33 self-storage units at Unit 3 New Wharf, Brighton Road, Shoreham-by-Sea

What was proposed

The application proposed external self-storage units, a refuse store, cycle shelter and revised parking, amended to 33 units.

“Proposal: Erection of 35no. external self-storage units (Class B8), refuse store, cycle shelter and reconfiguration of car parking layout…”

“The application relates to land on the south side of Brighton Road. It sits adjacent to the new residential development at Free Wharf to the west and has been vacant since June 2024. Permission was granted earlier this year for recladding the existing warehouse on the site to enable it to be used as a self storage facility by Cinch Self Storage. Work has commenced.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Earlier permissions covered storage use, a possible residential-led redevelopment and alterations to the warehouse and boundary.

“AWDM/0886/23 - Demolition of existing warehouse and erection of an 8 storey building and basement, comprising 62 residential units (Class C3) and commercial floor space (Class E), with associated basement parking, access, and landscaping - Committee Resolution in 2023 to grant permission subject to completion of s106”

“AWDM/0305/25 - Alterations including replacement of existing external fabric with new cladding system to elevations and roof, new curtain wall glazing, removal of existing roller shutter doors, installation of new auto sliding entrance doors, removal of existing overhanging canopy and installation of 2no. canopies over warehouse entrance doors. Replacement of boundary fence with new 2.4m high fencing. New pedestrian gate and auto sliding gate at entrance.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval for five years because the proposal expanded an existing lawful use while avoiding prejudice to future redevelopment.

“The site is within the Shoreham Harbour Regeneration area and Policy CA7 the Joint Area Action Plan and Policy 8 of the Adur Local Plan identify this area as a location for change, with the aim of relocating existing business uses to facilitate redevelopment and regeneration, primarily for the delivery of housing and employment generating uses with modern, high quality design expected. The provision of self storage units is contrary to this policy.”

“It is therefore unlikely that this site will be available for redevelopment in the short term. However, the Council does not wish to prejudice future opportunities for redevelopment by granting a permanent permission for the self storage units and it is therefore proposed that, should the application be considered acceptable in all other respects, that a 5 year temporary permission only be granted.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The highways authority raised no objection, while public health and drainage consultees had no objections subject to conditions.

“West Sussex County Council: The Highways Authority has no objection.”

“Adur and Worthing Councils: Public Health: No objections in principle. Proposed hours are reasonable. Require condition to secure details of external lighting. Surface Water Drainage: No objection on surface water grounds subject to conditions…”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

A neighbour objected unless access was restricted to sociable hours because of potential noise across the river.

“Objection received from occupier of Flat 35 Waters Edge Anchor Close:”

“Is access to the external storage units 24/7 or restricted to sociable hours? As we live directly across the river we are concerned about noise pollution and would anticipate that access is restricted to sociable hours such as 8am to 8pm. If this is not the case we object to the proposal.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent supported the application and said any lighting would be safety-focused, downlit and directed away from homes, with CCTV and monitoring.

Members’ discussion

Members discussed the future cycle path and agreed the application was a reasonable compromise until redevelopment became possible.

“Members were concerned that the application would not support the future plans for the cycle path. The Officer clarified that this application was for an existing use on an existing site so was not a redevelopment. However should the site be redeveloped in the future the cycle path would be a consideration.”

“During debate Members concurred that whilst redevelopment of the site would be preferable until that became a possibility this application was a reasonable compromise.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Members unanimously accepted the officers’ recommendation to approve the application.

“A proposal was put forward to accept the Officers recommendation and approve the application This was seconded and voted in favour of unanimously.”

Minutes

The final decision

The committee approved temporary permission for five years, amended the description to 33 units and imposed the listed conditions.

“Decision: Approve (temporary for 5 years), Amendment to description to refer to 33 external self storage units and subject to conditions:-”

“The development hereby approved shall not be occupied until details of the maintenance and management of the sustainable drainage scheme have been submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority. The drainage scheme shall be implemented prior to the first occupation of the development hereby approved and thereafter managed and maintained in accordance with the approved details in perpetuity.”

Minutes