Bolton Council investigating Europa Trading Estate self-storage yard

This summer, works began taking place at an area of the Europa Trading Estate in Stoneclough. 

Residents of Sulby Street raised concerns after the grassy area their houses backed onto was excavated and hardcore was laid down. 

At the time, the owners of the land, First Investment Real Estate Management (FIREM) said there were "no building works planned". 

Residents raised concern after the grassy area was excavated (Image: Newsquest) Now, numerous shipping containers have been put in place on the site and a self-storage company called "Cuboid Self Storage North Manchester" is advertised on Google as being on the land. 

The Bolton News has seen correspondence which shows the council viewed the developments as a planning breach. 

They have asked for a retrospective planning application to be put in by FIREM, to which the company has agreed. 

A spokesman for FIREM said: “The council is supportive of the growth of small businesses as they have nothing in that area.

"Since we opened the site it has proved hugely popular with small businesses. 

Shipping containers on the land (Image: Public) “We’ve worked hard to improve the appearance of the site.

"Instead of scrap cars and buses there’s now storage containers available for small businesses. The industrial estate now looks much better and tidier.

“We want to do the right thing and have submitted a retrospective planning application.” 

Read more: Company responds after villagers raise concern about works on industrial estate

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Ward councillor Tracey Wilkinson said: "A couple of weeks ago we had an email to say that the council was not proceeding with any enforcement, but now the case has been reopened after recent developments. 

"The fence is 8ft tall, when anything over 6ft needs planning. The planning department received no application for that. 

A screenshot from Google Maps advertising 'Cuboid Self Storage' on the land (Image: Google Maps) "They are advertising for the self-storage business on Google. The storage units are not part of permitted development. 

"There will now be a retrospective planning application, which will give an opportunity for residents to make their voices heard." 

She added: "We will see from there what happens next. It is a very sensitive case and these residents need to make their voices heard."

A council spokesperson said: “We can confirm planning enforcement are currently investigating the case."