Great Gransden residents object to plans transforming the closed Crown and Cushion pub into a two-bedroom house.
The pub closed back in March 2020. It sits inside an old 17th-century building and used to be the only pub in that village. It never reopened after the pandemic started.
Someone wants to change the building now. They filed for permission to convert it, aiming to make it a two-bedroom house.
Many villagers aren’t happy with this plan. They don’t want to lose their only pub. One person said it’s a big loss and that it was the heart of social life there.
Someone else agreed, saying the pub is needed and that they want the pub protected and reopened soon. Changing it is a dreadful waste, as it’s a historic building for the community.
The applicant says they tried to sell it as a pub, but they didn’t get any real offers to buy it. No one could buy it at market price. The plan won’t change the outside much; it will preserve it, they claim.
Inside, they want to get rid of the bar. They intend to add a kitchen and dining room. Two reception rooms will feature on the ground floor, while the toilets become a hall and utility area.
Upstairs, they will remove a toilet and small bedroom. In their place, designers will create a bathroom and study.
The council will decide on the application later. The reference number is 25/00078/FUL. You can see details online if you want.