UPDATE: Telford resident Andrian Dobzeu faces immediate pressure to either remove or significantly downsize his open brick barbecue after officials from Telford & Wrekin Council declared it built without the necessary planning permission. The council’s urgent decision comes as community concerns grow over parking issues linked to his property on Elmwood Road.
Dobzeu had applied for retrospective planning permission for two storage units, the barbecue, and a wooden gazebo at his home in Arleston. However, council officials swiftly objected to the plans on December 16, 2023, highlighting the loss of a crucial parking space and labeling the barbecue as “oversized” and in need of removal or scaling down. The situation escalated as neighbours voiced frustration, emphasizing the barbecue’s impact on their limited parking availability.
Residents have been vocal about their objections since the application was lodged in October. One neighbour expressed that “it would be better if the storage unit in their parking space is removed” to facilitate the use of multiple vehicles, ultimately freeing up communal parking spaces for others in need. Another resident lamented that the current setup forces them to park in communal areas, which feels unfair given the limited parking options in the vicinity.
Highways officers have added to the scrutiny, stating that Dobzeu has provided “no information to suggest the loss of the parking space will not have a detrimental impact on the highway.” This lack of evidence has intensified the council’s stance against the barbecue and storage units.
Planning agent Serghei Perdivar, representing Dobzeu, agreed to withdraw the retrospective application following advice from planning officials. The barbecue and associated structures were completed in March 2023, but their legality now hangs in the balance.
A planning officer who visited the site indicated that the application was “deemed unacceptable based on the loss of a parking space.” The official also raised concerns about potential negative impacts on neighbours due to the oversized barbecue. They recommended that Dobzeu consider a pre-application enquiry to allow council officers to assess the remainder of the project more thoroughly.
As tensions rise in the community, the outcome of this planning dispute could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in Telford. Neighbours and local officials are watching closely as the situation develops.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent story as it unfolds, and share your thoughts on the impact of planning regulations in your community.
