A riverside pub cannot be converted into a home, a government planning inspector has ruled. 

The Lazy Otter, in Stretham, near Ely, must remain a pub after its owner failed to convince officials the property was not viable as a business. 

Chris Baxter, a government-appointed planning inspector, agreed with East Cambridgeshire District Council’s decision to refuse the change of use plans.  

Ely Standard: The Lazy Otter is located in Stretham, near Ely, and is located next to the River Ouse.The Lazy Otter is located in Stretham, near Ely, and is located next to the River Ouse. (Image: Nicky Still)

He said: “From the submitted evidence, I am not satisfied that sufficient justification has been provided to demonstrate that the use of the premises as a public house cannot be financially viable either for the appellant or for another user.  

“There is also no compelling evidence before me which indicates that since the appellants have owned the premises, that all reasonable efforts have been made to sell or let the property for community purposes at a realistic price for at least 12 months.”   

The appeal was submitted by Rita Walsh, who purchased The Lazy Otter in November 2021. 

She was also appealing against a council enforcement notice for living at the property. 

But again, Mr Baxter, agreed with the council and she now has nine months to vacate the building. 

Ely Standard: Views from The Lazy Otter, in Stretham.Views from The Lazy Otter, in Stretham. (Image: Nicky Still)

His report also mentioned an application form that had been completed incorrectly where Miss Walsh stated the change of use plans were completed by December 2021.  

She explained it was completed in this way “because they were living in the upstairs residential part of the building at the time”. 

However when the council, and the inspector, visited on separate occasions both were told the owners were sleeping downstairs.  

Ely Standard: A government planning inspector has dismissed an appeal to convert The Lazy Otter into a home.A government planning inspector has dismissed an appeal to convert The Lazy Otter into a home. (Image: Nicky Still)

Mr Baxter noted a shower in one of the toilet cubicles, the gents toilets had washing machines installed and there were other items “not normally considered typical features of a public house”. 

Despite the appellants arguing the property could still reopen as a pub if, the inspector concluded changes had been carried out without the required planning permission.  

Miss Walsh has also had an application for costs to be paid dismissed.