Former village pub in South Cambridgeshire to be knocked down and replaced by Co-op and flats

The former Pemberton Arms in Harston is to be knocked down and replaced by a new Co-op with four flats above.

Permission was granted by South Cambridgeshire District Council, which received 10 objections and four comments in support.

One objector said: “We do object to the loss of the historic facade of the Pemberton Arms. The village has few buildings as old and historic as this one, and the adjacency of the War Memorial adds to this objection, as the proposed building is not in keeping with the locality.”

However, some of the supporters said they believed the new shop would be a benefit for the village.

One supporter said: “A modern Co-op is much needed and will be a great addition to the village. The new design is a vast improvement with the added benefit of removing the current eyesore which is the former Pemberton Arms.”

An appeal had been lodged in June last year by the applicant, Andmarc Holdings Limited, which argued the council had failed to give notice of its decision within an appropriate period of time. However, councillors have now granted approval.

In a planning statement, the company said: “The proposal represents an excellent opportunity to provide a mixed-use regeneration of the site, which will improve the area and provide a benefit to the community.

“The proposal respects the existing pattern of development and context of the surrounding area, whilst safeguarding neighbouring amenity and greatly improving highway safety.”