 9%, which was below the 10% threshold.

Decision: The Eastern Area Planning Committee noted the Planning Appeals included within the agenda and the update provided.