Homes plan for March community building

A redundant community building is set for a new lease of life after planners approved an application to convert it into homes.

The application for a change of use from an education centre to nine dwellings comprising one three-bed two-storey house, four two-bed flats, and four one-bed flats was approved by Fenland planning officers was approved last month.

The application from Mr G Harridine, of The Avenue, March, is for the building that fronts on Station Road in March and stands in front of the town’s community centre and has been vacant for some time.

An officer’s report drawn up ahead of the planning approval said: “The site contains a former school building, last in use as part of a community centre/education use within the wider site.

“The building, whilst set back from the road is prominent due to its 19th century design. It is considered that there is a degree of heritage significance in the building.

“The school was built in 1876 of yellow brick with red dressings. It was extended in the early 20th century in a similar style to the original building. It continued to function as a school until 1964. Since then, the building has had various community uses. A community centre exists at the rear of the building.”

It adds that the proposal would make minimal alterations to the exterior of the building, comprising “modest alterations” to windows. The scheme also includes partial demolition of a small part of the existing building.

The application was granted subject to a number of conditions one of which related to the bats that roost in the building's roof area.

Cambridgeshire Bat Group had commented on the proposals.

They offered no objection to the application as long as mitigation measures were put in place to protect the bats.

They particularly highlighted the need for “sympathetic lighting and like-for-like replacement of the fascias and gutters around the known bat access point, to ensure there are no long-term impacts to the roost.”

Another condition related to the mature trees that front the site on Station Road and the need to protect them.

The condition called for an Arboricultural Method Statement and Tree Protection Plan prior to the start of groundwork – and these must be approved in writing by the planning authority.

This week Mr Harradine submitted both to Fenland Council for consideration.