North Essex: decision soon on whether 'unsightly' containers should be moved (From Gazette)

North Essex: decision soon on whether 'unsightly' containers should be moved

6:00am Wednesday 15th October 2008

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STEPS look set to be taken to remove a trio of storage containers from land in Colchester.

While the owner of the site wants permission to keep the metal containers at the site in Layer Road for another year, while he looks for a new home for them, officers will be seeking permission from planning committee members at the same meeting for an enforcement notice to be issued.

In a report before Colchester Council’s planning committee tomorrow, officers say the containers are unauthorised, on a site surrounded by dense woodland, and a public footpath from which they can be clearly seen.

Officers say the applicant claims they hold household effects and furniture, but they have advised the committee to refuse the permission when they meet on the grounds that using land in a rural location to store domestic items is “unacceptable in principle.” It also says the containers are unsightly.

Officers are also asking the committee to approve its request for an enforcement action, which would mean the containers would have to be removed within 28 days.

Officers say a complaint was received in May that the containers, belonging to the owner of the site, who is now living in rented accommodation, was storing their effects in the containers while looking for a house to buy.

Both applications will be discussed at the meeting in the town hall.

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