Who do I complain to about people running a taxi firm at their house?

[LankyDoodle]

Hi,
Sorry this is here, but I don't think they like me on soapbox. Not saying you do necessarily.... lol

I wonder if anyone knows who I complain to about people who are running a new cab firm from their house.

We live in a quiet culdesac with next to no on-road parking for guests (although we all have large drives) and hardly any turning space at all. They started renting the property earlier this year and, initially, they worked for a local cab firm and parked that cab outside their house overnight, which was fine. About a month ago, 3 brand new taxis (not small cars, but big black cabs), turned up outside the house, and another 2 have since joined them. Now we are talking about 2/3/4 bed semis and 4 bed detatched houses, not big mansions with loads of space outside for parking! Then we received a leaflet through the door about this new firm and where they are etc... It soon became obvious from the comings and goings, that these people were running a firm from their house - a 2 bed semi!

A couple of weeks ago we got back from our holiday, and as I drove up the close, one of their drivers, some arrogant idiot, decided he would not wait at the give way line and drove straight into me instead as he was in SUCH A RUSH obviously! No damage really, luckily, as my father in law was a panel beater and sorted the scratch out as well. I just forgot about it but over the last week it's got really frantic out there, and at night time the taxis are still coming and going well into the night, there's no where for anyone to park if they need to and no turning space. It's really unsafe and they clearly should not be running 5 or 6 taxis from a small house, as well as parking their own 2 cars on their drive!

So the vicar who lives at the rectory at the end of our close, also got quite annoyed tonight, which is obviously not like him. This is quite a nice area and we like our peace and quiet!

Who do I complain to?

 

[dotty1]

I would think its the council?

 

[starr_g]

Get in touch with the Planning Department at the council.We had a similar problem with a bloke who rented a large house at the end of our cul-de-sac and set up a business dealing in second hand cars. He parked fifteen cars on the tennis court and about ten out the front. People coming and going all the time so understand your annoyance. It took some months but they got rid of him. Good luck!

 

[Donkeymad]

Your local council I would think.

 

[LankyDoodle]

Thanks everyone

I have filled in a report it form on taunton deane bc planning website, and have also emailed the borough and parish councils.

Thankees.xx

 

[TequilaMist]

Could always see if he's declaring it to taxman.
As said council as well as don't they have to pay 'business rates'

 

[starr_g]

Just to add - when we called the planners they said they could do nothing unless we actually made an official complaint. Thought about it for a day as there could be repercussions but had to as it was so annoying as well as illegal. Again, good luck!

 

[Ali1963]

Yeah - the council will be round like a shot if they think someone might be evading business rates!

 

[dawnpetenathshir]

You need to get in touch with the Licensing Manager at your borough council. If they are running a radio system from there they need planning permission and also an operators license. Are people going to the house in order to get a cab? If so I would imagine they are operating illegally. I would point out to you that if they are all properly licensed you may have a problem but in that case get your local MP involved. Incidentally report the accident to the council as well this should give you a bit of leverage. Good luck

 

[jhoward]

ive worked for 2 taxi companies one of which was ran for home, complain to the council, but often the only thing they can do is demand the ariel is removed as they require planning permission

 

[PennyJ]

As above, the Licensing department at your local council is your best bet. Those taxis should be licensed with them, but may not be as well. But also, who is the landlord of the property they are renting. I can't imagine they are likely to be too pleased at the thought of all these drivers tramping in and out and it is quite likely under the terms of the rent agreement they are not meant to be running a business from there, well certainly not a business like they are at any rate.

Good luck!

 

[Boxers]

If the taxi firm are renting the house, you could go to the agent. Quite often there would be a clause in the lease saying that the tenant cannot run a business from the rented house.