Seven storage containers at Gosden Green Nursery, Southbourne, Emsworth

What was proposed

The retrospective application sought to retain seven green metal storage containers for commercial domestic storage within the existing B8 storage use.

“The proposal is for the retention of 7 lorry storage containers. These take the form of green rectangular metal shipping containers. The application is retrospective.”

“The storage containers would be used for commercial domestic storage purposes in conjunction with the existing B8 storage use present on site.”

Officer report

The site

The site is a storage and business park in a rural area and the Chichester Harbour National Landscape, with screening, glasshouses and nearby homes.

“The application site is a storage and business park within the rural area and the Chichester Harbour National Landscape. The site is adjacent to the Hermitage Settlement Boundary Area.”

“The site has access via the A259 Main Road to the north. The front of the site immediately visible from the main road has a wooden fence and grassed area, with a polytunnel and glasshouses set back from the highway. The site comprises of a number of large glasshouses with an area of open storage to the rear. This open storage land backs on to the One Church's parking area.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

Earlier permissions established storage uses, access arrangements and an extended southern storage area, following several refused housing and redevelopment proposals.

“17/00125/FUL WDN Creation of new access onto A259 to serve lawful B8 uses.”

“23/01554/FUL PER Retention of extended southern storage area.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because the containers would have limited visual impact, preserve neighbouring amenity, raise no significant highway concerns and conserve the National Landscape.

“The proposal seeks to retain seven metal storage containers used for commercial Storage purposes. The storage containers are within the rural area and Chichester Harbour National Landscape. The containers would have an acceptable impact on the character and appearance of the area, maintain a suitable relationship with neighbouring properties, raises no significant concerns in relation to highway safety or parking provision and conserves the natural beauty and locally…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A council officer presented the application and answered questions, while a representative of Southbourne Parish Council addressed the committee.

Committee debate

Members discussed screening, storage, existing containers and whether permission should be temporary, with proposals made for five years and a site visit.

“Regarding the other containers on the site, [name withheld] explained that officers were not aware of permission been granted for those containers, however, they believed them to be immune from enforcement action due to the length of time they had been there.”

“[name withheld] further advised on the issue of a temporary permission and why officers had not proposed this. She assured the Committee that if they chose to allow the application it would not set a precedent for any future applications within a National Landscape, the site been considered was extremely well screened with a historic storage use on it (which had been authorised through lawful development certificates).”

Minutes

The votes

The committee rejected a five-year temporary permission and the officer recommendation, then carried a proposal for three years.

“Cllr S Johnson proposed a temporary permission for five years.”

“Following a vote, the Chairman used his casting vote to against Cllr S Johnson recommendation for a temporary permission for five years.”

Minutes