A PROPOSAL to create a builder’s storage yard in a residential Dudley area has been met with fierce opposition from neighbours and councillors.

Dudley Council has received an application to change the use of land and a garage off Blackthorne Road for the storage of building materials and equipment.

But the proposal has already provoked objections from residents mostly living in the adjacent Redwood Avenue, as well as opposition from Councillors Adam Aston and Keiran Casey, who are concerned about the potential negative impact on traffic, parking and quality of life.

In the application, agents PL & HP Associates said the owner bought the land in September last year and the paved area had been vacant.

They said: “The garage is currently used by the applicant for storing building equipment and materials that belong to the applicant.

“Weatherproof surplus building materials would be stored in the open area together with lower value building equipment.

“Higher value equipment and materials that require sheltered storage, would be stored in the garage.

“There would be no commercial deliveries to the site. Surplus materials would be transported to the site in the applicant’s vehicle, to be stored until they are required for future use.

“The frequency of deliveries and collections by the applicant will be sporadic; possibly once or twice a week on average.”

But one resident wrote to Dudley Council against the plan and said: “We have finally got yellow lines to avoid terrible road blocking, which sadly not all drivers abide by.

“So the last thing we need is lorries, pick-up and forklift trucks etc. creating a road block.

“This is a lovely residential estate, we do not want or need a builder’s yard causing noise and air pollution.”

Another resident added that dust and noise from the site would impact on people’s houses both “aesthetically and environmentally”.

Councillor Aston said: “As the local Councillor who represents Upper Gornal, I am concerned the nature of this particular residential area would be altered to that of a semi-industrial one should this application be approved.

“I am aware this application has caused concern locally, particularly to residents of Redwood Avenue who fear a regularly used yard to store building materials will negatively affect the quality of their lives, for no real benefit to the wider community.”