A retrospective planning application to allow a pallet factory, built without permission, to remain has been rejected.

North Herts District Council (NHDC) rejected the application by JMR Pallets and Cases Ltd on Pixmore Industrial Estate in Letchworth GC on June 24.

The company converted the site to its current format in May 2013 without planning permission and applied to NHDC for offical permission on February 20.

Cllr David Levett, NHDC’s Portfolio for Planning and Enterprise said, “The Council received a retrospective planning application for the change of use to the manufacture, storage and distribution of pallets at a site on the Pixmore estate in Letchworth.

“The application has been refused because it would unduly harm the living conditions of the neighbouring properties and harm the character and appearance of the area.

“The applicant has a right to appeal against this decision to the independent Planning Inspectorate. The Council are giving consideration to any potential enforcement action against the unauthorised use of the site.”

The Comet contacted the company’s owner, Jonathon Cox, but he declined to comment.