Local News · Chippenham
Green light for repairs at historic Ford pub following lorry crash
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
The White Hart Inn in Ford has received planning permission to restore its historic structure following significant damage caused by a road accident in April.
A 17th-century pub in the village of Ford near Chippenham is set to undergo urgent repairs after receiving formal approval to restore damage caused by a collision. The White Hart Inn, a prominent heritage site in the Long Dean, Ford and Slaughterford Conservation Area, was struck by a tanker carrying bitumen earlier this year.
The incident, which occurred in April, resulted in significant structural damage to the building. According to planning reports, the outside walls sheared on a horizontal plane, shifting the stone opening surround and the front elevation of the building back by 10 centimetres. The internal fabric of the property also suffered, with plaster ceilings and wooden beams damaged, necessitating the installation of steel supports to ensure the safety of the structure.
Owners Young and Co Brewery applied for Listed Building Consent to carry out the necessary works. The approved project will involve rebuilding the affected porch and its substructure using locally sourced rubble stone. The plans also include a like-for-like replacement of internal timber beams and the repair of the lath and plaster ceiling. As the central porch itself is of 20th-century origin, officers noted that its reconstruction will maintain the aesthetic character of the wider historic asset.
Wiltshire Council planning officers approved the application, stating that the works are essential for securing the future use of the heritage asset and align with long-term conservation policies. North Wraxall Parish Council offered no objections to the proposal.
The White Hart, which sits beside the By Brook, is well-regarded for its traditional character and role as a local destination. Beyond the repairs, the plans incorporate improvements to the entrance to enhance accessibility. The approval ensures that the pub can continue to serve the village and visitors, maintaining its position as a staple of the Wiltshire community.
Source: Wiltshire Times — Chippenham · View original