The conversion of a closed pub into a single family home has been refused planning permission.

And seems the reason is the impact of a new extension on the building itself and those neighbouring.

Applicant Dr Colin Hislop has put in a submission for the remodelling of the closed Globe Inn at 7 Sheep Street in Highworth into a family home.

The plans show the Grade II-listed terraced building, which dates back about 300 years, would be a luxury home. The ground floor plan would feature a kitchen and utility room, but also a dining room, a living room, a separate sitting room, and at the rear of the property, a glazed extension would be used as a ‘snug’.

On the first floor, the conversion would see two bedrooms, one at the rear with an en-suite lavatory and shower, a separate bathroom and another large bedroom with its own sitting room. In between would be a gallery.

In the attic would be another two rooms.

A heritage statement prepared for  Dr Hislop said there was little interest in reviving the building as a pub: “The former pub closed in May 2021 and was purchased by the applicant in November 2022 following a lengthy marketing period.

Theapplication also said there are alternative facilities nearby in the market square and the wider town, including The Saracens Head, the King and Queen, The Rose and Crown, The Plough, The Goldfinger, The Highworth Hotel, and a new wine bar.

This was accepted by Swindon Borough Council planners, who said in their report: “There are several suitable and sustainable alternatives to the existing facility nearby.

“The proposals would also result in the creation of a new dwelling within a sustainable location, contributing to the borough’s housing stock at a time when the Council cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply.”

On the other hand, Highworth Town Council wanted the ground floor of the building to be kept for commercial purposes to “preserve the integrity of the street.

But it was the glazed rear extension at the back of the property which meant the plan was refused.

The council’s planners wrote: “By reason of its siting, design, form and materials, the proposed two-storey rear extension and the glazed balustrade to the roof terrace, would result in less than substantial harm to the significance of the listed building, and fail to preserve the character and appearance of the Highworth Conservation Area and the setting of the adjacent listed building.”