A landlord in the West Country has been given the green light to keep a giant St George’s Cross painted on the exterior of his pub, following a controversial planning debate.
Jerry Kunkler, landlord of The Moonrakers Inn in Pewsey, first painted the England flag on the Grade II listed building in 2016 as a show of support for English sports teams. However, the bold decoration sparked complaints, with one local resident describing the pub as resembling “the headquarters of the National Front.”
Wiltshire Council initially recommended removal of the flag, citing concerns that it “fails to preserve the special interest” of the 17th-century building and negatively impacts the character of the conservation area. Officers called for enforcement action if the paint was not removed.
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Despite this, councillors on the Eastern Area Planning Committee voted 5 to 3, with one abstention, to grant permission for the flag to remain. The decision hinged on balancing heritage concerns with community sentiment and the pub’s role as a hub for English sports fans.
Mr. Kunkler, a long-serving Conservative councillor, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “I’m happy with the result. It is justified. The Moonrakers is a sporting bar and I have always been an England supporter,” he said, adding his anticipation for future sporting events and St George’s Day celebrations.
Public opinion was divided. Supporters praised the flag as a symbol of loyalty and local pride, with six individuals speaking in its favor. Opponents, including four people, raised worries about heritage preservation and the flag’s controversial connotations. Two others offered mixed views, suggesting flags be displayed on poles instead of painted on walls.
Mike Fowler, representing Mr. Kunkler, highlighted the pub’s importance amid widespread pub closures. “This is an old fashioned boozer, an overtly English sports bar where people can always watch England matches,” he told the committee. The flag, he said, is “an integral part of the identity of the pub.”
Longtime employee Kim Dorland echoed this sentiment, describing the venue as a “traditional English bar, but open to all who wish to visit.”
Several councillors voiced strong support. Keith Allen referenced his military service, stating he had “defended that flag every day” and would continue to do so. Paul Oatway dismissed the National Front comparison as “ridiculous,” noting only a handful of complaints came from the small local population.
Stuart Wheeler emphasized the pub’s cultural significance, linking it to the play Jerusalem and noting that visitors frequent the location. He argued the flag “enhances the environment” rather than causing harm.
Although Councillor Ross Hemming described himself as a “patriot,” he labeled the painted flag “inappropriate” in a conservation area and suggested alternative celebratory decor like a red ribbon.
Ultimately, the committee concluded the flag does not cause unacceptable harm to the listed building or the conservation area’s character.
Deputy council leader Mel Jacob underscored the council’s legal duty to protect the site but stressed that the decision was made on planning and heritage grounds, not the flag’s symbolism.