A former pub and beer garden in Peterborough could become a religious centre under new plans. 

A planning application submitted to Peterborough City Council seeks approval to convert the Canvendish Arms on Eastfield Road into a religious education centre. 

Plans to fully convert the former public house, which has been closed for several years, were approved in March, but have since been revised due to a "lack of interest" in getting the facility "fully occupied". 

The latest plans will only extend the site's first floor side extension as opposed to two first floor extensions. 

The existing public house layout would also be "simplified", with one part of the ground floor area to be used for teaching and other for retail use. 

The first floor would retain the existing three-bedroom flat. 

If approved, the religious education centre would be open on Monday to Friday between the hours of 1pm and 8pm and on Saturday to Sunday between 7pm and 9pm. 

The development is also expected to create two part-time jobs. 

A design and access statement submitted as part of the application claimed the proposal would not have a "detriminal impact" on the amenity of adjoining properties. 

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It added: “This is achieved through a considered design approach and inherent harmony with the surrounding built environment including approach to scale, form and materiality.

“It is believed that the proposal will provide a positive contribution to the area whilst satisfying the requirements of future users.

It added: "Whilst we understand that every project is determined based on its own merits, this application is not substantially different from approved schemes in the local area.”

The site is expected to create two part-time teaching jobs. 

The application can be viewed on Peterborough City Council’s planning portal using reference 24/01369/FUL.

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