Homes plans go in for redundant MOT centre in Wisbech

A redundant MOT testing centre could be demolished to make way for five homes if plans are approved.

Howard Newport, of Newport Estates (UK) Ltd, has applied for permission to demolish the Test and Service Centre in Elm Road, Wisbech, and replace it with five homes – four houses and one flat.

The site was originally the garage for Eastern Counties buses and was used as a local maintenance facility and more recently was an MOT test centre before becoming vacant some years ago.

A supporting statement submitted with the application explains the building has fallen into significant disrepair, with roof repairs along estimated to exceed £200,000.

The site has already secured outline planning permission (F/YR22/0520/O) for residential use, demonstrating its suitability for redevelopment.

The statement adds: “Given the economic impracticality of retaining the site for employment, the absence of commercial interest, and the benefits of new housing in a sustainable location, the loss of employment land is fully justified.”

A design and access statement drawn up by VOID and also submitted in support of the application concludes: “The building has suffered from a lack of maintenance over an extended period, and it is considered to be beyond economic repair (the roof repair has been estimated in excess of £200k).

“Alternative uses for the existing building have been suggested – a conversion into dwellings has been mooted, however, the large building covers virtually the whole site and therefore this would not deliver a development with amenity space to comply with the Local Authority requirement of 33% of plot size.”