A haulage firm must stop using land for storing and repairing vehicles in what is being described as a “victory” for neighbours.
The planning inspector dismissed an appeal after enforcement action was taken at Bushey Hall Farm in Bushey Mill Lane.
Noise has been “blighting” the neighbourhood and causing “misery” for residents for around five years – including lorries reportedly operating at 5am, according to local councillors.
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Hertsmere Borough Council issued an enforcement notice in February 2021 against landowner Padraig Supple because the site was being used for activity that did not have planning permission. The notice was appealed by Mr Supple.
But in their report published on November 28, the planning inspector dismissed the appeal, claiming the development “harms the openness of the green belt”, “harms the living conditions” of residents, as well as the character of the area.
The inspector said the economic benefits of the business do not “outweigh” the green belt concerns.
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Dr Harvey Cohen, Conservative councillor in charge of planning at the council, welcomed the appeal decision, saying: “While it has been a long process to get to this point, caused by a backlog of cases at the planning inspectorate, this result is a win for not just the local community of Bushey and the council, but for everyone who wants to protect our area.
“People living near Bushey Hall Farm have been experiencing disruption and noise, which the planning inspector rightly concluded had a harmful effect on their living conditions. In addition, it was found the use of this site as a haulage business was harming the green belt and general character of the area.
“The decision that the storage and repair of vehicles associated with the haulage business on this site should cease by the end of April 2023, and that the site be restored to its previous condition, should serve as a warning to other unscrupulous commercial businesses that planning breaches will not be tolerated.”
Bushey North Liberal Democrat councillor, Jerry Evans, added: “It is very welcome the appeal was thrown out but we are disappointed it has taken so long.
"Residents will be pleased they won’t be disturbed at 5am by the trundling lorries. We had lots of complaints from residents and this is a victory for them.”
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