Combined Authority committee approves funding for 6 affordable rent homes in Wisbech

Combined Authority committee approves funding for 6 affordable rent homes in Wisbech

At the Housing & Communities Committee meeting on 7 October 2022, a recommendation that funds of £210,000 be used to provide 6 one bed affordable rented units at 24 High Street, Wisbech was unanimously approved.  

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority were approached by Fenland District Council for funding for the 6 homes within the Wisbech Conservation Area, a site of key importance to the town. The units align with the Combined Authority’s housing strategy to help utilise and create affordable housing, thereby tackling the severe shortage of housing across the districts. The one-bedroom flats will attract affordable rent, set at a level of no more than 80% of the local market rent, and will encourage residents to live in the town centre, helping to reduce the housing shortage across Wisbech and encourage local spending. 

Speaking of the decision, Councillor Chris Boden from Fenland District Council said “24 High Street is an important and very visible site in Wisbech Town Centre, but appropriate redevelopment within the conservation area has proved to be really challenging, financially.  I’m delighted that the CPCA has agreed to help us bring “the gap” back into productive use.” 

Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, Dr Nik Johnson, said “The High Street in Wisbech is of huge significance to the town and is a priority site for development for Fenland District Council. This scheme will be an important step in revitalising the site and the surrounding area, providing much-needed affordable rent properties in the centre of the town, and I’m delighted that the decision to proceed was unanimous.”