PLANNING GREEN LIGHT FOR STORAGE CONTAINER TO BE INSTALLED IN GRIMSBY COMMUNITY GARDEN

GOOD news for the Chelmsford Avenue Community Watch scheme in Grimsby.

The group's proposal to install a storage container  within its  community garden  has been rubber-stamped by North East Lincolnshire Council.

For neighbours, the container will be visible above garden boundary fences, but it is thought the cladding and existing landscaping should be sufficient to  mitigate the impact. 

Says an NELC planning officer: "It is accepted that a container is not an ideal medium to be located on such an attractive site, but it is understood that this community group is  small in number and would not have the resources to construct a more architecturally acceptable building on site. 

"With this in mind the container provides a secure facility which if no longer required can be removed from the site at short notice. 

"The use of a heavy metal container, close to residential properties, has in other cases lead to objections and nuisance from continued opening and closing of the heavy metal doors. 

"In this instance, its use by a particular group for this one small area is not expected to generate substantial use reducing the impact on neighbour amenity. 

"It is also accepted that, for security purposes and bearing in mind the limited means at the group's disposal, a more attractive traditional building would not be possible and the container is therefore a reasonable alternative. 

"The proposal has not been the subject of any objection."

The initial consent is for two years only though this will probably be extended in 2022 so long as there are no overriding objections.

The Grimsby News says:  On the face of it, this seems a sensible decision - but is it? The Chelmsford Avenue Community Watch group is obviously a worthy organisation, but to install something as ugly as a storage container in a residential area is hardly going to enhance the neighbourhood. The council has suggested the group’s resources are limited, but since when has financial wherewithal been acceptable as a planning justification for approving sub-standard applications? With this unfortunate decision, the authority has set a  regrettable precedent.