Plans to convert former pub into care home approved

Since closing in 2016, The Cherry Tree in Woodston, Peterborough, has become covered in graffiti

Plans to transform a derelict pub in a city into a large care home have received planning permission.

The Cherry Tree on Oundle Road, Woodston, was once a thriving pub and a favourite of Peterborough United fans before closing in 2016.

Peterborough City Council approved plans by Synergy Care Developments and Muller Property Group to transform the building into an 80-bed facility providing higher dependency elderly residential, nursing and dementia care.

The group's proposal includes the reinstatement of the pub building for use by residents.

The care home will create 25 full-time and 15 part-time jobs, according to Synergy Care Developments and Muller Property Group

A campaign was launched to save the Cherry Tree in 2020, but it was sold to developers for more than £400,000 in the same year, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

By last year, it had become a hub for rubbish and graffiti so Peterborough Litter Wombles pledged to work with the Peterborough City Council to tidy it up.

Planning documents noted that a two-storey timber link block will be in place from the care home to the Cherry Tree building to create visual separation, be respectful to the pub building and not be overbearing.

The pub will be converted into a lounge area of residents, a new three to four storey care home block will be constructed at its rear and there will be an L-shape garden and parking.

A council case officer report stated: "The proposal is considered to represent a well-designed and contextually appropriate development that respects the character and setting of the locally listed building and surrounding heritage assets."

Nick Thulborn, the Labour councillor for Fletton and Woodston, previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service he was delighted that the pub would be restored as part of the plans.