'Detrimental' shipping container scheme refused at former working men’s club
Self-storage business plans at former working men’s club thrown out after objections
Plans to open a self-storage business at a former working men’s club have been refused.
Planning officers said proposals to put ten shipping containers on the car park of the old Prince of Wales WMC, in Pontefract, would have a “significant detrimental impact” on residents living near to the site.
The application by Prince of Wales Self Storage received 21 objections, including two from local councillors, after it was submitted last month.
Opponents said the development would lead to a loss of privacy for residents and said it would be “oppressive and overbearing.”
Concerns were also raised over the potential for late night disturbance at the Ferrybridge Road site as the proposals included operating the business on a 24-hour basis.
A planning statement submitted on behalf of the applicant said: “Unfortunately, like many traditional clubs, the club no longer operates and is in a state of disrepair.”
The document said the applicant had a lease on the car park, which was accessed by a gated entrance.
It said: “The proposal is to site containers on the former car park and the site would be largely monitored by CCTV.
“Access to individual containers would be via a fob system with containers individually let.
“The containers would be new and arrive in a grey/green appearance.
“Access would be available for 24 hours but we would expect the peak usage to be during daylight hours since no external illumination would be provided.”
The proposal also included charging a bond to customers “to prevent misuse or criminal activity.”
Rejecting the scheme, an officer’s report said: “By virtue of their scale, prominent location and incongruous design, the siting of ten storage containers would have a significant detrimental impact upon the visual amenity of the application site and neighbouring sites resulting in significant harm to the character of the area.”
The officer also said the application lacked sufficient information with respect to noise impacts from the proposed use.
One objector to the plan commented: “The visual impact of metal storage containers, security fencing and associated infrastructure is not in keeping with the surrounding residential character of the area and would be clearly visible from the street and neighbouring homes due to the elevated position of the site.”
Another said: “The introduction of large shipping containers and regular vehicle access, potentially including vans and small lorries, would significantly change the character of the area.
“The site currently sits within a largely residential setting, and such an industrial-style development is not in keeping with the surroundings.
“There are also concerns about increased traffic, noise at unsociable hours, lighting from a 24-hour site, and the overall impact on the peaceful nature of the neighbourhood.
“These factors could have a negative effect on the wellbeing and quality of life of nearby residents.”