Luxury Leisure has been granted planning permission by Fenland District Council to transform a vacant high street bank unit in central Wisbech into a 24-hour AGC.

The Grade II listed Market Place premises will be refurbished under the Admiral brand if licensing is approved, however, much has been made of local opposition to the scheme.

“The proposal was recommended for approval … and formally approved under delegated powers by Matthew Leigh, Fenland’s Head of Planning, on 17 June,” reported the Cambridgeshire News.

“The officer’s report acknowledged significant opposition. Wisbech Town Council objected, warning that the proposal would damage the town centre. The Wisbech Society also objected, describing the proposal as harmful to both the conservation area and the town’s social fabric.”

The paper described the decision as causing “a bitter row” between the district and town councils, but planning officers dismissed objections raised by town councillors, citing benefits such as “bringing a prominent vacant building back into active use, supporting employment opportunities and maintaining activity within the town centre.” 

“There is insufficient evidence to conclude that the use would result in unacceptable social harm that would justify refusal,” added the planning report.