A disused Grade II listed pub in Huntingdonshire that closed 20 years ago could be turned into flats and shops under new plans.

According to proposals, the ground floor of The Old Falcon on Market Square, St Neots, would be converted into two retail units while 14 residential properties would sit above and behind the site. 

The former hotel, which dates back to the fifteenth century, has remained derelict since owner Dennis Whitfield purchased it for £1million in 2004. 

The plans, which were drawn up through a collaboration between Huntingdonshire District Council and Mr Whitfield, are part of a wider £15million project to revamp the town centre.

It comes as two previous planning applications submitted in 2016 were turned down with a third withdrawn in 2022. 

Under plans, the ground floor of the building was fitted out as a pub, while the first and second floor were a mixture of office and domestic spaces. 

A design and access statement published as part of the most recent application said "significant steps" have already been taken to ensure the final design proposals are "in keeping with St Neots."

It added that the purpose of the proposed development is to find a "new, long-term sustainable use for the site", with the property's deteriorating condition now a "significant priority."

A public consultation was held by the district council on August 31, with residents invited to have their say on the design proposals. 

In addition to two duplex residential units on the first and second floor, the site's northern and southern wings would be demolished and rebuilt to allow for the addition of 10 homes across two-three stories. 

The existing nineteenth century boathouse, which is adjacent to the River Great Ouse, would also be converted.  

A communal bike storage area that could accommodate 21 bicycles in the south wing of the building has also been proposed. 

The statement read: "The development therefore results in the provision of 14 residential units on the site comprising a mix of apartments and duplex units formed around a central courtyard.

"The ground floor units each have a private amenity space/patio area while the southern part of the site retains and enhances the existing green space for use by the future occupiers of all the units.

"Internal access to the area is formed through the provision of a passage which passes through the southern wing at ground floor level.

"One parking space for maintenance of the southern greenspace is to be provided adjacent to this area, accessed from River Terrace."