A BAR in the city centre has had to close because it opened without the proper planning permission, says Wiltshire Council.
Progress Bar, on Endless Street, was told last week by planning enforcement officers that it was operating in breach of its planning restrictions and that enforcement action would be taken if the leaseholder continued to operate.
The bar was set up by Cllr Caroline Corbin in November last year to provide "a safe and inclusive space for people in the LGBTQ+ community".
But the official opening was marred by controversy and had to close on its official opening date due to questions about planning regulations.
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She told the Journal last week; “On the licence, it states I am not allowed to put in the planning application. It was one of the clauses.
"I put in an offer of £32,000 for the lease, which was below their asking price, but above what they’d had since 2019, but the estate agent didn’t put it through in a timely manner.”
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The notification to close was received on Wednesday, February 8 and the premises must be cleared out within seven days.
Cllr Corbin said she had checked the activities allowed for a Class E venue and followed them but felt she was penalised for not putting in the planning application.
Cabinet member for development control, Cllr Nick Botterill, said; “The premises occupied by the Progress Café Bar in Endless Street currently has planning permission for use as a restaurant only.
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“The leaseholder was advised from the outset that they needed to secure planning permission for a change of use if they wished to operate a bar with live entertainment, as well as other varied uses in the premises.
“The leaseholder went ahead and opened without applying for planning permission for change of use and is operating in breach of planning restrictions.
He added: “We have contacted the landlord to advise that we will take enforcement action if the leaseholder continues to operate in breach of planning restrictions. The landlord has informed us that they are terminating the leaseholder’s temporary lease/licence.”
The licence to trade at the venue will be terminated on Friday, February 17.
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