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.”

“Reference Proposal Decision F/YR13/0674/A Display of non-illuminated wall mounted lettering and a non- illuminated hanging sign 2 - 3 North Brink Wisbech Granted F/YR13/0675/LB Display of non-illuminated wall mounted lettering, a non-illuminated hanging sign and a wall mounted plaque involving the removal of existing signage and fixings to front of existing building 2 - 3 North Brink Wisbech Granted F/YR13/0442/LB Display of illuminated wall mounted lettering, an illuminated…”

“H2o Sanzokuou Chapel Road Granted F/YR17/0549/F Change of use to mixed use A3/A4 restaurant/bar/club (ground floor) and D2 Snooker Hall (first floor) from mixed use Sui Generis (Leisure Entertainment Centre) and D2 (Snooker Hall) involving single- storey rear extension to form kitchen and erection of 2.47 metre high fence to rear (retrospective) Snooker Hall Chapel Road Refused F/YR16/0783/F Change of use to mixed use A3/A4 restaurant/bar/club (ground floor) and D2 Snooker…”

“The development would result in the loss of an existing public house and employment facility without sufficient evidence that the loss is acceptable, contrary to Policy LP2 of the Fenland Local Plan.”

“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.”

“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.”

“(Councillor Imafidon declared, in accordance with Paragraph 14 of the Code of Conduct on Planning Matters, that he is a member of Wisbech Town Council but takes no part in planning. He further declared that the agent is undertaking work for him and that he knows the applicant as he rents a business premises from him and took no part in the discussion and voting thereon)”

“F/YR25/0505/F Proposed by Councillor Marks, seconded by Councillor Mrs French and agreed that the application be GRANTED against the officer’s recommendation.”