Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Paxcroft Mead pub - just what is going on?
The short answer is "Pushing their luck".

The legal situation is that Marshgate has planning permission for the pub, but the Section 106 legal agreement has not been varied to allow them to build it in lieu of medical facilities (see earlier web postings on this subject).

I have been pushing WWDC to ensure that firm action is taken on this matter and, so far, Marshgate has been served notice to stop work (two weeks ago) and this was followed-up by a site visit by WWDC officers a few days ago.

The WWDC planning department is now in discussion with their colleagues in the legal team to progress action. I have been informed that advice is being sought from a QC.

The building work currently being undertaken is undoubtedly 'unlawful' and needs to be stopped. It is just this sort of perceived 'We can do what we like' attitude from developers that makes the public wonder whether the district council actually has the guts to stand up to them. I will certainly do my utmost to ensure that WWDC take a very firm line, but enforcement always takes a long time; I can assure you that the matter will not be allowed to sit on a back burner.