New flats could be built on site of historic buildings

Plans to convert the pair of Grade-II listed buildings have been approved

Plans to convert a pair of listed buildings in Wisbech which formerly hosted a solicitors’ office into flats have been approved. A design and access statement from Swann Edwards Architecture said the former Metcalfe, Copeman and Pettefar offices were no longer viable as commercial space and the proposal would bring the empty building back into use.

They said the three-storey mid-terraced buildings at 5-6 York Row had been unused for a “significant period” after the company moved to The Boathouse Business Centre. Mr A Koseoglu submitted the application to Fenland District Council seeking permission to change the empty offices into nine one-bedroom flats.

Along with this, a separate application was also put to the council for internal and external works to the Grade-II listed buildings. An extension would also be built on the back to allow for a kitchen and bathroom in one of the ground floor flats.

The Wisbech Society objected to the plans as, even though they felt putting the buildings back to residential use would be “an excellent choice”, it would be overdevelopment.

They felt that a building of this age wouldn’t be suitable for the plumbing and sewerage infrastructure to accommodate the number of residents and they would like to see a reduced number of flats.

But the council’s planning officer said the proposal would be an “effective re-use” of the building and “secure the long-term reuse and preservation of two vacant Grade-II listed buildings”.

They said any harm caused was outweighed by the benefits of restoring the buildings and approved the application on Thursday (August 13).