Outdoor storage racking at SIG Roofing 9 - 10 Sunderland Estate, Kings Langley

What was proposed

Permission was sought to retain two sets of external steel storage racking in the rear yard of a roofing business.

“Planning permission is sought for the retention of two sets of external steel storage racking which have been installed to the rear yard of the application site.”

“Both sets of racking include open, (cantilevered), racking, and it has been confirmed that the structures are required to support the operation and growth of existing businesses, in particular, facilitating the safe and efficient storage of timber materials and roofing product pallets.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a commercial roofing depot in an industrial estate, separated from nearby homes by fencing and mature vegetation.

“The application site comprises commercial Units 9-10, set within the Sunderland Yard Industrial Estate, situated off Church Lane in the Large Village of Kings Langley. Units 9-10 are occupied by SIG Roofing depot, (a building materials yard), which is served by hardstanding yards to the front and rear with associated structures/storage containers.”

“The site is within a Former Land Use risk zone for ground contamination and is set within the buffer zone for the Grand Union Canal.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the racking supported an existing business and its visual, residential amenity, highway and parking effects were acceptable.

“There is a clear conflict between the residential use of properties along Alexandra Road and the commercial/business uses of the application site would not result in a favourable relationship.”

“The proposal is concluded to be acceptable on highway/pedestrian safety and parking grounds, having no adverse impacts on the safety and operation of the existing highway network or on the existing car parking arrangements.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The parish council objected, the Canal and River Trust had no comment, and environmental health requested a noise impact assessment.

“Comments Canal & River Trust We are the charity who look after and bring to life 2000 miles of canals & rivers. Our waterways contribute to the health and wellbeing of local communities and economies, creating attractive and connected places to live, work, volunteer and spend leisure time. These historic, natural and cultural assets form part of the strategic and local green-blue infrastructure network, linking urban and rural communities as well as habitats.”

“DBC Environmental Health Officer From a noise perspective, it appears that the site has been active for approximately 6 months in its current format, in those 6 months no concern or noise complaint has been made to this department in regard to activities on site.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The ward councillor spoke against the application, while the applicant’s representative spoke in support.

The committee’s discussion

Members sought additional advice asking the applicant to make best endeavours to disguise or screen the racking from neighbours’ views.

“Ward Councillor Alan Anderson spoke in objection to the application. [name withheld] spoke in support of the application. Members sought an additional Informative, requiring the applicant to make best endeavours to disguise / screen the racking from neighbours’ views. It was proposed by Councillor Durrant and seconded by Councillor Walker to GRANT the application (with the additional Informative). Vote:”

Minutes

The vote and decision

Members voted eight in favour, none against and three abstentions, then granted planning permission.

“Resolved: That planning permission be GRANTED.”

Minutes