Proposal for 14 self-storage container units at Templepatrick business park turned down
A planning application to facilitate self-storage container units at Taylor Business Park, Templepatrick, was refused by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Planning Committee on Monday.
The proposal is for extension of curtilage for the container units to be re-located on-site at premises at 17 Carnanee Road.
A council officer said it has “not been demonstrated that it is necessary to facilitate growth or viability of the business” or in relation to “expansion of an established rural enterprise”.
She added it has not been “demonstrated it would make a significant contribution to the local economy” with the principle of development considered to be “unacceptable”.
A committee report said the proposed application site is “currently used for storage and as a manure heap”.
It was noted “immediately to the west of the site is an informal agricultural structure comprising shipping containers arranged in a square formation with a polytunnel style roof”.
“The proposal seeks full planning permission for a curtilage extension to accommodate 14 self-storage container units through the relocation of existing containers currently located elsewhere within the business park.
“While the proposal does not identify the precise existing location of these units, the case officer’s site inspection confirmed that they are presently sited at the entrance to the wider development known as ‘Taylor Business Park’. The proposal therefore seeks to relocate these containers to the application site.”
The report also referred to an application support document. It states the application site forms part of “an established storage and distribution yard that was originally approved for Taylor Transport and which now accommodates a number of independent businesses”.
“The supporting statement contends that there are no suitable alternative sites available within any nearby settlements and that the proposal represents a sustainable form of development within an established business park.”
The committee report said: “It is argued that the proposed self-storage containers would sustain economic activity and support local employment and integrate with the existing pattern of development on the site.
“The submission fails to clearly demonstrate a specific operational or business need for the proposed extension of the site curtilage or for the provision of 14 self-storage container units.”
Following a proposal by Threemilewater DUP Councillor Sam Flanagan, seconded by Threemilewater Ulster Unionist Cllr Stephen Cosgrove, members voted unanimously to refuse the application.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter