Decision on new storage container park next to Ross Labels

The site next to Ross Labels (from Google Street View) where 62 shipping containers (inset, from Public Domain Pictures) will be sited.
The site next to Ross Labels (from Google Street View) where 62 shipping containers (inset, from Public Domain Pictures) will be sited.
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A large Herefordshire retailer’s plan to set up a self-storage facility has taken a step closer, as it feels the pinch from other outlets.

RL (UK), which runs the Ross Labels factory outlet northeast of Ross-on-Wye, sought outline planning permission to put 62 shipping containers, each six metres long and 2.6 metres tall, on vacant neighbouring land.

With the Cotswold Designer Outlet now open in Tewkesbury, adding to the rise of online retailing, the branch faces “even greater pressure”, and the sale of the approved storage facility, and adjoining land to the north, “will improve the liquidity of the business at lower trading levels and help to preserve jobs”, its application said.

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There is “strong commercial interest” in building an electric vehicle charging station on the adjoining land, it added.

The planned containers would be “placed directly on the ground without physical attachment or engineering works”, would not be stacked, and would be painted “an inconspicuous colour”, likely grey or charcoal.

For both business and personal storage, the units would be accessible between 6am and 9pm.


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Neighbouring Brampton Abbotts & Foy Parish Council said it had “considerable concerns over noise and light pollution” – a concern which was “not theoretical” as residents already experience “life-impacting” light pollution from businesses in the area.

Ross-on-Wye Town Council echoed these concerns, while Herefordshire Council’s ecology officer also called for lighting to be restricted.

Planning officer Joshua Evans concluded that, with no issues over highways or drainage, the proposal “represented sustainable development” and “would contribute to economic growth, local business support, and rural diversification”.

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A condition with the permission allows only infra-red security lighting on the site.

The application was put forward in February.

A further, “reserved matters” application setting out the details of the new facility must now be approved, and the council “would seek screening along the boundaries to mitigate its impact upon the wider landscape” as part of this, Mr Evans added.

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