A planning bid was submitted to the Scottish Borders Council (SBC) by McGregor Farms Limited to move onto a vacant site within Coldstream Business Park, on land northeast of 47 Lennel Mount.
The applicant recently purchased the site from SBC.
It is proposed that it will be used to relocate and expand an existing commercial self-storage business which has good demand but which would be better suited to a new purpose-built business and industrial site.
This planning application sought consent for commercial self-storage for a total of 42 storage containers. The external measurements of each storage container are six metres x 2.4 metres.
Each of the containers will be sited on a hardcore base and no buildings or permanent structures are proposed within the plot. The site has electricity which will be used to operate the access gate, lighting within the site and CCTV security cameras.
In a report approving the application, Cameron Kirk, SBC’s assistant planning officer, says: “The application site is screened by existing vegetation to the southeast and southwest.
“The proposed development would be visible from vantage points to the west and northwest of the application site.
“However, as the neighbouring plots are developed, it is expected the application site would be screened by them. It is not anticipated that the proposed development would adversely impact upon the immediate setting or the surrounding landscape.
“There are residential properties within the surrounding locality of Coldstream Business Park, although they are not in particularly close proximity to the application site.
“The proposed use may create a degree of noise when people are loading and unloading into the containers. However, it is not expected that the proposed development would unduly impact on the amenity and privacy of neighbouring residential properties.”
A report submitted with the application stated: “It is not anticipated that the proposal will generate a significant number of vehicular movements and is unlikely to negatively affect the surrounding roads.
“It is proposed that a 2.4 metre high fence is erected along the site boundary. The fencing proposed is galvanised palisade style fencing in green, this is to ensure the site is kept safe and secure.
“There is increasing demand for commercial self-storage within the local area and the proposal would also create additional employment. It is hoped that the council recognise that this proposal is both economically beneficial and well suited to the location.”
