The owner of a riverside pub – which a planning inspector ruled could not become a home – has submitted another planning application for the property.

The Lazy Otter, in Stretham, is currently closed and last year a planning appeal to convert the pub into a home was dismissed.  

Now, owner Rita Walsh has submitted a change of use application for the property to become a guest house and offer accommodation. 

She purchased The Lazy Otter in November 2021.  

A business plan submitted alongside the proposals to East Cambridgeshire District Council explains there is “ample private parking”, CCTV and central heating.  

It states the current first-floor layout consists of four bedrooms all with ensuites and a separate kitchen.  

The document says: “Initially, three of the four rooms will be ready for occupancy. 

“Bedroom 2 is still in need of some repair but will be available in the future.”  

It also added efforts are already underway “to contact local businesses that would be interested in accommodation for staff, temp workers and/or contracts”.  

“So far, response has been positive,” the business plan says. 

“We have also written to the Cambridge and Ely tourist board as an introduction for any future collaboration. As yet, we are still awaiting a reply.  

“As RSPB members, we are also in the process of contacting the RSPB to include this property as interest for bird-watchers.”  

For the ground floor, the business plan explains it is proposed to transform the existing kitchen area into owners’ accommodation and refurbish the bar and a restaurant area where breakfasts could be served.  

Another restaurant area leading to the rear garden is proposed to become a customer lounge/games room/tv area.  

An area marked “cellar” could become another ensuite room with its own dedicated entrance, if the plans are approved.  

Viability and marketing reports used for the previous planning appeal have also been re-submitted with this latest application to outline the continued challenges facing the pub trade.  

The current guest house planning application was validated by East Cambridgeshire planners on October 1, 2024.