Fenland District Council planning committee today unanimously agreed for the Nags Head at Eastrea near Whittlesey to become a village convenience store. Concerns had been raised about the location of the shop and its viability due to other shops in the area, said a report by Fenland District Council officers.
“In this regard, the onus is on the applicant to be confident with the viability of the proposed development,” the committee was told.
“The development plan policies do not require a proposal of this scale to demonstrate retail impacts or justify viability, or similar evidence.”
“It is understood that the pub has been closed for over two years and the applicant has failed to secure any leases or tenants for the pub.
“As such, whilst not a policy requirement, the submission indicates that there is currently no real prospect of the pub successfully re-opening. It is further noted that no application has been made for this building to become an asset of community value.
“Whilst the loss of a public house is unfortunate, the continued viability of a different community facility is considered preferrable to its ultimate closure.”
The report said the store will offer local employment and continued service to residents of Eastrea and the wider community. Thus, it is considered that the scheme complies with planning policies.
The pub will get a new shopfront and formalised parking area for improved access and parking off Eastrea Road.
“There are no technical constraints or issues arising in respect of the scheme that would warrant refusal, and the proposal is considered to constitute sustainable development and is in accordance with both local and national planning policy,” the report concluded.
Whittlesey Town Council had recommended refusing the application “due to highways safety, also the drawings are very confusing and not clear and needs to be addressed by the agent”.
Fenland conservation officer said that “having had a look at the revised drawing, specifically in relation to the walling and railings, this is a material and visual improvement”.
And the county highways engineer confirmed “that the amended scheme including the removal of proposed outbuilding, removal of the existing porch and revised parking arrangements with the cross over off Eastrea Road is acceptable”.
It ends a year a year long battle by retail entrepreneur Raju Goraniya who bought the pub after it closed in 2022: it was put up for sale with offers around £295,000.
