Large storage site, with 100 containers, earmarked for land in Sutton next to Wickes
A piece of land in Sutton that has been vacant and unused for several years could soon be turned into a large storage site.
The site, which spans 2,289 square metres, sits next to the Wickes retail store off Station Road, with an address assigned to Mitsui Babcock Energy Services Ltd, a company that repairs boilers.
Ashfield District Council has received a planning application from Guy Drummond, of Now Storage Ltd, based in Herefordshire, to transform it into “secure storage land” with no fewer than 100 containers.
The new, adapted or refurbished containers, painted green, would be a mix of single-storey, measuring 2.95 metres high, and double-storey, or stacked, measuring about five metres high.
It is anticipated that they would be used by both private clients, such as local residents wanting to store furniture or belongings, maybe while moving house, and also commercial clients, such as small businesses, or start-ups, needing to securely store goods, materials and equipment.
The proposal has already attracted objections from residents on nearby Norman Avenue, who fear the operation would cause traffic congestion at its entrance and also on the busy Station Road.
One resident was also worried about would be stored in the containers, whether they would be hidden from view by trees and the impact their installation might have on wildlife at a nearby habitat.
However, a planning statement, prepared by Lee Smith, of Now Storage’s agent, Sigma Architects Ltd, of Derby, has been submitted with the application in a bid to quell any concerns.
The statement says: “Now Storage is a reputable, family-owned business that has successfully developed and operated 15 high-quality storage sites nationwide.
"The company is now expanding its well-regarded and in-demand service to new locations, including this proposed site in Sutton.
"This change of use from retail to storage represents a highly appropriate and beneficial development for the local and regional community.
"It is well suited to the site’s location, which is close to the A38 and M1. Residents living nearby, as well as local retailers and businesses, would benefit from convenient, flexible storage options.”
The statement stresses that the site would be “fully managed with security coverage”, including solar-powered LED lighting and CCTV cameras.
Also, restrictions would be imposed “to ensure that clients do not store items that could pose a risk to the site or to the public, such as flammable, highly toxic or explosive materials”.
The site, which would create two full-time jobs, would be open from 7 am to 10 pm every day and also include six car-parking spaces and two cycle spots. The single entrance would be to the north of the site and “minimal effect” on traffic was expected.
In conclusion, the statement says: “Granting planning permission would support the growth of a family business, improve the appearance of a vacant site and provide a highly sought-after storage facility.
"It would represent a valuable contribution to the vitality and sustainability of Sutton’s key transport corridor.”
The proposal is currently being considered by the council’s planning officers, who have set a deadline date of Sunday, January 4 for a decision or recommendation.
THE details of many planning applications can be found in public notices advertised by local and regional newspapers. To catch up on all the latest public notices, go to https://publicnoticeportal.uk/