Plans to turn listed former bank into flats

Up to 24 new homes could be created in the old bank building in Wisbech

A Grade II listed former bank in a conservation area could be turned into flats.

Silverwood Property Holdings Ltd has submitted plans to turn the Barclays bank building in Old Market, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, into 24 new homes.

The developer said it would "minimise the extent" of the alterations needed for the building in order to "maximise the retention of historic fabric", and that it would "contribute to the vitality and viability" of the town centre.

Fenland District Council has yet to consider the proposals.

Barclays closed its Wisbech branch in 2022, as it said the number of people using the branch had been declining.

The building is currently empty and the developer said its proposals would help bring it back into use.

They have proposed to convert the former bank into 24 flats, including 15 studio apartments and nine one-bedroom flats.

They said: "It is considered that this application proposal would have a positive impact upon the Wisbech Conservation Area, both preserving and enhancing it.

"The conversion of the building to residential use will ensure its active reuse in an historic environment where heritage is at identified risk."