Residents rally together to save historic Wiltshire pub

Concerned residents gathered outside the Victoria & Albert in Netherhampton, a Grade II‑listed former inn, to try and save the village’s only social hub.

The Victoria & Albert, which closed in September 2021 after tenants were unable to agree on a new lease with the landlord, has remained empty and fallen into visible disrepair, with residents describing it as “sad and run down” in recent assessments.

The building’s owners, the Wellington Pub Company, have applied for permission to convert the historic pub into a three‑bedroom house, proposing internal alterations including transforming the cellar into a lounge, removing the bar, and remodelling the former bar and lounge into an open‑plan kitchen, dining and living space.

The application remains subject to appeal, with the deadline fast approaching.

Victoria and Albert pub in Netherhampton (Image: Foundations Heritage)

In 2023, after sustained pressure from residents, Wiltshire Council agreed to designate the pub as an Asset of Community Value (ACV), official recognition that the building "furthers the social well‑being of the local community" and represents the only pub in Netherhampton, long serving as the hub of village life.

The ACV listing followed months of campaigning by Netherhampton Parish Council, which argued that losing the venue would be a "severe blow to the community life of our village" and highlighted its historical role in hosting fetes, Jubilee celebrations and providing essential facilities for local events.

Residents had also previously noted that the pub’s closure left the village without any local walkable venue for food, drink or community gatherings.

Cllr Pauline Church, Wiltshire Councillor for Wilton, joined campaigners at a gathering outside the pub, emphasising the urgency of the situation with the appeal period now down to its final fortnight.

Netherhampton villagers gather outside the Victoria & Albert pub (Image: Tara House)

She said: "Netherhampton villagers congregated outside the Victoria & Albert pub to raise awareness on the risk we face in losing our pub forever. The building is up for sale, and the owners have made a change‑of‑use application to residential.

"There have been interested pub buyers, and with the increase in population between Harnham and Netherhampton, I find it difficult to believe this pub is not viable as claimed by the applicant’s agent."

Cllr Church encouraged the public to object through the official appeals page. She said people should point out that "the pub is the only social hub in the village, it supports community wellbeing and local events, the pub is registered as an ACV, and people's personal connections to the venue."

Residents now face a crucial window to make their voices heard before the appeal closes on March 20.