Sopers Yard establishment was closed after action by Barnet Council reports David Floyd

Some cars bunched together in a yard — The Sopers Yard location after the illegal ‘car joint’ was closed – (Credit – Barnet Council)

A businessman was ordered to pay nearly £26,000 earlier this year after he pleaded guilty to operating an “unlawful” used car yard which had prompted multiple complaints from local residents.

Aaron Schwebel, who managed the ‘Car Joint’ dealership at Sopers Yard in Bell Lane, had been issued with a notice by Barnet Council in January 2020 to cease use of the land.

The land Schwebel managed on behalf of Buren Holdings Limited, a Gibraltar-based offshore company, was being used for multiple purposes including open-air storage, waste transfer and processing, and a used car sales lot without planning permission.

Residents had complained to the council about the comings and goings of vehicles, a party bus regularly parked outside the yard, preparation and delivery of vehicles to be sold, and the use of jet wash equipment.

Schwebel appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on 20th February, where he pleaded guilty to failing to comply with the requirements of an Enforcement Notice issued by the council.

He had previously claimed that there was existing planning permission in place because the site was previously used by the council to store parks maintenance vehicles, however council officers concluded this was not the case.

Schwebel initially appealed the notice but his appeal was rejected by the planning inspectorate.

Following the court decision, Barnet Council leader Barry Rawlings said: “The defendant chose to ignore the action being taken against them, and to continue running this car yard for multiple uses which were clearly affecting residents living nearby.

“Planning regulations are there for a reason and this prosecution sends out a very clear message to anyone intent on flouting the law that we will take action, and that ultimately we will bring them before the courts if they refuse to do what is required.”

Last year, Barnet became the first council in the country to launch a new system designed to make it easier for residents to appeal planning decisions and report a planning breach: https://www.barnet.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control

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