Decision date set for future of closed Wiltshire pub

As previously reported, the council has received an application from the Pickwick Association to have the historic pub at 48 Pickwick Road listed under the scheme.

A decision is now due to be made by November 10, 2026, with the council inviting comments on the nomination until Thursday, October 15.

The application comes after the Hare and Hounds closed and was left empty, with the Pickwick Association arguing that the pub has played an important role in the local community.

The association, which was formed in 1989 and represents residents in Pickwick, says the pub was used for its annual general meeting and by local groups, including a dog walkers' group which held weekly coffee meetings there.

It also says residents used the pub and its garden for informal socialising, drinks and meals.

In its application, the association argues that the building remains ideally suited to use as a community pub because of its location, character, garden and substantial car park.

The Hare and Hounds is currently being marketed as a pub to let by specialist leisure property agent Fleurets. Its listing describes it as a prominent roadside pub with substantial trading areas and “plenty of character”.

It includes an extensive beer garden, a car park for around 50 vehicles, three-bedroom accommodation and a separate one-bedroom apartment.

The pub is also a Grade II listed building and dates back to the late 17th century. The Pickwick Association says it was formerly a coaching inn and has strong historical connections with the area.

The association's nomination states that Moses Pickwick, a coaching proprietor and former landlord of the pub, is believed to have provided inspiration for the character in Charles Dickens' The Pickwick Papers.

Being listed as an Asset of Community Value would not prevent the property from being sold or changing hands.

However, if the property were subsequently put up for sale, the listing could give a qualifying community group an opportunity to bid for it under the Community Right to Bid provisions.

There is a six-month moratorium period which can give communities time to develop a bid and attempt to raise the necessary funds.

The Pickwick Association says the pub has struggled commercially in the past but believes its location and facilities mean it could once again become a successful community asset.

The property is currently being advertised by Fleurets with no premium specified and is available to let.

Wiltshire Council has asked Corsham Town Council and other interested parties to provide relevant information before the decision is made.

The council's deadline for comments on whether the Hare and Hounds meets the definition of an Asset of Community Value is October 15.

Wiltshire Council will then decide whether to add the pub to its register by November 10.

The decision will determine whether the Hare and Hounds gains the additional community protection provided by an Asset of Community Value listing, at a time when the historic Pickwick pub is being offered to a new operator.