Resident complaints lead to removal of illegal storage units

A local businessman has been ordered to remove an eyesore storage unit from land in Killay or face prosecution.

Swansea Council carried out enforcement action against London and Oriental Properties Ltd after residents complained about the usage of a storage container on land at the junction of Gower Road and Stephenson Road.

Planning inspectors have now upheld the Council's decision following an appeal by the landowner. The decision means the landowner has one month to remove the storage container or face further action.

In his report, the Inspector stated: "The units on the appeal site is a breach of planning control. It amounts to change of use of the land as alleged for which planning permission would be required and has not been obtained."

Gareth Sullivan, Cabinet Member for Planning Services in Swansea Council, said: "I'm pleased the Planning Inspector has upheld our decision to carry out enforcement action.

"Sites like this can quickly become established in residential areas and leave us powerless to remove them if we do not act. Residents have done the right thing in informing us of this particular case and I'm delighted that we have had a successful outcome."

Bryan Graham, Swansea Council's Head of Planning Services, said: "A number of residents called us to complain about the site. The site was clearly being used just for storage and there was no indication that any development was underway. This is a breach of the existing planning conditions of that site so enforcement action was necessary.

"If we do not act then sites like this could over time become lawful so it's vital we do what we can to ensure residential areas are not affected by unacceptable commercial and business activity."