Buckinghamshire Council has taken decisive action against an unauthorised car repair business operating on protected Green Belt land in Taplow. The council has issued an enforcement notice, ordering the immediate cessation of all operations and the complete removal of vehicles and equipment from the site in Hunts Lane.
This wasn’t just a small-scale operation. The council discovered a significant breach of planning control, with the site being used for extensive vehicle storage and repair. This included the installation of a full spray booth with associated equipment, the erection of a large metal-framed structure, and the creation of hardstanding areas. Even existing stable buildings were altered, losing their traditional look in favour of industrial roller shutters. All of this development took place without the necessary planning permission.
The core issue, as highlighted by the council, is the severe impact on the Green Belt. This protected land is meant to remain open and rural, and the industrial nature of the car repair business caused significant harm to its visual openness and character. The proliferation of vehicles and equipment, increased traffic, and the unapproved structures were deemed “incompatible” with the peaceful countryside setting. Concerns were also raised about potential noise, disturbance, and environmental pollution for nearby residents.
Buckinghamshire Council is firm in its stance to protect these valuable green spaces. The enforcement notice requires the landowner to dismantle the spray booth, remove all structures, clear all vehicles and equipment, and restore the stable buildings to their original state. Unless an appeal is lodged, the notice takes effect on February 1, 2026, with a six-month window for full compliance to return the land to its former undeveloped condition. This action sends a clear message about the importance of planning regulations and preserving our cherished Green Belt.
