Historic Wiltshire Pub's Giant England Flag Wins Council Approval
A giant St George's cross painted across the facade of a historic Wiltshire pub will remain in place after local councillors voted to grant formal planning permission for the decoration. The decision follows a months-long investigation into whether the flag harmed the heritage value of the Grade II listed building, The Moonrakers Inn in Pewsey.
Investigation Launched Following Public Complaint
The controversy began in November last year when a member of the public complained that the pub, with its prominent red cross on white background, resembled "the headquarters of the National Front." This prompted Wiltshire Council planning officers to launch an investigation into whether the painted flag should be removed from the 17th-century building.
In their official report, planning officers recommended that the Eastern Area Planning Committee refuse consent for the flag to remain. They argued that the "form of decoration fails to preserve the special interest" of the two-storey building while "failing to enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area." The officers suggested that if the painted lines weren't voluntarily removed, the case should be referred to the enforcement team.
Councillors Defy Officer Recommendations
During a committee meeting on Thursday afternoon, councillors voted against their officers' recommendations. Five councillors voted in favour of allowing the flag to remain, three voted against, and one abstained. The committee concluded that the flag did not result in unacceptable harm to either the listed building or the character of the Pewsey Conservation Area.
Landlord Jerry Kunkler, who has served as a Conservative councillor for decades, painted the flag in 2016 to show support for English sports teams. Speaking to the Press Association after the vote, Mr Kunkler expressed satisfaction with the outcome: "I'm happy with the result. It is justified. The result is right. It is a sporting bar. I have always been an England supporting person."
Public Opinion Divided on Heritage Versus Patriotism
The committee heard from multiple members of the public with divided opinions on the matter. Six people supported the painted lines, describing how they demonstrated "loyalty" to England and support for English football teams. Four people objected, expressing concerns about heritage preservation, with one remarking that it "lowers the tone of the area" and another alleging a "presumed association with other organisations." Two people gave mixed comments, including one who stated that "flags should be flown on poles."
Mike Fowler read a statement on behalf of Mr Kunkler highlighting how The Moonrakers was "bucking the trend" of pub closures across the country. "This is an overtly English sports bar which does not serve food," he told the committee. "It is, in fact, an old fashioned boozer. Five large TVs always show English games, whether football, rugby union and also ladies football and rugby. The Moonrakers is known as the local venue where England fans can always watch England matches."
Councillors Debate Heritage and National Identity
During the debate, councillors expressed strong opinions on both sides of the issue. Councillor Keith Allen spoke of his military service as he urged colleagues to support the flag remaining: "I served Queen and country across the world. I defended that flag every day. Now I'm in this position and I will defend that flag again."
Councillor Paul Oatway described the National Front comparison as "ridiculous" and noted that only five people in Pewsey, which has a population of just under 4,000, had complained about the flag. Councillor Stuart Wheeler added that people in Pewsey did not consider "there is any harm" from the flag and described the pub and its landlord as famous, noting that the establishment was the inspiration for Jez Butterworth's play Jerusalem.
However, Councillor Ross Hemming, who attended the meeting dressed in a red, white and blue shirt and described himself as a "patriot," argued that the painted flag was "inappropriate" in the designated conservation area. He suggested that a red ribbon be used instead to celebrate sporting events.
Planning Decision Based on Heritage Grounds
Speaking after the vote, Councillor Mel Jacob, the deputy leader of Wiltshire Council, emphasized that the decision was made purely on planning and heritage grounds: "We have a legal duty to protect listed buildings and conservation areas and when a concern is raised about unlawful works to a listed building we are required to investigate and, where necessary, take appropriate action. In this case, the correct process has been followed and the final decision has been made by democratically elected members from different political parties. This decision was made on planning and heritage grounds about the effect on a listed building – the content or meaning of the design itself was not a consideration in the decision."
Mr Kunkler expressed his delight that the flag would remain for future sporting fixtures and St George's Day celebrations on April 23. Kim Dorland, who has worked at the pub for 21 years, added: "We are an England supporting pub, a traditional English bar, but open to all who wish to visit." The decision marks the conclusion of a planning dispute that has highlighted tensions between heritage conservation and expressions of national identity in historic settings.
