Automated container storage building at Container Storage Yard London Gateway Drive, Stanford-le-Hope

What was proposed

The application proposed a fully automated high-bay facility for empty shipping containers, with associated offices, access, drainage, lighting and utilities.

“The proposal is for a fully automated high-bay storage facility for empty storage containers known as ‘BoxBay’. It has been developed to provide more efficient loading/unloading of ships and HGVs. The storage facility will be encased within a building which measures 323.5m x 163.2m and has a maximum height of 57m from floor level (62.9m AOD). The proposed building exceeds the height restrictions in the HEO therefore full planning permission is required.”

“PROPOSAL: The construction and operational use of an empty shipping container storage building (use class B8) within London Gateway Port with associated office/storage buildings, HGV/Shuttle carrier interchanges, access roadways/walkways, drainage facilities, lighting, boundary treatments and utility connections.”

Officer report

Planning background

Port development is principally authorised by the Harbour Empowerment Order, but this building required planning permission because it exceeds the Order’s height limits.

“Development within the Port has principally been carried out under the London Gateway Port Harbour Empowerment Order 2008 (“the HEO”) which authorises its construction and operation. The proposed building exceeds the height restrictions in the HEO therefore full planning permission is required.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal supports port efficiency and economic development, with visual, technical and environmental matters addressed through conditions.

“The principle of the development is acceptable as it supports economic development within a Key Strategic Economic Hub in accordance with CSSP2.”

“The Traffic and Transportation information provided within Section 5.3 of the Planning Statement sets out that the proposal is expected to improve Port efficiency by reducing the number of movements anticipated to be undertaken by the Automated Stacking Cranes (ASCs) and reducing the time required to load / unload full containers.”

Officer report

Consultation and public views

Consultees raised no objections subject to conditions or advice, and no public comments or objections were received.

“Standing advice on need to support a modal shift away from car travel.”

“Site notices were displayed on site, and the application was publicised in the press. No comments or objections have been received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker gave a statement supporting the application and answered a question about crane heights.

Members’ discussion

A co-optee asked about crane heights, and there were no further questions or debate.

“The Co-optee sought clarification on the height of the cranes. The speaker confirmed it was dependent on the type of crane. One is approximately 35 metres the key cranes that load the ships are up to 145 metres. With the boon down it would be half the height.”

“There were no further questions for the speaker or officers. There was no debate.”

Minutes

The decision

The recommendations were approved, including the finding on protected European sites and authority to grant permission subject to conditions.

“1.Formally determine, on the basis of the information available, that the development proposed will not adversely affect the integrity of a European site or a European offshore marine site either alone or in combination with other plans or projects.”

“If recommendation 1 agreed, the Chief Planning Officer be authorised to GRANT permission for the development subject to those items set out in section 16 of the report - A. Conditions…”

Minutes