Hopes to improve Wisbech street

The appearance of two streets in Wisbech could be improved under a new plan.

Fenland District Council has launched a public consultation on its plans to preserve and improve the Wisbech Conservation Area.

The creation of a micro conservation area strategy for the Norfolk Street and Norwich Road is among the suggestions made in the management plan.

The management plan states: “The character and appearance of the Norfolk Street and Norwich Road character area is diminished by poor quality shop frontage and signage and the occurrence of unsympathetic window replacement. In addition to this many buildings in this character area are poorly maintained and satellite dishes are prevalent on street fronting elevations cluttering their facades and the street scene.”

A total of 29 of the 232 listed buildings in Wisbech are at risk and the council is hoping to work with the owners.

The plan also highlights hopes of developing: the site associated with The Wesley Hall, Ghost Passage; 5 North Street and site of 6 North Street; along with land at junction of South Brink and Coalwharf Road; and Market Service Station, Chapel Road.

Guidance on windows, shopfronts and signs are also included in the plan along with hopes to raise the profile of the area and research historic buildings.

Information panels will also be on display there throughout the consultation, which ends on January 11.The council’s conservation team will be in the shop from 10am to 4pm on Thursday to answer questions. Cllr David Oliver, cabinet member for conservation, said: “Previous consultation exercises linked to the High Street bid have generated a lot of interest and helped raise people’s awareness of the town’s great architectural history and the importance of preserving and enhancing it. This is another opportunity for people to give us their views on our future plans”