PLANNING permission has been granted for the demolition of a former pub, in order to build five three-bedroom houses.

Developers are now free to build on the site of what used to be the Royal Oak, in Shrewton.

The planning application was originally rejected, with an appeal lodged earlier this year.

An application for costs was made by Mews Shrewton Ltd against Wiltshire Council - this has been refused.

Appeal decision

In his report, planning inspector Andrew Spencer-Peet, who granted the appeal, said: "I find that the appeal proposal as a whole would not have an adverse effect on the character and appearance of the surrounding area.

"The design of the proposed units and the associated parking arrangements would not, in my view result in a form of development that appeared cramped or which would represent overdevelopment."

Mr Spencer-Peet added: "The appeal scheme would respond positively to the existing surrounding built form in terms of height, mass, scale, plot size, design and materials and would integrate well within its setting, whilst making efficient use of land."

To read the appeal decision in full, click here.

Five houses

Salisbury Journal: Royal Oak plans

The application is to build five, three-bedroom houses on the site and a dozen parking spaces.

Plans were originally submitted to convert the pub into housing way back in 2013, when landlord Malcolm Levesconte was found dead after a £29,000 Christmas savings fund went missing.

An inquest in Salisbury heard the 59-year-old was in debt and left letters for his partner which indicated his intention to take his own life.

Plans were originally rejected over fears the proposed development would result in a "cramped form of over development".

To read the plans in full, click here.

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