Conservative Candidate Issues Council Planning Enforcement Challenge
The Conservative Party Parliamentary Candidate Andrew Atkinson has issued a challenge to Wrexham Council enforcement officers to demand remedial works on town centre properties.
Mr Atkinson requested a meeting with the Leader of Wrexham Council, Cllr Mark Pritchard and the Planning Enforcement Team to present his plans and ask for the Councils support to make them happen.
Mr Atkinson said: “Every empty shop should look like a brand new empty shop. Planning Enforcement has the powers to demand that property owners undertake the necessary remedial works.”
“Town Centre economic regeneration starts with getting the basics right”
“I am willing to work with a Planning Enforcement officer to list all building defects in the town.”
The powers quoted are Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act.
Section 219 of the Town and Country Planning Act gives the Council powers to undertake the works and invoice the property owner, with Mr Atkinson noting that ‘this is an expensive route and need only be used in extreme circumstances’.
Citing examples on Pen-y-Bryn, Bridge Street and the old Burton’s building as examples of where areas of town look ‘abandoned and neglected when it need not’, he is asking Wrexham Council to use routes he believes are open and inexpensive.
Mr Atkinson said: “Councils are not keen to use their Planning Enforcement Powers as they fear expensive legal costs. In my experience you can achieve incredible results without spending a penny of public money as the other side would rather undertake the work than risk their money.”
“Our town centre has many amazing shops and we need to support them by making Wrexham a viable and attractive destination for residents and visitors.”
“I hope that Wrexham County Borough Council will support my plans, it can be a long process so we need to start now.”
(Wrexham.com notes that if the Council is in a planning enforcement mood this issue is still outstanding from 2012)
Spotted something? Got a story? Email [email protected]