A WEST Wiltshire businessman has been told to remove a shipping container from his land or face enforcement action.

Gary Gale-Sides, of Atford House, Bath Road, Atworth, is appealing against a Wiltshire Council planning enforcement notice.

He has been told to "permanently remove" an unauthorised shipping container from land at the rear of his home within three months of December 20.

The council says Mr Gale-Sides does not have planning permission and has breached planning controls.

It added: "The unauthorised shipping container, by virtue of its incongruous design and utilitarian appearance, results in a visual intrusion to the amenity of the local area/street scene."

The council says it does not consider that planning permission should be granted because planning conditions could not overcome its objections to the unauthorised development.

Mr Gale-Sides runs a computer software development firm, Eastfield Solutions Ltd, from his home.

He claims: "The breach of planning control alleged in the enforcement notice has not occurred. The steps required to comply with the requirements of the notice are excessive, and lesser steps would overcome the objections."

Anyone wishing to comment on his appeal, should contact the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol by Monday, March 30.

Comments should be sent by email to enquiries@planninginspectorate.gov.uk or by post to Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/23 Kite Wing, 2 The Square, Temple Quay House, Bristol, BS1 6PN.