Agenda item

8.1

The Interim Head of Planning submitted a report informing Members of a breach of planning control in respect of the unauthorised use of land as a vehicle breakers yard, storage of vehicles, parts and waste and unauthorised erection of a building, at Barleywood Road.

8.2

The report stated that a complaint had been received about the use of land at Barleywood Road, adjoining the cemetery, for a scrap yard. On visiting the site, a car breakers use was found, including storage of scrap vehicles, parts and a large new building was under construction. The owner of the business reported that he had applied for building regulations for the building. This had been checked and confirmed. However, there was no permission for the new building or for the use of the land. The access lane, part of Barleywood Road, was also being used to store vehicles and waste material.

8.3

The owner was verbally advised at the site that, although the use was described as acceptable in principle due to the local plan zoning as industrial land, the close proximity to the cemetery and to the setting of listed buildings raised serious concerns. The quiet enjoyment of the cemetery by families visiting graves could be spoiled and the setting of the listed buildings and listed wall was considered to be spoiled by the visual impact of the use and large new building. A letter, dated 8 September 2016, was sent to the business owner giving the officer view in writing.

8.4

It had been confirmed that some of the unauthorised use was taking place at Barleywood Road carriageway, itself a public highway (un-adopted), owned by Sheffield City Council. Highways enforcement were taking this up with the business owner to ensure that it was free from obstructions. It was currently used for storing scrap vehicles and depositing waste. A public footpath was also affected, in that some of the storage/waste obscured the view of the path line for the members of the public that wished to use it. The Highways Public Rights of Way Team were investigating.

8.5

RESOLVED: That (a) the Interim Head of Planning be authorised to take any appropriate action including, if necessary, enforcement action, including the use of stop notice powers, and the institution of legal proceedings to secure the cessation of the use of the land at Barleywood Road as a vehicle breakers yard and removal of the unauthorised building and clearance of the land of any items associated with the unauthorised use; and

(b) the Interim Head of Planning, in consultation with a Co-Chair of this Committee, be designated to vary the action authorised in order to achieve the objectives hereby confirmed, including taking action to resolve any associated breaches of planning control.