Semi's salvage yard sparks complaints

An investigation is underway after a makeshift salvage yard was set up at a surburban semi-detached Black Country house without permission.More than 10 unroadworthy cars and piles of tyres are being stored on the front and back gardens at the house in Noose Lane, Willenhall, along with a vehicle recovery truck and a van. Now they have complained to Walsall Council about the unsightly business which has sprung up at the property on the corner of the street. Residents say they have put up with the noisy operation for several months.

They say they are at the end of their tether with the business ruining the peace of their neighbourhood.

Environmental health officers have visited the address and written to the owners about the unauthorised change of use but received no response.

Now they are threatening them with a day in court if they do not heed their demands.

The matter is to be put before councillors at tonight's planning committee meeting at Walsall Council House, Lichfield Street, where enforcement action is likely to be agreed.

A report to be delivered to councillors tonight tells how the garden has been divided into three areas at 80 Noose Lane.

The front and side garden is used for parking a vehicle recovery lorry and a van together with several cars.

Solid double gates lead into the back garden, most of which is taken up by up to ten cars in a makeshift compound.

Immediately to the rear of the house is a third area fenced off and used for more storage.

Mr David Elsworthy, head of planning at Walsall Council, said it was unlikely planning permission would be given for the property to be used as a salvage yard.

He said: "Officers do not consider planning permission would be given for the change of use, owing to the harm to the residential environment, in visual terms and in terms of the potential for noise and disturance at unsocial hours. Enforcement action is needed."