Planning applications have been made to turn a derelict pub along the A505 near Litlington into three restaurants with drive-thrus.

Royston Crow: The Horse & Groom pub on the A505. Picture: DANNY LOOThe Horse & Groom pub on the A505. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Archant)

The former Horse & Groom pub in the south-west of the Litlington parish lies at the county border along A505 Baldock Road – part of the land is also in the Steeple Morden parish.

The road itself is within Hertfordshire, so the application regarding the land has been made to South Cambridgeshire District Council and a second application has been made to North Herts District Council regarding an accelerator lane on the eastbound carriageway of the A505 between the Odsey and Litlington turnings.

The application by Jason Cunningham and Nicholas Carlile of Barnsley-based UK Property Options Ltd to SCDC is for “demolition of existing building and the erection of three roadside retail restaurants with ancillary takeaway together with associated parking, access improvements and landscaping”.

Royston Crow: The Horse & Groom pub on the A505. Picture: DANNY LOOThe Horse & Groom pub on the A505. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Archant)

Planning agent Giles Moir, of Chapman Lily Planning Limited, told the Crow: “The applicants have worked closely with the council to produce a proposal which would see this derelict site redeveloped to provide three new drive-through units, an improved access and a child’s play area.

“The proposal will create around 45 new full-time jobs and 15 new part-time jobs.

“There has been a desire to redevelop this site for a number of years and the site in its derelict state is currently considered to be an eyesore, the proposed layout has been designed to minimise its impact on any wider views.

Royston Crow: The Horse & Groom pub on the A505. Picture: DANNY LOOThe Horse & Groom pub on the A505. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Archant)

“The applicants have already had interest from a number of operators looking to invest in the site.”

A spokeswoman for North Herts District Council said: “NHDC can only consider the application in relation to the section in our local authority, in this instance the access from the A505. Therefore we will consider the impact on the highway and the provision of access, in conjunction with colleagues at Herts County Council Highways.”

To view the North Herts planning documents, go to pa2.north-herts.gov.uk/online-applications and use reference number 18/02943/FP to comment by December 10.

Royston Crow: The Horse & Groom pub on the A505. Picture: DANNY LOOThe Horse & Groom pub on the A505. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Archant)

To view planning documents and comment on the SCDC application go to www.scambs.gov.uk/planning and use reference S/4239/18/FL by December 17.

Royston Crow: The Horse & Groom pub on the A505. Picture: DANNY LOOThe Horse & Groom pub on the A505. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Archant)

Royston Crow: The Horse & Groom pub on the A505. Picture: DANNY LOOThe Horse & Groom pub on the A505. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Archant)

Royston Crow: The Horse & Groom pub on the A505. Picture: DANNY LOOThe Horse & Groom pub on the A505. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Archant)

Royston Crow: The Horse & Groom pub on the A505. Picture: DANNY LOOThe Horse & Groom pub on the A505. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Archant)

Royston Crow: The Horse & Groom pub on the A505. Picture: DANNY LOOThe Horse & Groom pub on the A505. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Archant)

Royston Crow: The Horse & Groom pub on the A505. Picture: DANNY LOOThe Horse & Groom pub on the A505. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Archant)

Royston Crow: The Horse & Groom pub on the A505. Picture: DANNY LOOThe Horse & Groom pub on the A505. Picture: DANNY LOO (Image: ©2018 Archant)