AN APPEAL has been lodged against the decision to reject plans to demolish an old pub.

The application is to build five, three-bedroom houses on the site of what used to be The Royal Oak in Shrewton.

Plans were originally submitted to convert the pub into housing way back in 2013, when landlord Malcolm Levesconte was found dead after a £29,000 Christmas savings fund went missing.

Malcolm Levesconte, who ran the Royal Oak in Shrewton, jumped to his death from a cross Channel ferry and his body was found in the sea near Dover on Christmas Eve.

An inquest in Salisbury heard the 59-year-old was in debt and left letters for his partner which indicated his intention to kill himself.

Salisbury Journal: Site plan

An application was made last year for a proposed demolition and conversion of the existing building and erection of three, five-bedroom houses.

It would also include up to a dozen parking spaces.

It was rejected because: "It is considered that the proposed development, by virtue of the proposed plot sizes and detailed design, will result in a cramped form of over development of the site and thus have a detrimental impact on the character of the area."

To read the plans in full, click here.

The Planning Inspectorate have introduced an online appeals service which you can use to comment on this appeal.

You can find the service through the Appeals area of the Planning Portal.

Alternatively, you can send your comments to west1@planninginspectorate.gov.uk.

Comments should be received by July 20, 2021.

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