Change of mind over plans for former Chatteris bank

Plans to convert a former town bank into a house of multiple occupation have been withdrawn so the applicant can consider alternative options.

The move by property developer Nick Leeding of Leeding Projects to withdraw his proposals to turn the former Lloyds Bank in Market Hill into a home for up to seven people came after Fenland's planning development officer Kathryn Brand told him she could not support the change of use.

She explained the proposals were contrary to planning policy as it would see the loss of commercial use at ground floor level within the town centre and she said the plans had been submitted without "any evidence to indicate why this type of use can no longer be justified".

It also went against other planning policies including the loss of an active frontage with the proposed use of frosted windows to such a large expanse of glazing would create a "blank face to the town centre character of the area" and would be "detrimental to the character of the conservation area".

The frosted windows were also a problem as they would be included in the groundfloor bedrooms giving a "poor outlook and environment for future occupiers - resulting in an unacceptable level of residential amenity".

Ms Brand said she had discussed alternative options with Mr Leeding and told him she would be willing to discuss these further including retaining the commercial use at groundfloor with an appropriate level of residential use at first floor, which she said was "broadly acceptable."

Mr Leeding confirmed he was withdrawing the application together with the associated listed building consent.