Shop front alterations at 27 Market Place, Wisbech
Summary of planning committee decision
Decided by Fenland Planning Committee on 4 Mar 2026.
What was proposed
The application sought listed-building consent for a replacement shop front, repositioned entrance doors, security shutters and non-illuminated signs.
“The applications seek full and Listed building permission for external works to a listed building including replacement of existing shop front (with repositioned entrance doors) and installation of internal and external security shutters and display of 1 x non-illuminated fascia sign, 1 x non-illuminated projecting sign, and a vinyl (property number above door). • The application site is located within the market place in Wisbech.”
“PROPOSAL 3.1 The applications seek full planning permission and Listed building consent for external works to a listed building including replacement of existing shop front (with repositioned entrance doors) and installation of internal and external security shutters and display of 1 x non-illuminated fascia sign, 1 x non-illuminated projecting sign, and a vinyl (property number above door).”
Officer report
The site
The site is a ground-floor commercial premises in a three-storey Grade II listed building within the conservation area.
“SITE DESCRIPTION 2.1 The site is located within the market place in Wisbech market town. The host property is a terraced 3-storey building with commercial premises on the ground floor. The commercial business currently occupying the ground floor is “Savers”.”
“The host property is Grade II Listed and located within the Wisbech Conservation Area. The List description is set out in the justification section of the report under Character and Historic Environment.”
Officer report
Earlier applications
Earlier shop-front alterations were granted, while a later advertisement application for the proposed signs was also granted.
“SITE PLANNING HISTORY Pertinent planning history listed below: Application Description Decision Date F/YR25/0845/A Display of 1 x non-illuminated fascia sign, 1 x non-illuminated projecting sign, and a vinyl (property number above door) Granted 30 Jan 2026 F/YR01/0990/LB Alterations to existing shop front Granted 22 Nov 2001 F/91/0849/F Change of use from retail shop to food and drink outlet (A1 to A3) Refused 08 Apr 1992 F/0627/89/F Alterations to front elevation,…”
“F/0622/89/LB Part demolition and extension to shop with alterations to elevations Granted 29 Nov 1989”
Officer report
What officers advised
Officers considered the moved entrance and external shutters harmful to the listed building and conservation area and recommended refusal.
“10.10The host property is a Grade II Listed building within the Wisbech Conservation Area. The Conservation Officer stated in their consultation response that external shutters are not supported in the Wisbech Conservation Area as a matter of principle. External shutters are considered to create a foreboding atmosphere and create a perception of crime.”
“The building is Grade II Listed and located within the Wisbech Conservation Area. The Conservation Officer has objected to the proposal to move the doors and erect external roller shutters stating that “Overall, the proposal does not seek to conserve and enhance the character and appearance of the GII listed building and results in an unacceptable level of less than substantial harm”.”
Officer report
What members considered
Members supported the business investment, considered there would be no adverse harm to the listed building and said the shutters were needed for security.
“Members do not support officer’s recommendation of refusal of planning permission as they feel that there would be no adverse harm to the Listed Building, they are supporting a business which is looking to invest in Wisbech, with there being many empty or boarded up shops in Wisbech that…”
Minutes
The committee decision
The committee granted the application against the officer recommendation, with authority delegated to officers to apply conditions.
“Proposed by Councillor Benney, seconded by Councillor Imafidon and agreed that the application be GRANTED against the officer’s recommendation, with authority delegated to officers to apply conditions.”
Minutes
The members' reasons
The members' reasons are quoted from the minutes above, under “What members considered”.
Sources
- Fenland Planning Committee minutes, 4 March 2026
- Agenda and papers (council website)
Source: Plota analysis of Fenland's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.
Committee decisions and nationwide planning applications, in one API
The Plota API returns planning applications from every council we cover, each with its decision, whether a committee or officers decided it, and the committee date. Build it into your own tools.
See the API →At the meeting
- Committee
- Fenland Planning Committee
- Council
- Fenland
- Date
- Wednesday 4 March 2026
- Recommendation
- Officers recommended refusal
- Committee decided
- Approved, against officer advice
- Minutes
- The council's minutes
- Meeting
- Agenda and papers (council website)
- Application
- The application (council website)
- All decisions
- Fenland committee decisions →
This committee's year
69 decisions in the 12 months to this meeting, 39 against officer advice.
Source: Plota analysis of the committee's minutes.