THE future of a popular local pub has been safeguarded now the publicans have been given permission to extend and modernise the building.

The Rising Sun in Christian Malford has a chequered history and was closed for two years in the 1990s, but lately business has been brisk and improvements were needed to update the facilities.

North Wiltshire District Council planning officers had recommended refusing the plans, saying the extension would dominate the building, but a groundswell of local support, from customers, the parish council and local district council members helped push the plan through.

Simon Woodhead, who runs the pub with his wife, Sue, and partners Nick and Siobhan Gaisford Smith, said: "The last landlord got the pub on its feet, and this is the logical next step.

"With the local support I was 85 per cent confident it would go through but we were worried it might be deferred."

The whitewashed pub in Station Road has a bar and a restaurant and the extension would add a new kitchen, bottle store, toilets and extra restaurant space.

In 1998, a planning application was submitted to turn the pub into a house but this was turned down after villagers were concerned about the loss of the local facility.

Resident David Banks spoke out in favour of the planning application at the meeting of the development control committee on Wednesday last week.

He said: "Five years ago it was claimed the business was not viable and would not attract the investment needed to solve the problem.

"It took £100,000 of public money to defend the district council's decision to keep it as a pub at a public inquiry and we succeeded."

"The pub has a reputation for excellent food, good beer and friendly service, and employs 12 people. To refuse this application would reduce the chances of the Rising Sun continuing into the future."

Planning officer Lachlan Roberston said he feared the plans on the table would change the original character of the building.

Coun Christine Crisp said the action group worked hard to keep it as a pub. "The council's policy became a trail blazer. I am delighted the owners have shown such commitment to the future."

Coun Ruth Coleman said: "The pub has gained a well deserved reputation as a pub and restaurant and this has been continued by the present owners. The district council supports local business and we want it to continue."

After the meeting Mr Woodhead said he was delighted with the outcome. He said building work is likely to start in about eight weeks.