Busy Ely thoroughfare set for revamp

A PARCEL of scrubland that sits adjacent to one of Ely’s busiest thoroughfares could soon be redeveloped under plans submitted to the district council.

Architect Tony Walton is hoping to transform abut 560sq metres of overgrown land at Three Cups Walk into two shops units and a two-bedroom flat.

The land has been out of use for a number of years and had become overgrown with trees and shrubs until builders moved onto the site at the start of the year and began clearance work.

Archaeologists are expected to carry out some excavations in the coming weeks while the planning application is being considered by officers.

Tony Walton told officers: “The proposed development is to provide two shop units, each of approximately 66m2, with a two-bedroom flat over the top. The existing high brick boundary wall along Three Cups Walk will be partially demolished to allow a landscaped area, behind metal railings, in front of the shop units.”

Mr Walton said that the shops would be build in the style of similar properties on Fore Hill in a bid to make the site a “prominent city centre position”.

In January 2011, planning approval was granted to build four new flats on the site but concerns expressed by the City of Ely Council and district council planning officers persuaded the developers to introduce shops to the plans.

If approved, the terms of the planning permission would allow the two new units to be turned into retail outlets, financial or professional services or restaurants and cafes.

A decision on the development is expected within eight weeks.