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The Carpenters Arms in Lacock is currently undergoing a major renovation project to reopen its doors to customers. Structural repairs are being completed at the venue, which has been closed for several years, after it was purchased 18 months ago by businessman Adrian Gott. Mr Gott plans to spend £1 million bringing the pub back into use and has already had plans approved for the internal refurbishment of the building.
But the project was dealt a major blow earlier this year when an application to improve the front of the building, including the creation of a seating area and parking spaces, was rejected. Enjoy a better reading experience with the Gazette As a digital subscriber, you will get: 🔵Fewer adverts 🔵Unlimited access to stories 🔵Full access to our app and digital edition of the paper Check out the latest digital subscription sale https://t.co/ePPXQnelce pic.
twitter.com/AhZAEmxWqs Mr Gott says Wiltshire Council’s decision to block these additions has created uncertainty over whether the pub will reopen. READ MORE: Landlord could scrap plans to reopen pub over planning row Adrian Gott and chef Leigh Evans at The Carpenters Arms (Image: Newsquest) He added: “We’re really disappointed and we’re considering our options on what to do next because it’s a real shame that we’re not further advanced.
“It’s proving harder than other projects we’ve done and it’s very uncertain if the pub will reopen now. “Going forward we’re really just considering our options because I’ve got no appetite to invest substantially in a pub and restaurant without the ancillary infrastructure which is essential for us.” Mr Gott is currently seeking advice on his next steps and has not ruled out appealing the decision to reject his planning application.
But he has previously suggested he could apply to convert the pub into housing and put it back on the market if he is not able to complete the renovations as planned. “Pubs are closing in huge numbers and we’re incredibly disappointed at this”, added Mr Gott. “It’s something we’re trying to do for the good of the community.
” SEE ALSO: Plans revealed to breathe life back into 'derelict' Wiltshire pub The Carpenters Arms before work began (Image: Trevor Porter) The proposal to refurbish and reopen The Carpenters Arms has received support from many residents. But the plans for parking and seating at the front of the building have proved controversial. Both the National Trust, which is the custodian for much of the village, and the parish council objected to the application over fears it would restrict parking for residents and increase traffic conflict for cars and pedestrians.
Ultimately Wiltshire Council rejected the scheme claiming it would create an “unlawful highway obstruction” and reduce available highway space, causing “conflict and inconvenience” on the road. The council was contacted for further comment..
