Six residential flats at Hare And Hounds Hotel, Wisbech

“Internal and external works to a Listed Building to form 6 x residential flats and to erect a bin store and cycle store…”

“The proposal seeks planning permission and listed building consent to convert the building into six self-contained flats, involving internal reconfigurations, removal of non-original structures, and various repairs and alterations.”

“The application site comprises a three-storey Grade II Listed Building within Wisbech Town Centre and the Wisbech Conservation Area, most recently in use as a public house with hotel accommodation. The building is in generally poor condition and has undergone substantial historic alterations. The site includes a rear courtyard, outbuilding, and vehicular access from Chapel Road.”

“The application site lies to the north of North Brink and is occupied by a three- storey, Grade II listed building, most recently in lawful use as a public house with hotel accommodation. The host building, in generally poor cosmetic condition, has undergone substantial extensions, changes, and alterations over a prolonged period. It is situated within Wisbech Town Centre, the Wisbech Conservation Area, and Flood Zone 3.”

“The internal alterations and removal of historic fabric would cause less than substantial but significant harm to the Grade II Listed Building and its setting within the Conservation Area. The proposal does not constitute a sensitive reuse and fails to preserve or enhance the heritage asset, contrary to Policies LP16 and LP18, Section 66 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, and Chapter 16 of the NPPF.”

“In summary, the harm to the heritage asset and the loss of community and employment uses outweigh the limited benefits of the scheme and therefore the application is recommended for refusal.”

“Objects to the loss of the commercial ground floor on the vitality of the conservation area. Also raises further concern that the number of small flats results in overdevelopment of the building, which in turn leads to a general low level of amenity for future occupants.”

“However, whilst some aspects of the original objection have been overcome, the Conservation Officer maintains an objection finding less than substantial harm to the character and appearance and historic significance of the building. Also notes overdevelopment, resulting in poor amenity.”

“Supports the planning application for the Hare and Hounds, an empty historic building on North Brink. They value the proposed restoration of the frontage with traditional wood-frame windows, as well as the inclusion of parking, bin, and cycle storage. They believe approval will restore the building’s use and preserve North Brink’s architectural character.”

“Supporting Comment Officer Response Increase support to economy Comments noted and discussed in the principle section of below report Effective use of empty building Comments noted and discussed in the principle section of below report Other flats on the waterfront are really nice Comments noted Good housing mix Comments noted and discussed in the principle section of below report Addressing housing need Comments noted and discussed in the principle section of below report…”

“Members did not support the officer’s recommendation of refusal as they feel that by leaving the building it will detract from the area, and the planned alterations will be minimal meaning that the heritage of the building will be retained and the property will be safeguarded.”

“FYR25/0504/LB Proposed by Councillor Mrs French, seconded by Councillor Murphy and agreed that the application be GRANTED against the officer’s recommendation with authority delegated to officers to apply conditions.”