A POOLE-based business is trying to prove it does not need planning permission for a car stacking system that is upsetting residents living next to its site.
Charles Trent has applied to Poole council for a lawful development certificate so it can continue storing vehicles on steel racks in their current location.
The new system, which was put in place in December, enables vehicles to be stacked in a “more modern and cleaner way”, the firm says.
But council planning officers are concerned about the height of the set-up, and residents of Ringwood Road and St Georges Avenue are complaining about the view from their homes.
One resident, who wished to stay anonymous, told the Daily Echo: “These ugly and obtrusive car stacking systems are ruining the view from the residents’ homes and spoiling their enjoyment of sitting in their back gardens.”
Another resident of Ringwood Road said she and her neighbours were also fearful of the proximity of the cars in the event of a fire similar to the one which broke out at the compound in 2016.
“Our greatest worry is the fire risk. Charles Trent maintain their car stacking system has no fire risk, but after seeing the devastation caused by the fire in 2016, I’m worried,” she said.
Charles Trent has obtained a lawyer’s opinion as part of its application to confirm the lawfulness of its car stacking operation.
Poole council have suggested that the size and weight of the racking system makes it a permanent structure.
However, the firm insists this is not the case.
Using the example of steel shipping containers, Ken Parke Planning Consultants state in Charles Trent’s application that the racks do not constitute development and therefore do not require planning permission.
“In relation to size, the council have made it clear that their main issue is the visual impact of the racking due to its height,” Mr Parke wrote in a letter to the council’s planning department.
“But it is not the height that determines whether or not the racking is development requiring planning permission.”
He added the racks were “lawful on the basis that their siting does not constitute a material change of use of the land”.
The cars were previously stored without any aisles between them and there were issues with removing them for processing, Mr Parke explained.
“Cars are no longer stored directly on top of each other but on cantilevered shelving comprised of two metal limbs attached to a main metal upright.
“The shape and size of the metal rack and its weight means that it is stable and can sit onsite safely, with or without vehicles stored on the shelving. The racks can also however be picked up by a forklift and moved at any time.”
As previously reported, Charles Trent is seeking permission for its £7.5 million plans to build a new vehicle recycling centre on its site.
If given the go-ahead, a 12 metre-high building will be constructed so all its dismantling operations can take place indoors.
The new centre will be open 24 hours a day, enabling Trent to operate two shifts, increase the number of cars recycled and employ a further 50 to 60 staff to add its existing 130-strong workforce.
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