Publication

Additional Item

Posted on
Report to Development & Planning Committee
Subject Crown Walk, High Street, Newmarket
Purpose Information only
Classification Unrestricted
Meeting date 2nd May 2023
Item number 15 – additional Correspondence item
Written By Cathy Whitaker CLERK

 

Summary:       This report outlines the situation regarding Crown Walk and includes possible planning enforcement issues, littering issues, maintenance issues.

 

1. Introduction
a. Recent High Street walkabout with a representative of WSC included Crown Walk.
b. Crown Walk is privately owned; we have found a contact on Land Registry for the Landlord.
   
2. Context
a. There have been recent issues relating to:-

–          Planning: a ‘rooftop balcony-like structure’ being erected without any planning application – this appears now to have been removed following enforcement contact; although there is still a raised deck structure at ground level which may be encroaching on the general walk-through area and is certainly a trip hazard.

–          Maintenance of the general walk-through area: there is at least one broken paving slab in the central area which is a major hazard.  NTC has attempted to get in touch with the landlord to report this.
b. Whilst onsite, further issues identified relating to:-

–          Planning: an empty unit has a large decking area which may be an enforcement issue.  There are planter-type screens to the edge of the decking which are definitely on the general walk-through area.  Since being left empty, the area has fallen into disrepair and is an eye-sore, but also an area subject to ASB in the evening.

–          Litter: there are old pallets and packaging outside some of the units.  There is an issue with the trade bin location.
   
3. Proposal/Options
a. WSC enforcement team are being consulted with a view to a site visit to assess the whole area and its problems initially.
   
4. Financial/Resource Implications
a. None currently – NTC has no jurisdiction in this area.
   
5. Next Steps for information
a. Clerk to continue liaising with WSC regarding any proposed site visit by enforcement team.
b. This item to be placed on the next D&P agenda on 15/5/23.