The owner of an unauthorised car dealership in Wednesbury has failed in his attempt to overturn a council ruling that his business is 'inappropriate' and harmful to local residents.
Council rejects 'detrimental' business
West Midlands Cars, operating from Franchise Street without planning permission since 2022, has been at the centre of numerous complaints. Sandwell Council rejected a formal application from owner Gul Nawaz in June 2023, stating the use for car sales and storage was unsuitable and 'to the detriment of residents'.
The council highlighted that the site, often overcrowded with vehicles, had generated several complaints about cars blocking pavements and streets. A subsequent appeal to the government's Planning Inspectorate has now been dismissed, upholding the local authority's original decision.
Inspector finds pavement blocked and safety risks
During a site visit, the planning inspector observed significant problems. Multiple cars were found partially parked on pavements, 'impeding accessibility for pedestrians' and creating potential highway safety hazards. The report stated it would be impossible to pass in a wheelchair or with a buggy in some areas.
The inspector criticised the lack of evidence from Mr Nawaz on how the business operated, including how vehicle numbers were controlled and how deliveries were managed. It was concluded that the site lacked sufficient space for parking and turning, leading to 'increased parking pressure and demand' on surrounding residential streets.
History of problems and impact on amenity
Council visits documented ongoing issues. In November 2023, officials found the former Forge Tavern car park full of untaxed and SORN vehicles, with more parked on pavements and the street. The council noted this caused congestion, obstructed visibility at junctions, and severely impacted the amenity of an area dominated by Victorian terraced homes reliant on on-street parking.
The inspector's report added that the business created noise from loading vehicles and customer activity, contributing to disturbance. 'The car sales use and associated comings and goings is inappropriate in the locality,' Sandwell Council's report stated, noting the operation had resumed at previous problematic levels after a brief improvement.
Future of the site remains uncertain
This is not the first time the location has faced enforcement. A similar car sales use ceased in 2018 after council action. Meanwhile, plans for the neighbouring former Forge Tavern to become an eight-bed House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) were approved earlier this year, after several other proposals for the pub site were rejected over parking concerns.
The inspector's final decision emphasised that the unauthorised dealership harmed highway safety for all users, increasing the risk of conflict between pedestrians and vehicles. With the appeal lost, the future of the West Midlands Cars operation on Franchise Street is now in serious doubt.
