A West Country landlord has been granted permission to keep a massive St George’s Cross painted on the exterior of his pub, following a contentious debate with local authorities and residents.
Jerry Kunkler, landlord of The Moonrakers Inn in Pewsey, first painted the England flag on the Grade II listed building in 2016 to show support for English sports teams. However, last November, a complaint alleging the pub resembled “the headquarters of the National Front” prompted an official investigation.
Wiltshire Council’s planning officers recommended removal, arguing the painted flag compromised the special architectural interest of the 17th-century building and detracted from the character of the conservation area. They proposed enforcement action if the flag was not removed voluntarily.
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Despite these concerns, a meeting of the Wiltshire Eastern Area Planning Committee voted five to three, with one abstention, to allow the flag to remain. Councillor Jerry Kunkler expressed his satisfaction with the decision, emphasizing the pub’s sporting heritage and his long-standing support for England’s teams.
Public opinion was divided: six supporters praised the flag as a symbol of English pride, while four objectors cited heritage and aesthetic concerns. Some suggested flags should be displayed on poles rather than painted on buildings.
Representatives for The Moonrakers highlighted the pub’s role as a local hub for football and rugby fans and noted it was bucking the national trend of pub closures. Longtime staff member Kim Dorland described it as a traditional English bar welcoming to all.
Councillors in favor defended the flag with passion. Councillor Keith Allen, citing his military service, vowed to protect the flag, while Councillor Paul Oatway dismissed allegations of extremist associations as “ridiculous.” Councillor Stuart Wheeler underscored the pub’s local cultural significance, noting it inspired the play Jerusalem.
While Councillor Ross Hemming, who identifies as a patriot, considered the painted flag inappropriate for a conservation area, the committee ultimately determined the flag did not cause unacceptable harm to the building or surroundings.
Deputy Leader Mel Jacob clarified the council’s role was to assess planning and heritage impacts, not the flag’s symbolism. The decision reflects a balance between preserving heritage and honoring the community’s traditions.