Application for Victoria and Albert to become Asset of Community Value

The Victoria and Albert, a previously family-run country pub, closed in September 2021 after its owners slammed the lease their landlord offered as "ridiculous" and "unsustainable".

Since its closure, villagers said the Grade-II listed building has been neglected and it looks "sad and run down", crumbling away with overgrown bushes covering its front.

Taylor, Duncan and Maggie Scott preparing to leave the V&A in Netherhampton after 19 years. (Image: Spencer Mulholland)

On February 15, Paul Cunningham, Chair of the Netherhampton Parish Council, submitted an application for the pub to be listed as an Asset of Community Value in an attempt to re-open it.

If the council is successful in its bid, the community would be granted first refusal on any option to buy the asset, as long as it would be used for the 'community's social wellbeing'.

Read more:​ Victoria and Albert, Netherhampton, to close its doors

The permanent loss of the pub would be a "severe blow to the community life" of Netherhampton, according to the council.

Some residents fear the pub would be allowed to decay further or be turned into a residential building.

Paul expressed residents' views on the community asset application. One villager wrote: "The V&A was more than a watering hole.

"It was the village hub and community centre, uniting all villagers, and it has been doing that job for more than 200 years."

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The historic thatched pub is currently listed for sale with the Caldecotte Group, with a guide price of £325,000.

It is currently owned by the Wellington Pub Company, which has been contacted for comment on the application.

Netherhampton Parish Council said it has been in talks with a local businessman who is "keen" to re-establish the pub but its current owners "seem to be avoiding the discussion.

Paul commented: "In the past, village gatherings such as Jubilee Celebrations and Summer Fetes have benefitted enormously from the presence of a happy, functioning pub providing practical facilities.

"Any village event is more rudimentary and much harder to stage with the pub closed."

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Attracting visitors is another cause for concern as Paul said the pub used to be popular with racegoers, cyclists and walkers. Since its closure, none of these people are drawn to the village.

Wiltshire Council will make a final decision on whether to list the pub by April 11.

To view the application, reference number ACV/2023/00005, click here.