Village pub saved from demolition as housing plans scrapped

The Three Horseshoes, in Turves
-Credit: (Image: Google)


A Cambridgeshire village pub described as "a pillar of the community" has been saved from demolition. It follows as plans to convert it into housing have been scrapped.

The Three Horseshoes, in Turves, dates back to 1860 and is the only pub in the village. However, it is listed as 'permanently closed' and was put up for sale earlier this year at a price of £350,000.

Plans to build new homes on the site were put forward by the owners in February 2024. This would have seen the building knocked down to make space for five three-bedroom detached houses.

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Dozens of objections have been raised by locals, who were worried about the village being left without a pub. One person said: "To demolish the pub would be an abomination, ruining the history of the village. Who wants to live in a village just comprising of houses and nothing else?"

Another person commented: "We need a community hub/ place to go to as the pub is the only place to get together. Also come elections we would have to travel further which is not good for those of us that don't drive. We don't need anymore houses in the village."

Other people voted in support of the application, saying it will be an "improvement for the village", while applicants Morton & Hall said the site was suitable for residential development. However, the plans were recommended for refusal by planning officers due to the "significant detrimental impact to the settlement and its residents".

The application was confirmed to have been withdrawn on Monday, September 16. The plans can be viewed in full on the council's planning portal, using the reference F/YR24/0145/O or clicking here.

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