Car sales and storage at Park Lane West, Tipton

What was proposed

The application sought five-year temporary permission to retain a car sales and storage centre on former vacant land, with a portable cabin.

“Report to Planning Committee 30 April 2025 Application reference DC/25/70297 Application address Land At The Corner Of Castle Street And Park Lane West, Tipton. Application description Retention of use of former vacant land to car sales/storage centre (sui generis) with portable cabin (5 year temporary licence). Application received 7 February 2025. Ward Tipton Green.”

Officer report

The site

The site is at the junction of Castle Street and Park Lane West, with homes opposite, industrial units nearby, and a canal and bridge to the east.

“The application site is situated on the north side of Castle Street, Tipton at the junction with Park Lane West. There are residential properties on the opposite side of the site with industrial units to west. Tipton Green bridge and the Birmingham Canal is to the east of the site and the site shares a boundary with Tipton Factory Locks.”

Officer report

Earlier site problems

The proposal sought to regularise an unauthorised portable cabin and car sales use linked to an enforcement case; no relevant planning history was identified.

“The site is largely vacant but there is a portable cabin at the north-east corner of the site. The application relates to planning enforcement case ENF/24/12306 that relates to the unauthorised portable cabin and use of the land for car sales. The applicant now proposes to regularise the use of the site for car sales and is seeking a temporary 5-year consent.”

Officer report

Officer advice

Officers recommended temporary permission because the mixed area could accommodate another commercial use without compromising residential amenity, subject to conditions.

“2.Reasons for Recommendations 2.1 The area is a mixture of commercial and residential properties, and the scheme provides a further commercial use into the area without compromising existing private residential amenity.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant addressed the committee in support of the application, and no objectors attended.

Members' view

Members indicated support for approval with the recommended conditions and an additional pedestrian gate between the parking area and forecourt.

“Members were minded to approve the application, subject to the conditions recommended by the Executive Director-Place as well as an additional condition to install a pedestrian gate between staff and visitor parking and the forecourt.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee approved the application subject to conditions controlling the site, hours, deliveries, lighting, waste, five-year duration, applicant-only use, parking and pedestrian access.

“Resolved that Planning Application DC/25/70297 - Land at the Corner of Castle Street and Park Lane West, Tipton (Retention of use of former vacant land to car sales/storage centre ((sui generis)) with portable cabin ((5 year temporary licence)) is approved, subject to, conditions relating to:- i) laying out, drainage & surfacing & retention thereafter;”

Minutes