Delight at garage battle outcome
AN elderly resident last night spoke of his delight after a recommendation that he receive compensation over a three-year battle with a garage owner.
Richard Jackson, 79, says his life has been made a misery by a car wash and jet wash at the rear of his home.
He spoke of how clouds of white spray cover his bungalow, which stops him and his partner, Jean, from hanging out washing or enjoying their garden.
He said: "I have lost all my pond fish, the windows and sun lounge are always filthy and we have not lain out in our own garden for more than two years."
An official report by the Local Government Ombudsman into the local authority's planning department is published today.
Stockton Borough Council has been criticised for failing to handle nuisance caused by drifting car wash spray at Fairfield Garage, Bishopton Road West, in Stockton.
The inspector found that the council did not impose a specific planning condition to counter the spray problem - despite advice from its environmental health officers.
Mr Jackson, who has been backed by neighbour Harry Whitehouse, said: "The planning department is a sham.
"We were never listened to and branded persistent complainers. But none of them would put up with what we have."
He told how high-powered fans make residents' lives a misery and spoke of how he regularly spends most of the day away from home.
The report concludes that the spray has a "significant detrimental impact" on the amenity of Mr Jackson and his health and recommends the council pay £3,500 compensation.
If a solution to the problem cannot be found, then a further £6,500 should be awarded.
The Ombudsman found that the planning department failed to consider Mr Jackson's complaints, recommendations from environmental health officers and the proximity of homes.
The Ombudsman also recommended any loss to the value of the property should be compensated.
David Bond, the council's director of law and democracy, said: "We will consider the Ombudsman's report and the council's cabinet will decide whether to accept the findings and what action the council might take."
A worker at the garage last night said she did not have enough authority to comment on the case.
Source: TheNorthernEcho.co.uk (29/11/2006)
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