Council adds pressure to complete work on eyesore buildings in Wisbech Market Place

Fenland Council is considering “all avenues” in a bid to pressure owners of an eye-sore building in Wisbech to act.

Members of the public and local councillors are frustrated with the slow pace of work on privately owned historic buildings in Wisbech Market Place.

In February 2023, the council passed a motion put by Cllr Steve Tierney delegating powers to officers so that work could be progressed quickly on the fire-ravaged 5 Market Place.

In June of the same year, business owner Julian Fox and local MP Steve Barclay both urged the council to ensure “speedier action” over the derelict building.

Planning applications were also submitted around the same time for demolition works at the property, which would pave the way for an application to reinstate the building.

However, since then there has been little to no progress made and the situation has become a regular topic of conversation on social media, with people fed-up with the blight the building has on the Market Place.

In a statement issued today, the council said it is working closely with property owners to drive improvements to both 5 Market Place and its near neighbour, the former Franks butchers building, both of which are legally protected due to their special architectural or historic interest.

It goes on to say while the council has very limited power to intervene, where private property is concerned, all avenues are being considered.

The council has been communicating with the owners of the former Cashino Slots store at 5 Market Place since it was ravaged by fire.

Work has begun on a project to retain the façade of the grade II listed building whilst allowing partial demolition of the rest of the building which was damaged by fire and water.

It is hoped an application will be forthcoming in the future to rebuild at the site and in the meantime the council is committed to doing all it can to ensure the site remains as well maintained as possible, within the scope of its limited legal powers.

The council is also working with the owners of the Grade II listed former Franks butchers at 10 Market Place where there have been structural concerns.

The council’s conservation officer is working closely with the owners on the timescale for works and the council has been advised the works are now imminent.

Cllr Dee Laws, Fenland’s portfolio holder for planning, said: “Preserving the heritage of Fenland is incredibly important to us as a council.

“At Wisbech Market Place we’ve been working closely with property owners to drive improvements for many months as we do at other heritage sites across Fenland.

“Unfortunately, this process does take time and doesn’t move as fast as anyone would prefer. This is partly down to the complexity of the projects as well as the private investment involved.

“We are aware of public frustration in regards to this matter, and we are also frustrated. Local councillors contact officers regularly to chase this up.

“In the meantime, our project to be hands on in the restoration of the street scene at Wisbech High Street goes on with work moving apace in the rebuild of the former Cook’s butchers ‘The Gap’ site at 24 High Street and plans being considered for the derelict 11-12 High Street, both sites which we bought to allow us to lead and manage this vital restoration work.”

The former Franks butchers at 10 Market Place was built in the early 19th century, probably as a shop with living accommodation above.

At some point it was occupied by a chemist before being taken over in 1908 by the pork butcher George William Frank whose descendants continued to run the family business until 2015.

The former Cashino Slots store at 5 Market Place was listed as a late 18th century shop built with a 17th century basement.

Listed buildings are given special protections in law to manage alterations to them and push owners to preserve them.

Fenland District Council is doing everything possible to help the owners do the necessary work. However, consideration is also being given to what other legal avenues can be taken, if work remains stalled.