Garage appeal dismissed over safety concerns

Bradford Council's decision to refuse retrospective planning permission for a garage has been upheld over concerns the business causes serious highway safety issues.

The garage on Chapel Street, off Little Horton Lane, has been operating since at least 2016, but an application to make the business official was only submitted last year.

Awar Hussain appealed against the local authority's decision to refuse the application, arguing that neighbouring properties did not object to the plan.

However, it was concluded that "the scheme would not attract such significant benefits as to outweigh the permanent harm to living conditions, and potential harm to highway safety identified."

In 2018, the council issued an enforcement notice requiring the site to cease its use as a vehicle repair business, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

At a meeting in October, objections to the plans were read out, including from an 11-year-old, who said cars were regularly parked on the pavement around the garage, forcing people to walk in the road.

Highways officers also raised concerns about the impact on the surrounding roads, and noise issues for neighbouring properties.

Hussain's appeal meant the final decision was passed to a government-appointed planning inspector rather than the council.

Jo Steele, representing the appellant, claimed cars parked around the garage were nothing to do with the business, and all work was done with the front shutter closed, so no noise would escape the building.

Neighbouring properties had not objected to the plans, Steele added.

After visiting the site, a planning officer dismissed the appeal.

A report stated if work was done with the shutter closed, this could expose workers to "dangerous fumes" and may not comply with health and safety regulations.

Although it noted no objections had been raised by neighbouring properties, "future occupiers not just the present occupants" had to be considered.

Referring to the traffic concerns, the report said: "The availability of on-street parking spaces within the area is limited.

"An increase in on-street parking may lead to vehicles parking in an ad hoc manner which obstructs the highway or pavements.

"This would result in pedestrian and highway safety concerns."

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