MP calls for end to planning 'loophole' in industrial estate row

An MP has called for an end to planning "loopholes" that allow companies to use land without full proper permission.

Bolton South and Walkden MP Yasmin Qureshi raised in the Commons the case of the Europa Trading Estate in Stoneclough, which used what are known as "permitted development rights" in expanding its operation, including laying a hard surface on a green field.

"[They are] not meant to be used for a full business operation so I think it's really unfair that the company is using this loophole in the law," Qureshi said.

FI Real Estate Management (FIREM) said it "remained committed to working with Bolton Council to resolve the outstanding matters relating to our planning application".

FIREM expanded its operations in summer 2024, laying the hard surface, moving shipping containers onto the site and putting a wooden fence around the perimeter.

The permitted development regime allows companies to make certain changes to buildings or land without the need to obtain planning permission.

Sarah Walker, from the Side o'th' Green Residents Association, said: "We're now in the summer so my windows are open, so I'm disturbed morning, noon and night."

"The work on the site is affecting my health because my sleep is disturbed and its very, very hard to live like that," the 66 year-old added.

In December 2024, FIREM applied for retrospective planning permission but a decision is yet to be made by Bolton Council.

Tim Knowles, managing director of FIREM, said: "We take the concerns of residents, particularly around noise and the operation of the site, very seriously.

"We've invested considerable time in producing detailed acoustic assessments and responding to every point raised by the council's environmental specialists.

"We remain committed to ensuring the site operates in a way that is both commercially successful and respectful of its neighbours."

Qureshi, who put an Early Day Motion to the Commons, also criticised Bolton Council.

"The council's lack of action is not acceptable although local authorities don't have a lot of power over permitted development," she said.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: "The planning application has to be determined on the basis of the details of the proposal, its impacts and on adopted national and local planning policies.

"The planning enforcement investigation remains on hold and once the application has been determined, the appropriate next steps will be reviewed."