Pub Shelved from 1,200-Home East Cambridgeshire Development Plans

Ely: Councillors have made a big decision about a new housing development. They’ve agreed that a pub and restaurant won’t be built in the local center of a 1,200-home project. They said, “times have changed,” and it’s just not what the community needs anymore.

The developer, Endurance Estates, wanted to change the original plans. Instead of a pub, they’ll now put in retirement flats. They also suggested turning one of the shops into a wine bar or café to fill the gap left by the pub.

The development is already underway, and some homes are finished. But planning officers were worried about losing community spaces. They felt there wasn’t enough proof that getting rid of the pub was a good idea. The City of Ely Council also had concerns about losing leisure areas.

Duncan Jenkins from Endurance Estates explained that the pub market has changed since COVID. He pointed out that nearby pubs have taken up any demand that might have existed before. A resident, Tom Voucher, agreed, saying a café or bar would be better for the area.

Some councillors expressed frustration that there are still no facilities available. They felt the council should have pushed for some community spaces to be built sooner. Others, like Cllr Chika Akinwale, noted that the need for a pub has changed over the years.

In the end, most councillors voted to approve the developer’s changes, moving forward with the new plans.