A NEW café bar on Endless Street will open this evening - despite Wiltshire Council saying it would be breaching planning regulations. 

Progress café bar was set to open today at noon (Friday, November 18) but a poster on the window stated local authorities’ had postponed the opening.

Councillor Caroline Corbin, who has set up the bar, posted on social media yesterday that it would not be able to open due to "local authorities' advice". 

Salisbury Journal: Grand Opening PostponedGrand Opening Postponed (Image: Annette J Beveridge Newsquest)

Cllr Corbin, who has long championed Salisbury Pride, admitted she was devastated and considering legal advice.

Then at around 4 pm, the bar posted on social media to say: "Following local authorities' advice, we are delighted to announce that our doors will now be open from 6 pm this evening. A selection of hot food will also be available. We look forward to welcoming everyone."

This afternoon, a call from Wiltshire Council confirmed a change to their notice and the venue could open providing hot food was available.  

Caroline said: “I am so happy now. We will be open from 6 pm to midnight and Reece from The Royal George is arranging chilli and rice for us to serve as our kitchens are not quite ready yet."

But when approached for comment by the Journal, Wiltshire Council's cabinet member for development control and strategic planning, Councillor Nick Botterill, said: “We have advised the owners of the Progress bar that planning permission is required in order to change the premises from a restaurant to a café/bar with entertainment.

"Until such time as planning permission is in place, we have advised that the bar should remain closed.”

More to follow.