'Disrespectful' plan to expand is thrown out

VAN SALES OPERATION SITE REFUSED AFTER LOCAL RESIDENTS OBJECT

- By ALISON STEPHENSON Local Democracy Reporter

A SCHEME to run a van sales operation from a quiet street in Mutley has been thrown out by the city council after residents objected to it, a move hailed as a victory for people power.

Planning officers refused Platinum Car Centre boss James Alford’s proposals to use a derelict piece of land between Dale Road/East Park Avenue to expand his business.

Mr Alford had started using the site without planning consent earlier this year, claiming that he was unaware that it didn’t have permission.

He continued operating despite being asked to stop by Plymouth City Council, and this angered people living around the site.

Local Independent councillor Steve Ricketts (Drake) described it as “completely disrespectful to the local community”.

Planning officers put enforcement action on hold to consider a retrospective application by Mr Alford.