A country pub – which opened in 1860 – could be demolished and replaced by housing. If approved it will mean closure of the Three Horseshoes at Turves near Whittlesey where the owners already have planning consent to build two houses within the grounds.
Work on these have begun, says agents for the pub owners, “and piles have been set for the proposed foundation”.
Morton & Hall Consulting Ltd of March is acting for the owners for further consent but this time to close and demolish the pub and replace it with five semi-detached houses.
“The proposal is to demolish the existing public house which follows considerable marketing of the public house,” says Morton & Hall in their application to Fenland District Council.
“On reviewing the emerging local plan, this site is within the proposed development boundary and therefore suitable for residential development.”
The pub, with its wood panelled bar and beamed ceilings, boosts a pool table room and at one time had a 40-seater restaurant.
These days opening hours have been reduced although a post on the pub’s Facebook page says they remain open, tonight from 5pm, and have “game cards, a small library of books, pool table still only 50p a game, darts, dominoes, lots of other card games.
“So, pop in have a chill, meet your friends to have a few drinks, (including non-alcohol drinks) so help keep a pub in your village!
“Thank you so much to the few regulars/ friends that have helped to keep the pub open”.
The previous application, approved by Fenland Council, was objected to by Whittlesey town council who claimed the two houses being considered “diminished public amenity space for the public house”.
Now the village – which has a population of around 400 -could be without a public house if the latest proposals are accepted.
In studies carried out by Fenland Council, it is noted that the village “contains very limited services and facilities. The population is dependent upon larger surrounding settlements for services and community facilities”.
It is around 4 miles from Whittlesey.
FENLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL PLANNING PORTAL
F/YR24/0145/O | Erect up to 5 x dwellings (outline application with matters committed in respect of access) involving the demolition of existing Public House | The Three Horseshoes 344 March Road Turves Peterborough Cambridgeshire PE7 2DN
