A giant St George’s Cross painted across the front of a 17th-century pub will remain flying its colours after councillors voted to override their own planning officers and grant it permission.
Wiltshire Council’s Eastern Area Planning Committee decided on Thursday that the bold red and white cross on The Moonrakers Inn in Pewsey did not cause unacceptable harm to the Grade II listed building or the character of the local conservation area. The vote was five in favour, three against, with one abstention.
The complaint that sparked a heritage investigation
The council’s legal duty to protect listed buildings triggered an investigation in November last year after a complaint from a member of the public. The complainant alleged the pub, with its large cross, resembled “the headquarters of the National Front,” a far-right political party founded in 1967 and historically associated with racial separatism.
This comparison underscored the sensitive nature of national symbols, though the planning committee’s remit was strictly confined to heritage and conservation. In a report, Wiltshire Council planning officers had recommended refusal, stating the painted decoration “fails to preserve the special interest” of the two-storey building and “fails to enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area.” They advised that if the paint was not removed, enforcement action should be sought.
How the committee reached its decision
In reaching its contrary decision, the committee concluded the flag did not result in “unacceptable harm.” Councillor Mel Jacob, deputy leader of Wiltshire Council, clarified the basis of the ruling afterwards. “We have a legal duty to protect listed buildings and conservation areas,” she stated, confirming the correct process had been followed. “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.”
Painting external features of a Grade II listed building typically requires Listed Building Consent, as it is considered a material change. The committee, comprising democratically elected members from different parties, ultimately judged that in this specific case, the painted cross could stay.
Public consultation presented mixed views. Six people supported the flag, citing “loyalty” to England and support for national sports teams. Four objected on heritage grounds, with one stating it “lowers the tone of the area” and another alleging a “presumed association with other organisations.” Two offered mixed comments, including a suggestion that “flags should be flown on poles.”
During the meeting, councillors voiced strong personal views. Councillor Keith Allen spoke of his military service, telling the committee, “I defended that flag every day. Now I’m in this position and I will defend that flag again.” Councillor Paul Oatway called the National Front comparison “ridiculous,” noting only five people in Pewsey—a civil parish of just under 4,000—had complained.
Councillor Ross Hemming, who wore a red, white and blue shirt and described himself as a “patriot,” nevertheless argued the painted flag was “inappropriate” for the conservation area and suggested using a removable red ribbon for sporting events instead.
A pub at the heart of its community
Defending the pub’s identity, a statement from landlord Jerry Kunkler was read to the committee. It highlighted that The Moonrakers, known locally as “The Moonies,” was an “overtly English sports bar” and an “old fashioned boozer” that bucked the national trend of pub closures. “The red English cross on the outside of the building is an integral part of the identity of the pub,” the statement said.
The pub holds a notable place in local culture. Councillor Stuart Wheeler told the committee it was the inspiration for Jez Butterworth’s celebrated play *Jerusalem*, which starred Mark Rylance and featured a character based on a former regular, Micky Lay. “People come from all over the country to see where Micky Lay died on the doorstep, waiting for the pub to open,” Mr Wheeler said. “This pub is famous. This pub enhances the environment, it does no harm.”
Kim Dorland, who has worked at the pub for 21 years, emphasised its inclusive nature, stating, “We are an England supporting pub, a traditional English bar, but open to all who wish to visit.”
Landlord Jerry Kunkler, who has also served as a Conservative councillor for Pewsey for decades, painted the cross in 2016 to show support for English sports teams. Speaking to the Press Association after the vote, he said, “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.” He added he was looking forward to the flag being up for future sporting fixtures and for St George’s Day on 23 April.
