Shrewton: Plans withdrawn to convert old George Inn into houses

Princess House, in Shrewton, reportedly closed as an unlawful house of multiple occupation in February 2022 when previous owner Peter Hirst sold it to developer Oliver Webb.

The former George Inn has been vacant ever since with boarded up windows and fencing blocking access.

Mr Webb, director of real estate business Balcon Ltd, submitted plans to demolish the old pub and build five terraced houses in its place on May 20.

But Mr Webb withdrew these plans on Monday, July 15, and refused to comment on why the planning application had been withdrawn when approached by the Journal.

Princess House has deteriorated, according to Oliver Webb. (Image: Wiltshire Council)

Planning documents suggest the building is in a condition that "reflects a lack of maintenance and care and attention of a longer period", despite Princess House only being closed for two and a half years.

The applicant wrote: "Although previously a public house, it appears highly unlikely that anyone would wish to take on the considerable cost of restoring the building to an acceptable condition to re-open a pub – particularly so close to the Plume of Feathers across the road.

"Similarly, it is difficult to see what alternative community use a building of this scale and condition could be put to."

An artist's impression of terraced houses in place of the old pub. (Image: Wiltshire Council)

Mr Hirst claimed Wiltshire Council's planning officers told him the property could not be demolished which is why he "had to sell the property cheap" to Mr Webb.

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Mr Hirst objected to the latest planning application and commented: "I find it very disappointing that Oliver Webb states that the 1602 building is in poor condition and previously badly maintained and would collapse in a cold frost."

He claimed one of the buildings was "extensively maintained" and had a new roof fitted in 2010 while the other was professionally refurbished in 2015.

Inside the George Inn before it closed in 2022. (Image: Peter Hirst)

Attempts to change the building's use into a residential property were unsuccessful and Mr Hirst's appeal was dismissed by inspector Benjamin Webb on November 15, 2018.

Mr Webb claimed he visited Shrewton and noted a surgery, filling station, garage, schools, a shop, church and another pub.

His main issue with plans to convert the unused pub was the effect it would have on the "viability and vitality of Shrewton".

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Mr Webb wrote: "The lawful use of the appeal site as a public house is not apparently disputed. Given a lack of signage and other typical identifying features it is unclear how active this use currently is.

"Nonetheless, viewed within the context outlined above, I consider that the use nonetheless contributes towards the vitality and viability of Shrewton."

To view the withdrawn planning application (PL/2024/03466) in full, visit development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ3000005NtELIA0/pl202403466.