The proposed micro pub for Devizes has been granted a licence to trade but still needs planning permission.

Wiltshire Council’s Eastern area licensing sub-committee agreed to grant the licence and was satisfied that measures put in place by the applicant, the Pop-Up Pub Company, would mitigate noise nuisance to local residents.

Company directors Malcolm Shipp, of Sells Green, and Chaz Hobden, brewer at Wessex Brewery at Longbridge Deverell, plan to open the pub, called The Vaults, in the former Lignum antiques shop in St John’s Street and have a bottled beer shop in the cellar.

At the sub-committee hearing at the Corn Exchange on Tuesday John Blake, of St John’s Court, Devizes, spoke on behalf of Shirley Wright, who organised a petition against the licence signed by 61 people.

He said the pub was in a place where there are other licensed premises – the town hall, the Lamb, the Liberal Club, the Silk Mercer and the Peppermill.

He said: “People in the immediate environment feel another establishment like this could exacerbate rowdy and unruly behaviour.

“I don’t think there would be objections if he (the applicant) wanted to offer real ale as an off licence. It used to be an off
licence before Lignum.”

Gerard Hilderly, who lives next door to the former Lignum shop, expressed concern at noise he and his family would suffer from drinkers.

He said Mr Shipp had soundproofed a window the properties share which had helped to reduce noise.

He said he remained concerned and hoped that Mr Shipp would respond to any other concerns that arise.

Mr Shipp, 46, said the pub would be small and would sell real ales, ciders, soft drinks and hot beverages.

He said: “It would be a unique drinking establishment and provide an exciting alternative to the products available in the town centre.

“We would provide quality over quantity and it would be a place which would promote discussion between total strangers.”

The sub-committee granted the premises licence which will allow the pub to sell alcohol from 11am to 9pm Monday to Saturday and noon to 9pm on Sundays. The pub would close at 9.30pm.

Conditions imposed are that no glasses are to be taken outside, all windows and doors must be kept shut save for access, CCTV to be used and the pub to operate a Challenge 25 policy.

Sub-committee chairman Councillor Ernie Clark said: “The sub-committee has considered the evidence and concerns about noise disturbance.

“The sub-committee considers the additional conditions
addresses the concerns of public nuisance.”

A decision on change of use to a pub is expected by Wiltshire Council’s planners soon.