Commercial Firm’s Unapproved Expansion Sparks Local Outcry

A residents association has reported that families are “appalled” by a commercial property company’s commencement of operations on adjacent property without obtaining planning permission. FI Real Estate Management, a company that manages industrial estates across England, has expanded its office facilities at the Europa Trading Estate, located in the Stoneclough area of Bolton, Greater Manchester. Bolton Council stated it has asked the company to halt further work and refrain from using recently installed storage containers, emphasizing the requirement for a retrospective planning permission application. The company informed the BBC that it is “liaising closely with the council”. The site, which was a green space until the summer, saw the installation of a hard surface and the placement of shipping containers. Sarah Walker, 64, chairwoman of the Side o’th’ Green Residents Association, commented: “The field was lush and green. It was a lovely view and we used to have wildlife.” Additionally, the firm erected a wooden fence behind Ms. Walker’s residence on Sulby Street. She further stated: “We don’t have any kind of view from our downstairs windows. “Its like being in a prison exercise yard. I’m absolutely appalled. It’s horrendous compared to how it was”. Bolton Council confirmed that discussions had taken place with the firm to clarify the necessity of planning permission. The authority has also formally requested that no further infrastructure be installed. The council indicated it is currently awaiting a retrospective planning application, which will be evaluated according to standard national guidelines. A spokesperson for F1 Real Estate Management commented: “We are liaising closely with the council to ensure all the requirements associated with the current application are met, along with a tree planting solution which, when agreed, will be discussed with residents in due course.”