Families have been left “appalled” that a commercial property firm has begun operating on nearby land without planning permission, a residents association has said.
FI Real Estate Management, which runs industrial estates around England, has expanded its offices at the Europa Trading Estate in the Stoneclough area of Bolton, Greater Manchester.
Bolton Council said it had requested the company ceases carrying out any more work and does not use newly installed storage containers – insisting it must apply for retrospective planning permission.
The defiant firm told the : “It is an industrial estate and we’re providing jobs.”
The land was a green space until the summer, when a hard surface was installed and shipping containers were moved on to the site.
Sarah Walker, 64, chairwoman of the Side o’th’ Green Residents Association, said: “The field was lush and green. It was a lovely view and we used to have wildlife.”
The firm has also erected a wooden fence at the back of Ms Walker’s home in Sulby Street.
She continued: “We don’t have any kind of view from our downstairs windows.
“Its like being in a prison exercise yard. I’m absolutely appalled. Its horrendous compared to how it was”.
Sarah WalkerBolton Council confirmed it had been in dialogue with the firm to explain the need for planning permission.
The authority has also formally requested it does not install any additional infrastructure.
The council said it is now waiting for a retrospective planning application which will be considered in line with the usual national guidance.
