Storage containers at 24 Van Alloys Industrial Estate, Busgrove Lane, Stoke Row

Four containers for equipment storage

Retrospective permission was sought for four stacked shipping containers used by an engineering company to store equipment and materials.

“The planning officer presented the report to members. This was a retrospective application for four stacked storage containers at Unit 24, Van Alloys Industrial Estate. The containers had been in place since April of the previous year and were used by an engineering company specialising in water treatment, providing secure storage for equipment and materials.”

Minutes

An established industrial estate

The containers stood on hardstanding in a spacious forecourt on a long-established industrial estate within the Chilterns National Landscape, not visible from the highway.

“The containers were sited centrally within the estate, surrounded by various commercial units. Although within the Chilterns National Landscape, officers noted that this was a long-established industrial site. The containers were positioned on hardstanding in a relatively spacious forecourt and sat adjacent to another storage building.”

“Members were shown photographs illustrating that the containers were not visible from the public highway and that the main views were confined to within the estate. The structures were considered in keeping with the industrial character. A photograph highlighting a neighbouring view from around 40 metres away was shown, but members were reminded that private views were not a material planning consideration.”

Minutes

Parish council objected to visual impact

The parish council objected on visual impact grounds but said it could support two side-by-side containers rather than four.

“Officers advised that the Parish Council had objected on grounds of visual impact, although it indicated support for two side-by-side containers, recognising the business’s role in adding value and employment. The applicant maintained that all four containers were required for operational purposes.”

Minutes

Officers recommended approval

Officers found no harm to highway safety, neighbouring amenity or the industrial character of the area and recommended approval with a condition.

“Officers further explained that wider landscape views were extremely limited, with only a fleeting glimpse from an informal path to the south. No harm to highway safety or neighbouring amenity had been identified. In summary, officers concluded that the proposal sat comfortably within the established industrial context and did not cause unacceptable visual or landscape impact. It was recommended to approve the application, subject to the condition set out in the report.”

Minutes

The parish council spoke

A representative spoke on behalf of Stoke Row Parish Council.

Members discussed conditions and time limits

Members discussed whether the containers functioned as a building, painting them to reduce visual impact, and tying the permission to the current business instead of a time limit.

“Members queried whether the four shipping containers effectively functioned as a building and whether a permanent storage structure would normally be assessed differently. Officers advised that the applicant had stated the containers were required for operational reasons, as the existing unit could not accommodate all equipment. Officers noted that, unlike permanent buildings, the containers could be removed when no longer needed.”

“A member asked whether a time limited permission could be applied. Officers explained that time limits normally addressed identifiable planning harm, which was not present in this case. However, if members wished, the permission could instead be linked to the continued occupation of the unit by the current business, requiring removal of the containers should that use cease. Officers advised that this approach would be more appropriate than imposing an arbitrary time limit.”

Minutes

Permission granted on a vote

A motion to grant permission with additional conditions was carried when put to the vote.

“A motion, moved and seconded to grant planning permission, with the additional conditions agreed P25/S2125/FUL, was carried on being put to the vote.”

Minutes

Approved with painting and use conditions

The application was approved subject to the containers being painted a recessive colour and removed if the current occupier's use of the unit ceases.

“RESOLVED: to approve planning application P25/S2125/FUL subject to the following conditions: Approved plans 2. Paint That within 2 months of the date of this permission, a colour sample for the paint to be applied to the containers shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the LPA. The approved colour shall be applied to the containers subject of this permission within 4 months from the date of the permission.”

“Use That the containers hereby approved shall only be for the use of the current occupier of Unit 24, Satec Service Ltd. If their occupation of the unit ceases, then within 3 months of that date the containers shall be removed from the land.”

Minutes