Unauthorised Bradford garage refused retrospective planning permission

After operating for over nine years despite enforcement notices, was rejected following safety concerns and a moving objection from an 11-year-old local resident

Unauthorised Bradford garage refused retrospective planning permission
Image: Google Streetview

An unauthorised car repair garage that has been operating for over nine years on Chapel Street, off Little Horton Lane, has been refused retrospective permission after a planning panel considered road safety concerns and dozens of objections.

The business, operating in a building previously used as offices, had been running since at least 2016 without permission. Bradford Council issued an enforcement notice in May 2018, giving four months to cease the use for “vehicle repairs and maintenance,” citing detriment to highway safety and residential amenity. However, the use continued, leading to a retrospective application earlier this year by Awar Hussain.

At the Bradford District Planning Panel meeting, 65 people had objected to the plans. Maureen Colbert, a member of the nearby Horton Moravian Church, spoke to object, noting the church had first reported the garage in 2016. She said the road was often obstructed by vehicles linked to the garage, with cars sometimes blocking light to the Sunday school.

Members were also read a letter from a local 11-year-old detailing the “difficulties” he had walking to and from school via Chapel Street “due to cars parking on the footpath.” The letter stated: “Due to the blocked footpaths I’m putting myself at greater risk. It makes it impossible for me to safely commute to school.”

Highways officers had raised road safety concerns, stating that at least seven off-street parking spaces were needed, a number the application could not meet. The planning agent, Jo Steele, suggested many cars were unrelated to the garage, but Planning Officer Andrew Moxon pointed out that the application stated the garage had two full-time employees, contradicting the agent’s claim of a “single mechanic.”

Councillor Sinead Engel (Lab, Clayton and Fairweather Green) said: “This is completely the wrong location. I don’t like the impact on neighbours, I don’t like the highways safety implications. There has been a disregard for general rules.”

Members voted to refuse the plans, primarily due to the lack of adequate off-street parking. With the application refused, the original enforcement notices remain in place.

Source: Telegraph & Argus

Have your say!

0 0

Lost Password

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.