A garage is appealing to the Deputy Prime Minister because it says Basildon Council will not allow it to sell or hire out vehicles.

Blow Stop Exhaust Systems in East Mayne, Basildon, wants to build a new workshop and offices.

The council has given planning permission, but the site's owners say they are not happy with the conditions the council has attached.

They have complained that they will not be allowed to display vehicles for sale, that they will not be allowed to hire out vehicles, that they will have to have at least 28 parking spaces, and that the company will not be allowed to use the new buildings until the old workshop has been demolished and the land cleared.

The council says the conditions are necessary to "safeguard the visual amenities of this locality and to prevent over-development of the site".

An inspector appointed by the Deputy Prime Minister is to inspect the site and hold an appeal hearing.

Residents and businesses can send their comments to the Planning Inspectorate, 3/08a, Kite Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN.

Published Wednesday, May 21, 2003

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