Scaffolding company to move after appeal denied

A scaffolding business will have to move out of its headquarters after losing a battle with the government planning inspectors.

G&R Scaffolding had appealed an order by Coventry City Council to clear its site on green belt land in Shilton Lane and stop using it for storage.

The company, which counts locals among its 32 employees, claimed it would be "incredibly difficult" to leave the site.

The decision, made by a government planning inspector on 13 March, now means the business has a year to remove all scaffolding, hardstanding and small buildings from the area by the M6 and Oxford Canal.

Representatives from the scaffolding firm said it was "incredibly disappointed" over the decision.

The company said it disagreed that the use harmed the green belt due to its location between the motorway, canal and a cemetery.

They said: "The company has been searching for an alternative site for several years.

"This is a huge challenge given the need to find a site that is well related to the city, has sufficient outside storage, has good access, and doesn't cause disruption to neighbours."

The group said it hopes to meet with councillors or officers in the coming weeks to try and find an alternative solution.

In a notice last year, the council said the land was being used for storage without permission.

They claimed the land's use harms the city's green belt, which has protections against building, and is out of keeping with the area.

After the company appealed against the decision, a government inspector backed the council's order, stating there was a lack of "very special circumstances" that would allow the buildings on the green belt.

Coventry City Council has been contacted for comment.

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