Developer aims to breathe new life into run-down Soham building

A DEVELOPER is hoping he can boost the vitality and viability of Soham by refurbishing a building in the town centre.

Matthew Johnson has applied to East Cambridgeshire District Council to convert a building in Churchgate Street from one flat and one shop into three flats and two shops.

Mr Johnson said that the shop units will front on to Churchgate Street, with flats located above. The building is currently sitting empty and boarded up.

In his submission to planners, Mr Johnson said: “Soham is an important settlement and community in East Cambridgeshire and proposals which support the town centre will also have benefits for the wider district.

“The design of the proposal has involved the adoption of an ‘assessment, involvement, evaluation, design’ process. This has resulted in a proposal of high design quality that is appropriate within its context and the character of the surrounding area.

“We have also shown that the proposed development is appropriate in terms of its use, amount, layout, scale, landscaping.”

Soham Town Council has already given its blessing to the plans.

A decision is expected on the plans within the next eight weeks. To view the plans, or to have a say, visit www.eastcambs.gov.uk