Flats plan for former March laundry site gets green-light

Plans to convert a disused warehouse and laundry facility into flats have been approved by Fenland District Council.

Urfan Azam of Silverwood Property Holdings Ltd applied for a change of use fo 140 and 144 Station Road, march into six one-bedroom flats including a first-floor extension and a landscaped courtyard.

A planning officer’s report explained that the site, which is next to the Gulf garage, has previously been a laundry facility to the rear of the property and shops to the front.

Currently, there are residential properties at the front of the building.

The report said amendments to the building would include a bay window to the front, refurbishment of the timber gate and a low wall to enclose the front of the site.

The existing off-shoot link to the rear of the building would be increased in height by 300mm and first-floor accommodation provided.

There would be three flats on the ground floor, two flats on the first floor and a further flat on the second floor.

The rear courtyard would include cycle storage.

Cambridgeshire Highways had raised concerns over off-street parking and potential conflict with pedestrians, but the concern was not considered enough to see the application refused on highway safety grounds.

Since the first consultation, the number of flats has been reduced and the off-street parking provision removed which alleviated the highway concerns.

The officer’s report added that the proposed changes to the front of the building were minimal and would not impact the character of the surrounding area.

It concluded: “The proposal will result in six additional units of residential accommodation within a sustainable location. There are mixed uses within the area, including commercial and residential, and as such the proposal would be acceptable in terms of its use.

“It is considered that the proposed development would comply with the national and local policies and is recommended for approval subject to conditions.”

A design and access statement drawn up by Wilson Architects in support of the application said: “Given the site's current use and well-linked location it lends itself to be developed and refreshed to create modern, affordable accommodation.

“The proposed development will have a positive impact on Station Road and on the urban area of March by providing new high-quality residential units.

“The design of the proposed dwellings is appropriate for the existing buildings and will retain their existing scale, design, and character. The proposed development is of a high-quality design that is bespoke, well-proportioned, and incorporates architectural details making for an attractive addition to the local area.”

The application was approved subject to conditions this week under officer’s delegated powers.