A TEIGNMOUTH man who has spent four years getting planning permission for a garage at the rear of his home said work can't start because of wheelie bins. Keith Squirrell was last year granted permission for a garage and maisonette at the back of his Georgian property in Orchard Gardens. But when work was due to begin six weeks ago, the builders said no way because they could not get past the wheelie bins in narrow Clampitt Lane. The narrow access lane is lined with bins and industrial bins for flats and shops. But the bins are making a narrow road even narrower, with difficulties for the builders and other delivery drivers. Mr Squirrell said: 'The builders turned up six weeks ago to start work with iron girders and machinery to break up the concrete but they could not get down the lane. 'Nothing can continue until the district council remove the bins,' he said. 'Highways gave approval for my plans but this access should have been taken into consideration when they granted permission for something that cannot be physically built because of the obstruction,' he said. He has asked the council to find somewhere else for the bins but was told that he could move then himself as long as he asked permission and made sue they were back out for collection day. 'But where am I supposed to put them. I can't move them and nor will the builders. What if something happens or someone gets injured while they are moved, who's liable?' he said. He has been in contact with Devon county councillor Chris Bray about the bins in the road that is flanked with double yellow lines. Police have also been made aware of the obstruction because of concern for emergency vehicle access. Devon County Councillor Chris Bray took up the case for Mr Squirrell. 'I am hopeful that a resolution is imminent,' he said. 'I understand that one of the options is provision of seagull proof bags which will mean that the road is clear for those who wish to use it for what it is meant for, as a thoroughfare.' A Teignbridge Council spokesman said: 'We fully understand Mr Squirrell's concerns and would emphasise that this is not a planning issue. 'We have previously approached local residents asking for assistance, and where possible, this has resulted in some bins being placed elsewhere by individual householders. 'We have approached shops to request removal of their existing trade waste bins, for which we are not responsible, and we will continue to explore options that will help to resolve this situation,' she said.
