THE public have just a few days to comment on an appeal made to the Secretary of State against the service of an Enforcement Notice concerning the operation of a concrete manufacturing business at Court Place Farm, Upham,Cheriton Fitzpaine.

The alleged breach of planning control is that without planning permission, a material change of use of the land from a mixed use for agriculture and as a farm house to a mixed use for agriculture, farm house, for the commercial production of concrete (including ready mix concrete), the commercial batching of concrete (including ready mix concrete) and for the siting of a caravan for human habitation.

Mid Devon District Council says that the business has been set up on a farm that "is remote in terms of its geographical location and its poor communication routes via substandard roads that would lead to prominent Highway objections were an application received to retain the business in its current location".

It was noted that it was contrary to the current Devon Structure Plan, Mid Devon Local Plan and Mid Devon Core Strategy.

It says that the caravan has been sited on a farm where a house already exists and no evidence was produced to show a need for two full-time workers at the location.

Local residents say that the business, which they named as "Devon Concrete" has been operating for about five years.

They say that the volume of traffic, namely large lorries to and from Court Place Farm along very narrow country lanes is "unsafe" and many said they would be objecting to the appeal.

The appeal has been submitted by Richard Heard, who is calling for retrospective planning permission to be granted.

Mid Devon District Council is inviting comments concerning the application, no 10/00077/NUCU, appeal reference no APP/Y1138/C/11/2158554.

Comments should be submitted as soon as possible to: Mid Devon District Council Planning Services Department, Phoenix House, Phoenix Lane, Tiverton EX16 6PP.  Email: [email protected]">[email protected] .

Any comments made will be forwarded to the Planning Inspectorate, together with copies to the appellant and will be taken into account by the Inspector in deciding the appeal.

Views made will be disclosed to the parties to the appeal.

The appeal will be dealt with by Informal Hearing and a site visit by an Inspector.

alan-quick@crediton

couriernewspaper.co.uk