A community group has slammed plans for 12 apartments in the centre of Ely as “utilitarian” and “bland”.

Ely Standard: What the 12 apartments at Market Square in Ely - which have been criticised by community group the Ely Perspective Group - could look like.What the 12 apartments at Market Square in Ely - which have been criticised by community group the Ely Perspective Group - could look like. (Image: Archant)

The Ely Perspective Group, which has the tagline ‘respecting the past, enhancing the present, planning for the future ahead,’ has criticised the plans for the four-storey apartments in Market Square in a letter submitted to East Cambridgeshire District Council’s planning committee, describing them as “bland and utilitarian”.

The chief executive of the council itself, John Hill, has also weighed in on the debate, saying that the construction process could have a negative effect on the city’s weekly markets.

The Ely Perspective Group said: “The east elevation should be the façade that particularly displays some character and architectural detail but it is bland and utilitarian.

“The third storey is particularly unattractive. This and the fact that the facility is four storeys high, provides a building which is bulky in appearance and out of proportion with its environment.

Ely Standard: What the 12 apartments at Market Square in Ely - which have been criticised by community group the Ely Perspective Group - could look like.What the 12 apartments at Market Square in Ely - which have been criticised by community group the Ely Perspective Group - could look like. (Image: Archant)

“As this proposed development is in such a prominent location and would change the character of the market place, a public exhibition should be arranged prior to any approval.”

The group says the plans are so unattractive that another public consultation should be held before approval is considered.

Mr Hill said: “Ely Markets generates a turnover of more than £5 million a year into the Ely economy with market customers going on to spend a further £9 million in the Ely economy.

“It is not possible for me to assess the level of impact this development will have on the operation of Ely Markets and as such I believe that it is essential that the construction plan, i.e. where will the crane be located, where will the site compound be located, how will construction traffic access the site, the hours and days construction will be carried out on and a proposed timetable for construction, is submitted prior to the application being determined.

“Until such time this information is received I have no option but to object to the proposed development as it may have a detrimental economic impact on Ely Markets.”

It is understood that the City of Ely Council plan on extending the project’s consultation period so that all views can be assessed on behalf of the district council.