AN Essex businessman is hoping for a change of heart from Fenland’s planners about his proposal to demolish a derelict cottage which was destroyed by fire four years ago and replace it with a large Georgian home.

Cambs Times: The derelict cottage on Mr Ray's landThe derelict cottage on Mr Ray's land (Image: Archant)

Minaxi Ray was refused permission by Fenland District Council to build a three-storey, seven bedroom Georgian home complete with balcony at Riverview along South Brink, Wisbech, in October last year.

Planners said Wisbech would gain nothing by replacing a fire ravaged “modest detached cottage with a very large, ostentatious mock Georgian building”.

The officers report from October last year said: “Serious concerns are raised with regard to the scale and design of the replacement.

“It is considered that the mix-up of styles, including the Venetian 17th century window, the mock Georgian appearance and the full length window on the front elevation, do nothing to reflect the character of Wisbech.

“Not only will this confused appearance appear incongruous within its immediate setting but it also fails to promote or complement the town as a whole.”

Mr Ray has agreed to a 30 per cent reduction in the size of the proposed home in the hope this will persuade planners to approve the revised proposal.

Peter Humphrey, the agent who submitted the application, says the home would act as a gateway site when approaching Wisbech on the main A47.

He says the proposal is for a “significant detached house of Georgian style and detail which will do justice to this large prominent site” and that, whilst the replacement presents a “significant uplift” in size, it incorporates details from similar large homes in the area.