Owner of heritage building prosecuted by council for failing to repair it
Court action has been taken against the owners of a Grade II listed building in Wisbech Market Place that has fallen into disrepair.
Fenland District Council prosecuted the Whitfield Group, owners of the former Franks butchers, at 10 Market Place, for failing to comply with an order to complete improvements within two months.
At Peterborough Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, February 17, The Whitfield Group, registered at Oakington Road, Westwick, pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the order which was issued in March last year. The owners had done some work at the site.
Image above: The scaffold-clad former Franks butchers, at 10 Market Place, Wisbech (February 2026)
Cllr Dee Laws, Fenland District Council's portfolio holder for planning, said: "We hope this action sends a message to all owners of heritage buildings in Fenland that we won't stand by and watch them degrade.
"And that now the owners of this building will do the right thing and take the action we've ordered to preserve this important building's future."
The Whitfield Group must now comply with the order. The council will work with them to agree a reasonable, as soon as possible, deadline for works to be achieved.
The council works closely with property owners to encourage and drive restoration and preservation of buildings.
The Whitfield Group was ordered to pay a total of £810 for failing to comply with the order. If they fail to meet the deadline again, they could face further prosecution and a daily fine of up to £500.
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March 2026
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