52 storage containers at Plot 4 Oakland Business Park, Bogey Road, Mountain Hare

What was proposed

The application sought a self-storage facility with 52 green steel containers, tarmac surfacing, perimeter fencing, tree and shrub planting, and bird boxes.

“Full planning permission is sought for the creation of a self-storage facility on the site. The proposals would comprise 52 No. steel storage containers, each with dimensions of 6m long by 2.4m wide and standing 2.5m high. Submitted plans indicate the containers would be green in colour.”

“The submitted plans illustrate a total of 22 trees (comprising a mixture of 5 tree species) would be planted along the southern embankment, together with a series of shrub species. Additionally, the submitted plans show the provision of bird boxes along the southern boundary to the rear of the storage containers.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a surfaced plateau beside an industrial unit, outside settlement limits in the countryside, with access from Bogey Road and a steep southern boundary.

“The application site consists of a broadly rectangular area of land located immediately south of an existing industrial unit off Bogey Road, which is situated in a countryside location and outside of the defined settlement limits. The site largely comprises a plateau measuring approximately 0.13 hectares and the land falls away steeply at its southern boundary.”

“The application site is partially enclosed by a 2m high green weld mesh fence along its frontage and is surfaced either with tarmacadam or compacted hardcore. It appears that the site is currently under informal use for the storage of building and engineering materials. Access to the site is currently derived via a private road from the adopted highway (Bogey Road) to the north of the site, which currently serves the existing industrial unit.”

Officer report

Planning history and enforcement

Earlier permissions established industrial and storage uses, while unauthorised works on nearby plots were being addressed separately through enforcement.

“It is noted that there are unauthorised works located within plots 1, 2 and 3 involving the stockpiling of rubble material and vegetation clearance. However, these areas do not form part of this proposal and are matters to be addressed separately to the considerations of this application.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

All named consultees raised no objection, while South Wales Police and Welsh Government Highways did not respond.

“South Wales Police – No response received.”

Officer report

Objections from the public

One objection raised concerns about tree clearance, biodiversity, traffic safety, alleged unlawful activity, anti-social behaviour, security and site management.

“Lack of transparency in advertising the planning application, with concerns that no neighbour notification was sent. • The application states that no trees would be lost. This is misleading as a number of trees were removed prior to the application being made and as a result habitat loss has occurred without the benefit of any evaluation. • The clearance of trees has resulted in the loss of natural screening.”

“These issues raise concerns at the suitability of the site for storage units which offer the opportunity for concealed activity. • The proposal offers further opportunity for vehicle movements at unsocial hours and further anti-social behaviour. • The works already undertaken at the site has been to the detriment of the landscape and visual character of the area. • The applicant has not undertaken any community or neighbour consultation.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

An objector asked for refusal, while the applicant’s representative supported approval and said the proposal had been assessed and complied with policy.

Members’ questions and answers

Officers explained that no transport assessment was required, enforcement investigations continued, drainage controls would apply, and landscaping would provide biodiversity benefits.

“It was confirmed that an enforcement case is open, ongoing investigations are taking place with landowners and referral to Natural Resources Wales remains possible if considered necessary.”

“Landscaping on land under the applicants control will improve ecological value and provide biodiversity enhancements beyond the applicants site.”

Minutes

The committee vote

The committee resolved to approve the application subject to the conditions in the report.

“It was confirmed that aerial photography indicated the raised land levels had existed for some time Resolved that: The application be approved subject to the conditions outlined in the report.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted for the proposed storage facility, subject to conditions covering drainage, landscaping, bird boxes, container numbers, external storage and appearance.

“Prior to the storage containers being brought into beneficial use, details of the proposed bird boxes and their location within the site, together with a timescale for its implementation, shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details.”

“The siting of any storage container within the site, shall be limited to the number (52 in total) and specific locations as indicated on the proposed site plan (Drawing No. 3066 C, received 24.04.2026). No additional storage containers shall be located within the site or placed on top of another container at any time.”

Officer report