A former town centre post office dating back to the 1800s is set to be converted into flats despite objections. 

Planning permission has been given by Fenland council to turn the listed building on Bridge Street, Wisbech into 33 one-bed apartments, with two shops on the ground floor. 

Wisbech Town Council objected to the plans, which included the post office and telephone exchange, saying they "would constitute overdevelopment of the site".

And conservation group The Wisbech Society said: "The number of units proposed will have a detrimental effect on amenity in the town centre conservation area."

But in a planning statement, the developer said: "It is considered that the application proposal would have a positive impact upon the Wisbech Conservation Area, both preserving and enhancing it.

"Retention of two-ground floor commercial units on Bridge Street will retain the historic character of this part of the site while the conversion of the remaining building to residential use will ensure that the rest of the listed building remains in active use."

A planning officer's report said: "While ideally the level of units would be reduced it must be acknowledged that achieving a viable, if less than ideal, scheme will secure the long-term future of the listed building going forward and significant weight must be given to this factor."

It said retaining shops on the ground floor would "make a positive contribution to the vitality and viability of the town".

And it added: "The future intended residents of the scheme will also contribute to the town centre as it will increase the footfall and spend in terms of goods and services."

The plans were approved by officers under delegated powers.

The post office, which was built in 1887, was one of a number which closed 10 years ago, with services re-located to nearby shops.