Planning row over 'eyesore' car storage site

A council is considering the future of an "eyesore" car storage and tyre facility built without planning permission in Gainsborough.

The site, on North Street, has attracted complaints from residents and the area's councillor, Paul Key, who described it as "not the right place for the business".

A report from West Lindsey District Council planning officers recommended rejecting the application, describing the development as "unsightly and incongruous to the character of the area", adding the applicant has provided little detail about safety measures or the business.

Owner Ali Mohammed Saleh is applying for retrospective planning permission and claimed the site was safe and not untidy.

Vicki Charlton, who lives near the site, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) the site was built at Christmas 2025.

"We literally heard a load of banging on Christmas Day and Boxing Day and wondered what was happening," she said.

"I hope the council will refuse permission. I wouldn't be bothered about a business that goes through the proper channels.

"It's a bit of an eyesore. It's turning into a junkyard, with vehicles being broken down."

Resident Cliff Haw added: "Frankly, it's become a blight in the middle of Gainsborough. I don't want it staring at me every time I open my curtains or walk into town."

Key said the business should be moved to a more suitable site.

"I've been supporting residents in that area with their concerns, particularly about the fire risk with so many tyres right in the middle of town," he said.

"If something happened, the fire service would have to evacuate streets and shut roads to deal with it."

In response, Saleh disputed that it was untidy, telling the LDRS: "You will find no better tyre shop in England.

"I have put all my life and savings into this business. I want to do everything properly.

"I don't want to put anything here that's not safe. It is not a fire risk at all."

The application will be considered on 14 October.

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