The long-running saga over the redevelopment of a former shop in a Norwich street has taken a new twist - after council bosses revealed the replacement building is in breach of planning permission.
The former Burrell's ironmongers shop in Unthank Road closed a decade ago, with permission to demolish and replace it with a new building, containing a fish and chip restaurant, shop and a flat, granted in October 2016.
Since then, the old building has been knocked down and a new one built. But hoardings have remained on the site for months, prompting neighbouring shopkeepers and councillors to question what the delay is.
And Norwich City Council has confirmed the new building has not been constructed in accordance with the planning permission granted.
They have not stated what the contravention is, but said they are working with the owner to find a resolution. But, if one is not found, a notice could be served to force them to comply.
But Denise Carlo, Green city councillor for Nelson ward, said she had been told the problems were over poor quality materials and the wrong sort of windows.
She said the council should take enforcement action and said: 'The independent businesses in this corner of Unthank Road have suffered a great deal from the Burrell's saga which has been going on for years.
'More broadly, we urge everyone to support their local independent shops on Unthank Road and use them whenever possible.
'Residents say how much they value the shopping parade, but the number of national chains moving into Unthank Road is changing its character and ongoing problems at the Burrell's site just add to the difficulties facing local businesses here.'
Peter Sears, of Sears Newsagents said: 'Behind the hoardings, the new building looks cheap and nasty and doesn't fit in with the street character. Personally, I would like to see the new building pulled down and work started again.'
And Ross Garden, of Hurn Chemist, said his business was suffering because of the hoardings, which he wants to see replaced with wire mesh.
The council said it did not have the power to regulate the hoardings.
The owner was not available for comment.
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