Purpose of the Report

AGENDA ITEM NO. 7

REPORT TO: Planning Committee

REPORT NO. CPLO/31/04

DATE: 10 May 2004

REPORTING OFFICER: Chief Planning Officer

CONTACT OFFICER: Fran Evans (Ext 2481)

SUBJECT: 17 Little Acton Drive, Wrexham

WARD: Little Acton

PURPOSE OF THE REPORT

To seek Members’ authority to issue a Section 215 (Land Adversely Affecting Amenity of Neighbourhood) Notice in respect of 17 Little Acton Drive, Wrexham.

INFORMATION

The Site

1 Semi-detached property at the junction of Little Acton Drive and Alyndale Road, Wrexham.

Development Plan

2 Within Wrexham Town in the adopted Wrexham Maelor Local Plan and emerging Unitary Development Plan.

Background Information

3 This property has been the subject of several anonymous complaints, regarding various issues of untidiness and uses at the site. Following an Officer site visit, letters were sent on each occasion and the situation improved.

4 However, in April 2003, a further complaint was received and a site visit revealed that wooden pallets were being stored on the rear and side garden areas, together with other items, including vehicles.

5 A letter was sent to the owner/occupier on 1 May 2003 requesting that the site is tidied up. The situation was monitored and improvements were made. However, a routine visit in October 2003 revealed that a carport to the side of the property had been constructed which required planning permission.

6 A further letter was sent on 31 October requesting a planning application for the carport.

7 The owner subsequently visited the Planning office and was advised that the carport should be taken down and the site tidied up. Further letters were sent on 18 November and 10 December 2003, requesting that the site is tidied up.

8 Several further visits resulted in the carport being dismantled but the site was still cluttered with wooden pallets and various other materials. A caravan is in the course of being dismantled and a large van is full of wooden pallets.

9 A further letter on 17 February 2004 resulted in the owner again visiting the Planning office. During discussions he was advised that the site would be monitored and a significant improvement would need to be seen to avoid formal action being taken.

10 A site visit on 14 April 2004 revealed that the site is still in a very untidy state. Local Member 11 The Local Member is aware of the situation and supports the recommendation. Conclusion 12 The site is in an extremely untidy state and adversely affects the amenity of neighbouring properties.

13 Despite many letters to the owner requesting works to remedy the situation, the situation is still unacceptable.

RECOMMENDATION

That authority be given for the issue of a Notice under Section 215 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and that the Chief Planning Officer be authorised to settle the final form and content of the Notice.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION