Enforcement action ordered after domestic garage used for business
Enforcement action has been ordered by a council after a domestic garage in Stafford was used for a garden machinery business.
Council officers who visited the unit – part of a row of seven at Alexandra Road – found “lawnmowers, garden strimmers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws (and) leaf blowers to such an extent that it was not possible to walk into the garage”, a report to Stafford Borough Council’s planning committee said.
Wednesday’s committee meeting was told that the estate agent has now served a notice to quit on the tenant, which is due to expire on September 3.
Councillors gave the go-ahead for action to stop unauthorised commercial activity at the garage, as well as removal of the equipment from the unit – including court proceedings if needed.
The committee report said: “The tenant of the garage explained that his hobby was repairing garden equipment and selling items through an internet retail platform.
“It was explained to the tenant that this activity was not considered appropriate at this location as complaints had been received regarding the activity and the noise generated through the repair and testing of the motorised equipment. The tenant was advised to cease the activity.
“A meeting was held with the estate agent who were advised that the use of the garage was unauthorised with being a light industrial activity.
“Furthermore, the unauthorised use was not considered to be an appropriate operation given the surrounding residential properties. A letter was sent to the owner the same day advising about the activity occurring at the site and requesting the activity to cease.
“The activity has continued unabated although a retrospective planning application has not been invited as it is considered that the unauthorised use of the garage is unlikely to be acceptable in this location.”
