A MIXED development of apartments and office units off Sandall Road in Wisbech would lead to the loss of employment land, a planning inspector has ruled.

Anglia Corporation Holdings Limited has lost its appeal against a decision by Fenland District Council turning down the outline plan for land south of Gordon Court.

The company wanted to build 24 residential apartments plus six research and development units and six office units.

Fenland council refused the application in January and in considering the appeal planning inspector Steve Taylor said the main issues were the availability of employment land, the character and appearance of the area, and the living conditions of future occupants.

The site was previously occupied by industrial units which have now been demolished and the area cleared. It is within a large industrial area but adjoins a residential development, Gordon Court.

Mr Taylor said the expansion of existing companies and the establishment of new businesses are dependent on the availability of serviced land in suitable locations.

On a site visit he said the existing boundary with Gordon Court gave a clear distinction between the employment and residential areas and the proposal would be out of keeping with the pattern of development in the area.