Landlord of 17th-century pub fights back against council after investigation launched into giant St George's Cross

He told GB News it had been there "been up there for eight or nine years” and "nothing" had been said about it until Wiltshire Council received a complaint and launched an investigation into the paint job in November last year.

The local authority said that as it is a Grade II listed building, special permission "is sometimes required for external redecoration where there is a change of paint colour".

Mr Kunkler has now applied for planning consent to keep the mural in place.

In a design, access and heritage statement submitted to the council as part of the application, it states: "The proposed development does not adversely affect the appearance of the public house.

"The flag has been in place for over nine years and only now has it been raised as a concern."

"None of the proposed changes are considered to be harmful to the significance of this Grade II listed building," it adds.

Mr Kunkler, who is also a local Conservative councillor, said in a statement submitted to the council that the mural had "nothing to do with Operation Raise the Flag", an online movement which saw thousands of Union Jack and St George's flags spring up in towns and cities across the country last year.

He added: "I arranged for the painting of the cross up in 2016 for the football World Cup finals in Japan.

"Apart from the two years of Covid, the red cross has been on the pub for over nine years. Nothing's been said about it until now.

"The Moonrakers Inn is a sports bar, and I support everything England and this pub has been a venue for all those who want to watch England play, whether it is in the men’s or women’s football World Cup, men’s or women’s rugby World Cup and Six Nations, and of course the men’s and women’s Euros."

Several residents have commented on the planning application, including one man who said the paint job seems "entirely appropriate".

He wrote: "Given the enthusiastic support the Moonrakers gives English sport teams, particularly football, the English flag on the front of it seems entirely appropriate and is popular."

A second resident expressed "full support" for the St George's cross.

"This is a long standing and popular piece of art, originally in support of our English team, but latterly seen as demonstrating our proud heritage and loyalty to our country," the comment read.

"I fully support the application to permit the Cross of St George to remain on the building. It adds personality, colour and character to our High Street."

One resident however said they supported the application "only on the condition that the cross is painted out" when England's involvement in this year's World Cup ceases.

"I understand that the applicant has painted the Cross of St George on his pub wall, in support of the England football team in the World Cup, for some years. I also understand that originally, the cross was painted out at the end of the competition but this is no more.

"The Moonraker pub is in the centre of Pewsey’s Conservation area. The Cross of St George flag could easily be mounted on a suitable pole on the outside of the building... not withstanding the applicant’s position, when he really should have known better, and given we are about to be involved in another World Cup, I suggest this retrospective application is approved.

"But not as a precedent and only on condition that the cross is painted out when England’s involvement ceases (Hopefully until the very end of the competition!!!)

"Any further desire to paint the cross again should be applied for in the usual way – before the event."

The resident went on to say they "strongly object" to the pub having been used in a political video for East Wiltshire MP, Danny Kruger.

Adrian Foster, Wiltshire Council's Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Development Management and Housing, previously said: “The Moonrakers at 57 High Street in Pewsey, is a Grade II listed building within the Pewsey Conservation Area.

"Listed Building Consent is sometimes required for external redecoration where there is a change of paint colour.

“The changes reported about this property will be investigated in accordance with the council’s Planning Enforcement Policy."

The council is expected to make a decision on the planning application by March.