An appeal has been lodged over plans to demolish a village pub and build a new Co-op and flats in its place.
The plans for the development in Harston were validated back in August 2020, but South Cambridgeshire District Council has not yet made a decision on the plans.
The applicant, Andmarc Holdings Limited, has appealed to the planning inspectorate arguing the district council failed to give notice of its decision within the appropriate period of time.
The proposals show the demolition of the Pemberton Arms, and to replace it with a new Co-op shop and four one-bedroom flats.
Planning documents state that the pub closed in 2015 and that the new development would offer an “excellent opportunity” to regenerate the site.
The documents said: “The development of the site would benefit the local economy through the reuse of a site to provide local jobs. In addition, local jobs would be created during the construction phase and upon completion with occupiers of the proposed flats spending money within the local economy.
“It would provide social benefit to the rural community through the provision of a local convenience store that would improve local choice and competitiveness.
“Finally, the scheme would benefit the environment by making best use of brownfield land, therefore reducing pressure for development on greenfield.”
The plans include 17 parking spaces, four of which would be allocated to the people living in the flats, as well as bike stands.
In the application to the planning inspectorate, copies of email exchanges between the applicant and planning officers have been submitted highlighting the district council’s delays in progressing the application.
A date on when a decision on the appeal will be made has not yet been set.
Statements and comments from interested parties, including the district council, are due to be submitted by July 5.
Image source: Andmarc Holdings Limited
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