Douglas Bensted has been handed an enforcement notice by Northampton Borough Council for using the front and back yard of his house in Verwood Close, Lings, to store cars and vehicle parts.

He has been given two months to remove the vehicles from his property or face prosecution.

Borough councillor Dennis Meredith brought the matter to the attention of council planning officers after several of Mr Bensted's neighbours made complaints.

He said: "I have had a number of phone calls from residents who were concerned about the number of cars being left outside the house.

"Verwood Close is a small cul-de-sac in a quiet area and people are unhappy about the effect it has been having on the look of the neighbourhood.

"The cars have also been causing real problems with parking in the close."

Mr Bensted was served with a similar enforcement notice in 2006 after concerns were raised about cars being stored, repaired and broken up.

Although the vehicles were removed soon afterwards, the borough council has been forced to take action again after more complaints.

Richard Church (Lib Dem, Kingsthorpe), the borough council's cabinet member for regeneration, said the authority had "no alternative" but to issue the latest notice.

"It is not acceptable to set up a business like this in a residential area," he said.

"People have the right to enjoy their neighbourhood and the council will use whatever powers we have at our disposal to ensure no-one has to suffer from the noise and disruption caused by inconsiderate businesses."

Mr Bensted was unwilling to comment.

Councillor Meredith (Lib Dem, Thorplands) said: "Hopefully he will stop doing what he is doing out of respect for his neighbours and the community."