Hotel scheme for derelict pub site

AN application to turn a derelict pub into a hotel has been submitted to South Cambridgeshire District Council. Owner The Findlay Duthie Partnership has proposed the plans for the Horse and Groom Pub on the A505, near Royston. The latest plans come after

AN application to turn a derelict pub into a hotel has been submitted to South Cambridgeshire District Council.

Owner The Findlay Duthie Partnership has proposed the plans for the Horse and Groom Pub on the A505, near Royston.

The latest plans come after an application was refused in December 2006 because it was felt the hotel would fail to minimise the need to travel by car and it would have "a harmful visual impact on the open countryside and landscape".

The company appealed against the decision, but has now submitted a revised plan in the hope of gaining permission.

The scale of the proposed buildings for the hotel has been lowered to a single-storey unit and the number of bedrooms reduced from 30 to 26.

The traditional farmyard-style hotel will cater for car-borne travellers along the A505 and it is thought that the developments would improve traffic safety at the site.

A district council spokes-person said that it was likely the application would be discussed at a planning meeting on December 5.

Support for the scheme was given by members of Royston Town Council's planning committee on Monday evening.