A car showroom in Blaenau Gwent has been operating without planning permission for five years, county council planners have heard. Gareth Ashley Parsons of Reo Car Sales has been running the business from units at the Cwmtillery Industrial Estate in Abertillery since November 2021 without the necessary consent.
The business has now submitted a retrospective application for permission, five years after first opening. Council documents reveal that the application was prompted after council planners served a planning contravention notice on the premises in December.
The council stated that a "material change of use" of the premises had occurred, converting it to a B2 car sales operation without the required planning approval.
Planning agent Paul Parsons of Creation Design Wales explained: "Following correspondence with the council's development management team leader, Joanne White, the applicant was advised to submit a retrospective planning application to retain the use."
He added: "The site has been operating as Reo Car Sales since November 2021. Prior to that, it was a car auctioneers run by Gavel Auctioneers Ltd, who remain the landlord of the property."
The application seeks to regularise the current use and demonstrate its compatibility with the surrounding industrial context, highway safety requirements, and local planning policy. It requests retrospective approval for the change of use from B2 (general industrial) to sui generis (car sales).
Mr Parsons clarified that no external modifications have been made to the structure apart from minimal signage and an internal refit for office and showroom use. The outside forecourt serves for vehicle exhibition and customer parking.
"Reo Car Sales is a locally owned and operated business specialising in the sale of quality used vehicles," Mr Parsons said. "The business provides local employment and supports the reuse of an existing industrial unit. It contributes to the local economy by offering vehicle sales within Blaenau Gwent, reducing the need for residents to travel outside the county for such services."
A determination regarding the application is anticipated by July 23.
