Plans to convert a former Royal Mail sorting office in an East Cambridgeshire town have been refused by the council.
In May 2024, a planning application was submitted by Dhaneki Ltd to East Cambridgeshire District Council to convert the old sorting office at Soham Post Office into two new flats.
The sorting office closed in July 2023, much to the dismay of Soham residents. It was confirmed by Royal Mail in 2023 that the service would relocate to Ely.
Since then, the delivery office has remained empty. However, this plan hoped to see a conversion into two flats, as well as changes made to the existing flat and the Post Office on the High Street.
In the planning statement, it reads that changes would be made to improve staff access to the Post Office, including a new side door.
The flats were set to be two-bedroom with a sitting room, kitchen, dining room and a bathroom.
However, on July 29, East Cambridgeshire District Council refused the application for three different reasons.
In the refusal letter, it states: "The proposal would result in the reduction in the living accommodation in Flat 1 which has the potential to impact the ongoing viability of the Post Office.
"The application has failed to provide appropriate evidence to demonstrate that the viability of the community facility would not be affected."
The refusal was also based on the proposal not being of a "high-quality design", which East Cambridgeshire District Council believes would impact the Grade II Listed Building opposite Soham Post Office.
The third reason for refusal was the "overlooking impact" that would be created if the plans were approved.
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