Pub restaurant planned for Wichelstowe (From Swindon Advertiser)

Pub restaurant planned for Wichelstowe

11:00am Sunday 5th June 2011 in News By Katie Bond

A NEW drinking hole could soon be on its way for the people of Wichelstowe.

Marstons Inns has submitted an application to Swindon Council for restaurant pub, close to the main junction with Croft Road, in East Wichel.

Outline planning permission has already been granted and the latest application seeks approval for detailed design, layout and landscaping.

Pre-application meetings were held with Swindon Council, the Wichelstowe Community Forum and the East Wichel Residents’ Association in the spring, when the proposal was welcomed by the groups.

Peter Lawson, the associate director of planning consultancy Turley Associates, which represent Marstons Inns, said: “The community groups we talked to clearly felt that a pub/restaurant would represent a welcome additional facility for the residents of East Wichel.

“This will be a food-led operation, and will cater for all sections of the local community.

“It has been designed to look like a traditional pub and the architectural style Marston’s have adopted will ensure the buildings will complement the existing houses in East Wichel.

“It will feature a 180-cover restaurant, a traditional bar area, a young children’s indoor play area, a south-facing garden with views towards the proposed canal, and on-site car parking.

“The pub restaurant will be managed directly by Marstons, with the manager living on site to ensure security and supervision.

“It is hoped that approval of the reserved matters will be forthcoming during the summer, enabling a start on site in the autumn, with the new facility opening in early 2012.”

Coun Wayne Crabbe (Con, Wroughton and Chiseldon) said a pub would be a good facility for the residents, provided it was not too close to homes and did not cause too much noise pollution late at night.

“I think in principal, it is a good idea,” he said. “I haven’t seen the drawings yet , but pubs are part of everyday life and it will be a good meeting place for the community.

“There are a lot of people living in Wichelstowe now so I would think this would be a good thing for the area.”

To comment on the proposals visit www.swindon.gov.uk.