Closed Swindon pub could become a supermarket
The Duke of Edinburgh pub closed in 2023
A closed pub in Swindon could be made into a supermarket instead of flats.
The Duke of Edinburgh pub closed in 2023 and in September last year brewery Arkell’s were given planning permission to convert the building into three two-bed apartments, with another four two-bed flats to be housed in a new building at the rear of the site, replacing an existing structure.
However, another, alternative use for the 19th century building has now been put forward.
The applicant, a Mr H Padda, has put in a proposal to turn the building into a shop or supermarket, which needs permission for the change of use, as well as to add on an extension at the rear on the ground floor.
The submitted plans for the building, which is just north of Cricklade Road’s junction with Malvern Road in Gorse Hill, show that extension would be used as a storage space.
The bar would be removed and replaced with a smaller sales counter with the main sales area of the shop wrapping round either side of it where the main bar seating area was.
Openings to the kitchen at the rear and an annex used as extra seating space would be closed under the plans.
The gents’ and ladies’ toilet blocks at the rear of the building are planned to be converted to ordinary rooms.
Mr Padda’s application does not propose any changes to the substance of the front of the 150-year-old building.
It also proposes to increase the available parking space from 14 spaces to 15.
It is understood that Mr Padda is the new owner of the building which was put up for sale through the estate agent Whitmarsh Lockhart for a guide price of £500,000.
The property has been removed from the estate agent’s website after being listed as “under offer” earlier this year.
If Mr Padda’s proposal to turn the ground floor into a supermarket is turned down, or even if it is approved by Swindon Borough Council planners, he will be able to choose between that plan and the housing plan put forward by Arkell’s before selling the property.
That would see it have two-bed apartments with large kitchens and separate living rooms on each of its three floors, with another four smaller flats built in a separate building at the rear.
The Duke of Edinburgh opened as a pub called the Tabernacle in 1859 – Arkell’s bought it in 1874, calling it the Duke of Edinburgh.