SALISBURY looks set to lose another pub as supermarket giant Tesco submits plans for a new store.

Tesco has submitted seven planning applications to Wiltshire Council outlining a number of minor changes it wants to make to the former Malmesbury Arms in Wilton Road to convert it into a Tesco Express convenience store.

The supermarket does not need permission for a change of use from public house to retail as it is covered under permitted development rights, but it has submitted applications for various other changes, including signage, installation of an ATM unit and a single-storey rear extension to provide additional retail floor space. A self-contained flat on the first floor would be retained and the company would build a new car park to the rear and side of the building to provide 15 parking spaces.

Salisbury and South Wiltshire CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) said it would be “saddened to see yet another community asset lost due to the current economic state of the industry”.

A few members of the public have objected – one concern was increasing Tesco’s already dominant presence which it was felt would develop into an “uncompetitive and unhealthy situation for customers and small independent outlets”, while two neighbours raised concerns about a lack of privacy and overlooking.

Five of the applications have been withdrawn so they can be revised, and all the applications will be determined together when these are resubmitted.