Fishmonger who poured 45 litres of 'smelly liquids' down drain falls foul of authority
A fishmonger poured up to 45 litres of 'smelly liquids' a week down a drain while operating a wholesale business from his home without permission, according to a council report.
Paul Owen, who runs Owen's Fish, is set to feel the wrath of planning enforcement chiefs after complaints to the council from neighbours in a Walsall cul-de-sac dating back three years.
During that time concerns have been raised by residents in Nursery View Close, Streetly, and the council has been provided with 'significant amounts of evidence' backing up claims the businessman had up to half a dozen vans at his home at one time, that collections and deliveries were being made from the property and excessive noise was generated from vehicle refrigerators.
Other problems highlighted included fears about rodents being attracted to fish waste containers stacked outside the home.
Investigators from Walsall Council attended the home and spoke to Mr Owen at the end of May.
He said one refrigerated work van containing some unsold fish was parked there overnight while he had since moved two others to a local farm following a dispute with neighbours.
The fishmonger also admitted he disposed of smelly liquids down a road gully drain but added disinfectant to them first.
Enforcement offices concluded on June 4 that problems had reduced to the point where planning rules were not being breached, but within days the council was supplied with 'significant evidence' demonstrating Mr Owen had 'reverted back to his previous levels of business activity'.
Planning enforcement officer Steve Evans is set to table his report to the council planning committee on Thursday.
It is recommended they formally sign off on enforcement action demanding the fishmonger cease all business activities at his premises within a month.
Mr Evans said: "The continued business use of the property by more than one vehicle connected to the businesses is causing an impact on the local amenity.
"Information has recently been requested from the owner to confirm the current level of use but he has not responded."
Mr Owen said: "Although we disagree with some of the points made in the report and believe there are inaccuracies we look forward to working with the council to achieve a successful and harmonious outcome to this matter."
