An application to serve alcohol in a historic chapel in St Ives has been withdrawn, following months of mounting concern over the impact it could have on the town.

Submitted by Andrew Richard Jennings earlier this year, the proposal asked for alcohol to be served at the Chapel of St Ledger, in London Road, from 6pm to 10pm three days a week.

But, as of September 26, Huntingdonshire District Council says the application has been withdrawn, just days after a public drop-in over the issue.

Held by County Councillor for St Ives, Paul Bullen, the session saw more than 100 people turn out to the discuss the application, with suggestions for other ways to use the chapel.

“All bar two were against it being used as a pop-up pub and we had a lot of feedback about what people would like to see it used for,” Councillor Bullen said.

“Some said it’s never open and never available, and others said it’s available a lot and used by the arts community and for charity functions.

“The museum used to look after it on an informal basis, and I want to take all the information from the public, put some form of protocol together and make an arrangement in St Ives for its future use.”

As owner, Cambridgeshire County Council had not yet granted permission for the chapel’s use as a pub, while members of St Ives Town Council had already decided to refuse the application.

Among their concerns, councillors highlighted issues around public nuisance and wildlife on the river.

Following the withdrawal though, Councillor Bullen hopes to have the formal arrangement for the chapel completed before Christmas.