Red Lion pub plans latest

1:50pm Saturday 4th October 2008

A CARE service director has put forward his case for wanting to turn a former Melksham pub into a day care centre for the elderly.

Malcolm Boundy, from Complete Care Services Wiltshire Ltd, addressed Melksham Town Council's planning committee on Monday, after submitting plans to convert the 17th century Red Lion pub in The City.

The plans have caused controversy among members of The Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) who have been urging people to write to West Wiltshire District Council opposing the application, as it says the pub is historically significant.

Speaking at the meeting on Monday, Mr Boundy said he would be providing an essential service in the town.

"We have been providing care for over 10 years and over the years we have seen day care centres and hospitals closing and we have been looking for a suitable property for our day care services," he said.

Mr Boundy said the centre would mean elderly people would have the chance to have a hot shower or a hot meal, things they might not necessarily have at home.

He also said he would be retaining the original Red Lion pub sign to retain the historical connection.

Councillors on the planning committee backed the plans, but some expressed their reservations about a covenant placed on the building by former owners Enterprise Inns.

When the pub was sold, a covenant stated it could not be run as a pub again in future, to ensure it would not provide competition for the chain's other pub, The Unicorn, just over the road.

A petition against the Red Lion's closure was put up in the bar before it shut down, attracting 112 signatures in a week.

Mr Boundy said before he and his wife bought the property they checked to see if there was any chance the covenant could be lifted and the building run as a pub in the future, but was told there was no chance.

Former Melksham mayor Vic Oakman said he wanted the council to look into the legality of the covenant, but permission was granted on planning grounds.

The application is now pending consideration by West Wiltshire District Council.

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