Newmarket flats posed ‘risk to safety’ says council

Wayne Murfet, 41, who was boss of Lors Homes, supplied 36 fake Building Control Completion Certificates to purchasers of flats on a complex called The Grosvenor in Newmarket High Street.

West Suffolk Building Control inspected and found breaches of building regulations and fire safety concerns with the building.

As a result, a 24-hour waking watch had to be installed in the building.

The court heard the building had since been sold by the developer and West Suffolk Building Control was collaborating with the new owners to have things put right so that it meets building regulations.

Head of Suffolk Trading Standards Graham Crisp said Murfet, of Freckenham Road, Chippenham, put people’s safety at risk.

Mr Crisp said: “The actions of Murfet and Lors Homes caused significant detriment to the purchasers of the flats.

“They had no idea the certificates they received were not genuine and that their flats had not been signed off, and consequently the purchases would not have gone through when they did. 

“Murfet’s fraudulent actions have caused substantial loss to the purchasers and created a significant risk to people’s safety and property.”

Suffolk County Council cabinet member for public protection Steve Wiles added: “This prosecution is the result of long and complex investigation by Suffolk Trading Standards and I commend the team for its hard work in bringing this man to justice.

Steve Wiles, of Suffolk County Council (Image: East Suffolk Council)

“We have strong building regulations in this country and that is because they are there to protect the public.

“Wayne Murfet chose to ignore those regulations and will be paying a heavy price for doing so. I welcome this judgement from the court.”

Mr Crisp added that Murfet and Lors Homes had made little attempt to rectify the problems before selling the building and that the company had now been placed into liquidation.