Plans have been submitted to make a path in the gardens of Peckover House, in Wisbech, more accessible for wheelchair users.  

The National Trust wants to improve the path for visitors to the gardens and the Damsons Dementia group that meets regularly in one of the outbuildings.  

A design and access statement supporting the proposal says: “The application seeks to improve the path at Peckover House to enable wheelchair access from the North Brink gateway to the new Changing Place and Damsons Dementia Centre at Reed Barn.  

“The existing path is a mixture of Tarmac, cobbles, brick pavers and gravel which is not friendly for people with mobility issues or wheelchair users of which many people living with dementia require.  

“The proposed route to Reed Barn is used by both visitors to the café and gardens and service users of Damsons.” 

The garden at Peckover House and Gardens in Wisbech.The garden at Peckover House and Gardens in Wisbech. (Image: National Trust Images - Mike Selby) The statement also includes a detailed analysis of the materials used in each key section of the proposed improved path and as much of the historic fabric will be retained as possible along the route.  

This latest planning application was validated with Fenland District Council on September 16, 2024.  

Peckover House is a Grade-I Listed building built in 1722. It is considered a fine example of an early Georgian townhouse.  

The house includes around 2.5-acres of gardens which are enclosed with brick walls and include various outbuildings.  

The Reed Barn at Peckover House has been home to the Damsons Dementia group since 2022. 

It holds morning and afternoon sessions every Tuesday and Wednesday and offers a dedicated space for people living with dementia, their families and carers. 

For more information, call 01945 583463 or email peckover@nationaltrust.org.uk.