Developer appeals against Cambridge City Council decision to refuse redevelopment of The Emperor pub

A developer has appealed in the hope of overturning a decision to refuse its plans to redevelop The Emperor pub in Cambridge.

MPM Properties (FY) has told the Planning Inspectorate it believes the decision to reject its proposals was not justified.

The original application put forward proposed to demolish most of pub in Hills Road, keeping the front facade, in order to build new offices at the back.

The proposed mixed use development still included a pub on the ground floor and basement.

The application was refused by Cambridge City Council at a planning committee meeting in October last year.

The plans had been recommended for approval by planning officers, but councillors said they were unhappy with the proposals.

Cllr Katie Porrer said at the time that she felt there was “too much crammed in”.

The committee unanimously agreed to refuse the plan, and gave five reasons for its decision.

The council claimed the proposed new building’s “excessive scale, massing and design” would result in a “cramped form of development” and would overdevelop the site.

It raised concerns about the lack of off-street servicing space for the pub and the office buildings, adding that this could lead to “unacceptable highway safety impacts”.

The council said the loss of outdoor space for the pub would impact the viability of the business, and argued the lack of customer cycle parking proposed failed to “promote sustainable travel”.

The authority also claimed the size of the office building in relation to the flats in Dazeley House could result in “unacceptable overbearing and loss of light impacts”.

In the developer’s appeal statement, it argues: “A high quality employment-led redevelopment of this site is to be promoted and one that should be welcomed.

“The site is located within both an opportunity area and local centre, an area of the city where development should be encouraged.

“The proposals will support the ongoing viability of this area of Hills Road with the retention of an improved pub space and needed new office space.

“High quality architecture will be delivered on the site that will enhance the character of the street scene and importantly be safe, inclusive and accessible to all.

“The proposals will not prejudice highway safety, a good level of residential amenity will be provided for neighbours and improved cycle facilities will be introduced on site.

“In summary, the proposals would provide substantial economic and significant social and environmental benefits.”

A decision on the appeal will now be made by a planning inspector. The documents can be seen her