Garage boss appeals decision to block new workshop build

A “RESPECTFUL and courteous” garage boss is appealing a decision to block him from building a new workshop. 
Clive Phillips wanted to build a new garage to service and accommodate transit vans in a yard next to a detached house where there is already an existing garage and outbuilding. 
In 2018 Mr Phillips was granted a certificate to confirm the “mixed use” of the site, Glanmyre, off St Dials Road in Cwmbran as residential and for car repairs, with one part-time worker, and ancillary vehicle sales was lawful. 
But his application to build a 9 metres wide and 6.5m long garage with a shallow pitched roof and overall height of approximately 5.3m, was refused by Torfaen Borough Council’s planning department in July. 
Mr Phillips has now lodged an appeal with Planning and Environment Decisions Wales, known as PEDW, which will have to appoint an inspector to consider the case. 
A report by Torfaen planning officer Caroline Pulley rejected the application due to the “dominant and inappropriate” size of the proposed garage, and she said it would lead to an “intensification of the vehicle repair use of the site”. Mr Phillis had disputed the garage would “increase the operational intensity of the site”. 
Ms Pulley said the application had failed to show sufficient off-street parking would be provided with the narrow, private access lane leading to the site described as “substandard” while she said greater use of the site would result in “unacceptable noise and disturbance” for neighbours, in “a predominantly residential area”. 
The planning department received two objections to the proposal raising concern at the potential increase in vans travelling along the lane and the risk they could damage the lane and the wall of a bungalow. 
Parking concerns were also raised with the current situation on St Dials Road described as “problematic” with “multiple cars and vans constantly parked on the pavement making footpath access difficult”, while an increase in air pollution was also highlighted. 
One letter of support was received which said an “improved” facility would have a positive impact on the local community and offer a “needed” service.  
“It is also highlighted that the applicant is respectful and courteous when operating,” said Ms Pulley.  ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​

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By BBC LDRS ‌​‌​‌​​​‍‌​‌​​‌‌‌‍‌​‌‌​​‌​‍‌​‌‌‌​‌‌‍‌​‌‌‌‌​​