Hare and Hound Hotel on North Brink in Wisbech could be turned into six flats if given green light – with residents in support of application

A hotel in Wisbech could be turned into multiple flats if plans are given the go-ahead.

A planning application was submitted to the Fenland District Council by Mr Rafique for the Hare and Hounds Hotel on North Brink to be converted into six flats and to erect a bin store and cycle store.

It is proposed to convert the existing Grade II listed property to residential flats at ground, first, and second floor level. The basement and third-floor areas will remain as existing, with no changes.

The plans are for a two-bedroom apartment at second floor level, with two smaller one-bedroom flats at first floor level, a further two-bed flat at ground floor level, and a two-bed in the rear single-storey unit.

In a design and dccess statement by Morton and Hall Consulting Limited, it said the proposal is an improvement for the adjacent buildings.

It said: “The proposal would allow for a lesser use as this was previously a hotel and public house, and therefore, the change to residential flats should be an improvement for adjacent buildings.

“The property was last used as a public house on December 21, 2023. The property was used as a House in Multiple Occupation from October 22, 2021, on both the first and second floors. This use has since ceased.”

The applicant purchased the property in November.

The bin collection point would be a permanent fixed point, located ideally at the access, with bike storage at the rear of the site.

This site has very good public transport links with the Horsefair Bus Station just a ten-minute walk from the site.

In the statement, it also said: “It should be noted that it is a listed building and the structure is being worked around and no extensions are proposed, to minimise any external alterations to the property.”

Residents in Wisbech are in favour of the plans and say that “we need more houses in Wisbech”.

One person said: “I am in favour of turning this into flats. We need more homes in Wisbech, and this is a nice area to live on North Brink. The building is empty, so it would be nice to see it used.”

Another person added: “I am in support of this application because it provides an affordable way for people to live in a nice part of town.

“We have too many empty buildings in Wisbech, so it is nice to get one back into use. I think flats will go well here as it's close to local shops.”