The survey forms an early initial step in the development of a new Local Plan.
The plan, known as Fenland 50, will guide how Fenland grows and changes up to 2050, influencing where new homes and jobs go, how towns and villages develop, how flood risk is managed, and the quality of new development.
The survey asks what people value about Fenland, what they think needs to improve, what kind of places they want their towns and villages to become, and what should guide decisions about future development. It also asks how people would like to be involved as the plan is prepared.
The survey, or scoping consultation, will run until 9am on Monday, March 16.
Councillor Laws, Portfolio Holder for Planning, said: “Fenland has a strong identity and a way of life that people care deeply about. Fenland 50 is about planning ahead while protecting what makes Fenland special. By listening early, we can make sure this new Local Plan reflects local priorities and guides change in a way that works for Fenland — now and for future generations.
“I encourage people across Fenland to take a few minutes to share their views, so the new Local Plan best reflects what matters to our towns, villages and countryside.”
Full details of Fenland 50, including the Local Plan timetable, are available on the Council’s website at: www.fenland.gov.uk/fenland50
Paper copies of the documents and consultation are available on request by phoning the Council on 01354 654321 or emailing planningpolicy@fenland.gov.uk
The opening of a new toilet block in March town centre is now expected by April due to a delay in finalisation of demolition of the neighbouring former Barclays Bank building.
The toilets, near to the Broad Street junction with Grays Lane, could not be opened before demolition started due to an unforeseeable issue with a collapsed sewer.
The sewer has now been repaired but final connection works on the toilets cannot be done until demolition of the old Barclays building is complete. Construction safety rules mean two sets of contractors cannot be working on the two projects at the same time due to their proximity.
Grays Lane is expected to remain closed until both projects are complete.
Fenland District Council’s Cllr Chris Seaton, lead member of the March Future High Streets steering group, said: “It’s frustrating and unfortunate that the toilet opening date has had to be put back again.
“We’re doing all we can to ensure the former Barclays building demolition and toilet opening can be complete as soon as possible.
“We understand this will be disappointing and ask everyone to bear with us. Our residents told us it was important to have a toilet block built into the regeneration works and we listened.
“We’re making every effort to ensure everyone can fully benefit soon from the whole transformative regeneration project and a reinvigorated March town centre for many years to come.”
Fenland District Council bought the Barclays Bank building, in Broad Street, with Government Future High Street Fund funding to prevent it remaining empty and being a long-standing eyesore. It had failed to sell to a private investor when marketed in 2016.
Demolition got under way at the end of November. The site is now being marketed for sale with a purchase requirement of timely submission of plans and start of works on a new development.
The district council felt a developer would not viably be able to use the site in its previous form or cover the cost of demolition
The decision was made to bear, from Government funding, some of the cost of creating a development-ready site and re-coup some of that investment by selling the site once demolition is complete.
The purchase of the site also reduced costs of redevelopment work in March town centre as the site was used as a base for the construction team which would otherwise have created significant logistical issues, potential delays and further costs.
The new toilet block, retaining characterful features of the old block, provides a male, female and disabled facility which will be accessed with contactless card payment of 20p.
The old toilet block was removed to allow the riverside to be opened up and enhanced, complementing the new Broad Street layout.
The toilets are being funded jointly by Fenland District Council and with funding from the £8.4million March Future High Streets investment programme, funded by the Government’s Future High Streets Fund (£6.4million) and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority Market Town’s Fund (£2million). March Future High Streets investment came alongside transformational road layout changes to Broad Street delivered by Cambridgeshire County Council.
Over the next couple of months, the March Neighbourhood Policing Team will be working towards the following priorities:
1️⃣Tackling vehicle-related anti-social behaviour and traffic offences in March, Whittlesey, and Chatteris town centres 2️⃣Proactive targeting of known drug dealing and drug use hotspots in March, Whittlesey, and Chatteris town centres, with a focus on disrupting criminal networks and safeguarding young people at risk of exploitation 3️⃣Provide a visible policing presence in town centres and other public spaces to offer community reassurance and address safety concerns.
If you live in March and have something you would like to discuss in regards to these priorities, or any other concerns, then come along to our community meeting:
📍Friday, 30 January 🕰️From 3.30pm until 5pm 🗓️March Library
Unable to make it? We hold these events regularly across the sector so keep an eye out on here, ‘Policing Fenland’ on Facebook, or our website to find out about future meetings.
Project details from Cambridgeshire County Council
Location: City Road, March – from Burrowmoor Road to end of City Road. Start date: 16th February 2026 Duration: 3 weeks Road closures: Road closed from 20:00-06:00 each night. How does this affect you? If you live or work inside the closure, you can ask to pass through. Traffic staff will help you where possible and safe to do so. We ask that no vehicles are left on the carriageway or footway during the work. Due to the nature of the work, there will be some noise, however we aim to complete the loudest work early in the shift and as quickly as possible to minimise disruption.
Type of Work: Footway resurfacing, as per the extents highlighted in red below.
Time of Day: The maintenance activities will be carried out between 20:00 and – 06:00 each night and the road will be closed during these hours. We have selected these hours to maximise the safe delivery and efficiency of the workforce and those within the closure.
Additional Information: We expect to be revisiting in March 2026 to resurface the carriageway of City Road. More details will follow closer to the time.
A unique Guinness World Record attempt is underway in the Fens as locals in March have submitted an official application for a new title: most people to get a goose tattoo.
We have a free cookery course starting up in February at the FACT Community Kitchen, March and still have some spaces available. This is for those aged 65+, You can be experienced as well as first-time cooks. A good time of conversation and cooking – and you get to take home everything you have cooked, as well as receive a free 14-recipe booklet upon completion of the 5-session course. Find out more or book your place now by phoning Alison Crouch on 01945 754080 or email alison.crouch@ferryproject.org.uk
Residents are being invited to share their views on Fenland District Council’s draft Business Plan and Budget, to help shape the Council’s priorities and spending plans for the year ahead.
The draft Business Plan and Budget for 2026/27 set out how the Council will continue delivering key services and investing in the district, despite ongoing financial pressures across local government.
Paper copies of the documents and consultation will also be available to view, without an appointment, at the Council’s Customer Services Centres at:
South Fens Business Centre, Fenton Way, Chatteris, PE16 6TT
Fenland Hall, County Road, March, PE15 8NQ
The Boathouse Business Centre, Harbour Square, Nene Parade, Wisbech, PE13 3BH
Paper copies are also available on request by phoning the Council’s Contact Centre on 01354 654321.
Feedback received during the consultation will be considered by Cabinet and Council at the February 2026 budget-setting meeting, when the final Business Plan and Budget will be agreed.
