97 self-storage units at 19 Lords Fold, Rainford, St Helens

What was proposed

The application sought permission for 97 self-storage containers, with landscaping, lighting, parking and signage; 50 containers were already installed.

“The proposal is the siting of 97 self-storage containers, together with associated landscaping, external lighting, parking and signage. The proposal is part-retrospective as the site is already operational with 50 of the containers proposed having already been installed at the time of writing.”

“The 20ft containers would be arranged in a horseshoe arrangement along the southern, northern and eastern site boundaries. The 16ft containers would be positioned above several of the 20ft containers, located towards the eastern site boundary. 14 of the 10ft containers would be located centrally within the horseshoe arrangement, with the remaining 3 containers positioned adjacent to the booking office.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a fenced hardstanding area in Rainford, near homes, Randle Brook, protected mature trees, an industrial unit and an agricultural field.

“The site is set up as a self-storage facility that is seeking consent by this application. There was previously an industrial unit on the site, but the site has been cleared and covered with hardstanding for many years, it has been used as informal storage space and parking since circa 2018.”

“The site is within the village of Rainford. There are residential properties to the west. To the east is Randle Brook and a group of mature trees covered by Tree Preservation Orders. The adjacent site to the south is occupied by an industrial unit, beyond which is an agricultural field.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

The site had previous permissions for industrial development, while related advertisement consent was granted in December 2024.

“A related application for advertisement consent for the installation of signage at the site was granted in December 2024.”

Officer report

Advice from consultees

Initial objections from the Environment Agency, highways and trees officers were removed after further information or revised proposals were submitted.

“Environment Agency (26.11.2024) (25.02.2025) (10.07.2025) – Initial objection owing to insufficient information being submitted relating to the management of risks of pollution to the water quality of the adjacent watercourse (Randle Brook). Objection subsequently removed following the submission of additional information confirming proposed surface water drainage arrangements and pollution prevention measures.”

“Highways (06.08.2024) (11.09.2024) – Initial objection pending submission of clarification relating to arrangements for loading and unloading of the containers. Highways objection subsequently removed following submission of further information.”

Officer report

What people said

Seventeen written representations were received, including 15 objections and two supporting the proposal; the parish council also objected.

“This application was publicised by means of a site notice expiring 06.08.2024 together with letters to neighbouring properties expiring 06.08.2024. At the time of writing this report, 17 written representations were received. Of these, 15 were in objection to the proposal and 2 were in support.”

“The issues raised in objection to the proposal can be summarised as follows: • Traffic impacts, including in-combination with adjacent residential development at Lord’s Fold which is not yet fully occupied. Relevant road is in poor condition with no street lighting or road speed signage. • Adequacy of proposed parking provision. • Tree removal. • Noise impacts arising from vehicles entering and exiting the premises and ‘amphitheatre’ design of the proposed containers.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The planning officer presented the application, and the applicant’s agent addressed the committee and answered members’ questions.

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to conditions covering approved drawings, landscaping, ecology, lighting, cycle storage and container stacking.

“Grant Planning Permission Subject to the following conditions, with authority delegated to the Head of Planning Services to add, remove or amend conditions as they deem necessary:”

“Within 3 months of the date of this decision a lighting scheme shall be submitted to the Local Planning Authority for approval. The scheme shall include full details including levels of luminance, quantity and position of lighting and baffling, lighting and light intrusion calculations, a phasing programme for the installation of the lighting. The approved lighting scheme shall be implemented in accordance with the approved programme.”

Minutes