Application to convert 200-year-old listed pub into school staff room withdrawn

Campaigners have called it a ‘very significant moment’ for the pub and city

A controversial application to change a 200-year-old pub into a staff room for teachers at King’s Ely has been withdrawn. The Fountain has sat on the corner of Silver Street in Ely for two centuries but the future of the Grade II listed building was left in doubt when the plans were submitted in March.

A planning statement prepared by Bidwells said the pub is “no longer viable in its current form” and has been operating “with substantially reduced hours”. It said the landlord had confirmed their intention to sell the pub and “pursue the sale of the premises” to the school.

They said the current staff common room for King’s Ely is “located away from the main teaching block” and “underutilised as many staff do not have the time to walk there and back in school breaks”.

The plans were due to be put before East Cambridgeshire District Council’s planning committee on June 10. On Wednesday (May 27), the application was withdrawn.

Joe Moor, who has been campaigning to save the pub, called it a “very significant moment for The Fountain and for Ely”. He set up the ‘Save the Fountain Pub, Ely’ Facebook group and thanked everyone for supporting the campaign.

The 41-year-old said: “Hundreds of people spoke up because The Fountain is not simply an old building, but a nearly 200-year-old Grade II listed pub with real heritage and community value.

“We are hugely grateful to everyone who supported the campaign, and pleased that King’s Ely has listened to the strength of feeling within the community. At the same time, important questions remain about what happens next, including whether any revised proposals may emerge in future.

“For now, though, this is an important moment to recognise – and a reminder that community voices really can make a difference.”

King’s Ely has been contacted for comment.