Three-storey block of flats proposed on main Whittlesey shopping street

A three-storey block of flats could be built on one of Whittlesey’s main shopping streets.

Fairfax Ventures Ltd has applied to Fenland District Council (FDC) to build 16 flats and three shops between 24–30 Market Street.

The new development would replace three existing shops as well as function rooms and comprise eight two-bed properties and two three-bed properties.

Planning documents submitted by agents Peter Humphrey Associates on behalf of the developer says that the current buildings are in a “deteriorating condition” and should be demolished despite being in a conservation area.

This is somewhere with a “special architectural or historic interest” that local authorities try to preserve through tighter planning controls.

Immediately next to where the flats would be is The Black Bull Inn, a listed building, and behind that, mud walls which date back more than 200 years and are themselves listed.

It is also in the vicinity of other listed buildings including Whittlesey Town Hall and residential care home The Hermitage.

Peter Humphrey Associates say that the new development would provide a “significant improvement” on the current shops and would have a “positive effect” on the conservation area.

They add that the “contextual replacement” will be in keeping with the area by providing properties for both residential and business purposes.

No decision by FDC has yet been made on the development which would have to go through a consultation phase and approval by the council before more detailed designs can be submitted.