Plans aim to return Wisbech listed building to pre-Barclays occupation

Signage,cash machines and night safes are to be removed in order to "decommission" a defunct Wisbech bank.

Fenland District Council's planning officers have approved an application by Barclays Bank for work to its former premises at 12 Old Market.

The Grade II listed building has served as a Barclays branch for a number of years until it closed in September last year with the banking giants blaming falling footfall for the closure.

A design and access statement drawn up in support of the application explains the aim of the proposed work in the three storey property is for removal of existing external signage; removal of external ATM and existing timber door to be replaced with new to match existing; removal of two existing night safes and existing apertures to be infilled with brickwork to match; existing removal of internal counters and all furniture.

The statement explains the work is effectively to "decommission" the building as a Barclays bank and to return it to how it was before it was occupied by the banking firm.

The building is Grade II listed originally dating to the 18th century, with the later purpose-built bank built in 1878 by Boardman of Norwich.

A planning officer's report explains: "Although described as demolitions, the majority of works comprise the rather less drastic stripping out of modern fixtures associated with the former bank use, and thus do not affect the building’s special interest. Similarly the removal of exterior signage and other paraphernalia may be considered an enhancement.

"The one alteration which, whilst also positive, requires more information concerns the replacement of the northern doors in the street elevation, which have been compromised by a crudely-inserted ATM. These have elaborate decorative mouldings and it is essential that they are replicated faithfully as they will need to match the retained southern pair. A condition should therefore be attached to secure this."

The application was approved under delegated powers this week with a number of conditions imposed including one relating to the doors.