URGENT UPDATE: A Telford resident has been ordered to either remove or significantly scale down an open brick barbecue constructed without planning permission. The Telford & Wrekin Council has raised serious objections, citing concerns over parking space loss and the size of the barbecue, deemed “oversized” by local officials.
Andrian Dobzeu submitted a retrospective planning application for two storage units, an open brick BBQ, and a wooden gazebo at his residence in Arleston. However, council officials have ruled that the barbecue must be “removed” or reduced in size due to its impact on local parking availability.
On December 16, 2023, a planning officer visited the property on Elmwood Road and deemed the application “unacceptable” due to the loss of a critical parking space. This decision follows a series of complaints from neighbors who argue that the storage unit currently occupies a valuable parking area, which limits their ability to utilize communal spaces effectively.
One neighbor expressed their frustration, stating, “It would be better if the storage unit in their parking space is removed so that they can make full use of the parking space when using multiple vehicles.” Another resident added that relying on communal parking is “not very fair” for those with limited parking options.
The council has also raised issues regarding construction quality, including “misaligned corrugated sheeting” and a “wonky chimney.” In light of these findings, planning agent Serghei Perdivar, representing Dobzeu, agreed to withdraw the retrospective application after discussions with council planners.
Highways officers emphasized that the applicant has failed to provide sufficient information demonstrating that the loss of parking space would not negatively impact the area. They warned that the oversized barbecue poses a “detrimental impact” on neighboring properties, as it disrupts the local residential environment.
The completed work was finalized in March 2023, and the application was officially withdrawn on December 17, 2023, just a day after the planning officer’s site visit. Officials have urged Dobzeu to pursue a pre-application inquiry to assess potential modifications to the remaining structures.
The situation continues to unfold, and local residents are keenly awaiting the council’s next steps. As the discussion surrounding this barbecue heats up, community members are encouraged to stay alert for further developments on this ongoing planning issue.
