A new planning application proposes to demolish part of the Flying Pig building

A new planning application has been submitted by the developer involving the demolition of the rear part of the Flying Pig building but with the front half of the building to be retained and the existing bar kept in-situ. It proposes to retain the tenants’ three bed accommodation for their family (albeit reconfigured), retention of the existing cellar, live music and new dedicated outside space for patrons, with a new basement for the kitchen and toilets.

This contrasts with the previous application which the developer was given consent for back in the Noughties. This included having the Flying Pig completely demolished and replaced with a new structure forming part of a residential block (only the façade of the current building would be retained) with no cellar, no accommodation for the tenants except a one room flat, no outside space and likely no music (because the rest of the development was to be residential).

So while it is bad news that the developer is unwilling to leave the Pig untouched and to build around it, the new application is a significant improvement over the previous as it keeps many of the crucial aspects of the current pub (albeit reconfigured and refurbished) in place.

However, it will require closing the pub for some considerable time whilst construction works take place and it is unclear what will happen to the current tenants and their family. Justine and Matt are the principle reason why this pub is so popular and loved, and if they cannot come back to run it this would be a massive loss and a great pity because the new application proposals now commit to keeping the crucial elements of the existing pub but without a commitment to the most crucial thing of all which are the tenants themselves.

I will be making this point when I comment on the new applicationand I encourage you to do the same. You can view and comment on the new application proposals here https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?keyVal=QEW9UTDX0CX00&activeTab=summary

Please bear in mind that there is a risk that if the new application is refused the developer may revert back to the previous application that he already has consent for (as outlined above), with the total demolition of the existing Flying Pig building, no provision for a cellar, live music, outside space and so on. The developer’s consultants point this out in the supporting documentation to this new application.

What they don’t mention of course is that the petition has effectively stopped them from proceeding with the previous application because they know applying for permission to demolish the Pig would likely get refused. So as long as there is this threat to return to the previous application this petition will still need to be kept running and I invite anyone who has yet to sign the petition to please do so and get yourself down to the Pig for a pint and some tasty food and good vibes!