Self-storage units at Former Builders Merchants Yard, Lancaster

What was proposed

The application proposed 21 single-storey blocks providing self-storage units, with a security building, fencing, access roads, parking and drainage works.

“The proposal seeks planning permission for the erection of self-storage units on the 1.2ha previously developed area of the site, with associated security building, boundary fencing and creation of access roads/parking. The greenfield land to the north is included within the development area for associated drainage works, biodiversity net gain area and boundary treatments.”

“The proposed development would facilitate the provision of a self-storage business at the site, where customers could store possessions within individual lock-up facilities. The proposed units would be accessible to existing customers 24 hours a day. New fencing and a gate are proposed within the site adjacent to the existing site entrance, beyond which is a security building and 8 parking spaces, with another couple of parking spaces further into the site.”

Officer report

The site and its surroundings

The 2.6-hectare site is previously developed land beside the River Lune, with greenfield land, rights of way, flood defences and vegetation.

“The application site comprises circa 2.6 hectares of previously developed (brownfield) land located at the western end of New Quay Road immediately south of the River Lune. The site was once the location of Lancaster’s Isolation Hospital, and was more recently a Builders Merchants (Use Class B8). This use ceased a few years ago, with buildings on-site demolished a couple of years ago.”

“Public open space and rights of way bound the northern, eastern and southern perimeter of the site, forming designated open spaces and blue/green corridors around the site. A narrow footpath to the east of the site leads to the Coastal Walk along the Lune to the north, with the frequently walked/cycled bridleway of the Millenium Path to the south, beyond which is Freemans Wood.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications included an environmental screening request for self-storage redevelopment and an approved advertisement application.

“A number of relevant applications relating to this site have previously been received by the Local Planning Authority. These include:”

“Application Number Proposal Decision 24/01225/EIR Screening request for the redevelopment of the site to provide self storage units (B8) and associated infrastructure Environmental Statement not required 19/00723/ADV Advertisement application for the display of 1 non- illuminated facia sign and 1 non-illuminated wall sign Granted…”

Officer report

The officers’ assessment

Officers considered the proposal acceptable in principle because it reused brownfield land, supported regeneration and kept employment uses near existing commercial development.

“The application site is within the northwest portion of this development opportunity designation, immediately adjacent to an existing concrete mixer/manufacturer/supplier, with a Use Class E building recently constructed to the south, beyond which are retained and new employment buildings.”

“Combined with the established use of the site, the proposal is considered to be acceptable in principle. Whilst it is anticipated that few people would be employed ongoing for such a use once established, there are economic benefits of the sought development both during construction and once established as a business.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A ward councillor and a resident and charity trustee spoke against the application, while the agent spoke in favour.

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application with a legal agreement, listed conditions and an added requirement for a dimming profile for external lighting.

“That the application be approved subject to an amendment to condition 15 to secure details of a scheme to control a dimming profile for the submitted and approved external lighting, and subject to the conditions in the Committee Report.”

Minutes