A Family–Run Borders business that was established more than a century ago is looking to the future after approval was granted for a new 32 container self-storage yard.
Pearsons of Duns encompasses a diverse portfolio at its base in Station Road, including solid fuel merchants, builder’s merchants, a garden centre with restaurant, stove showroom, van hire and self-storage containers.
Now a planning application has been approved by Scottish Borders Council for the acquisition of a vacant site at the east end of Station Road Industrial Estate for the siting of 32 storage containers, in order to provide an additional revenue stream to support the business expansion by utilising an under-used area.
A report with the application states: “The containers would be offered for self-storage, and Pearsons would utilise their considerable operational expertise gained from their existing 115-unit container self-storage set-up in Duns to run the business in an effective and efficient manner.”
The hours of business are to be Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm and Saturdays 8am to 1pm.
The report adds: “The provision of self-storage containers would make use of under-used land within the site and would significantly support the financial viability of the business.”
It is anticipated that the new venture will create two or three new jobs.
In her report approving the application, Julie Hayward, SBC’s lead planning officer, says: “The application site is situated within Station Road Industrial Estate within Earlston. The site is owned by the council and is currently vacant.
“The existing building would be retained and would support the operations of the Border Chainsaw and Lawnmower Services business at Unit 4 (servicing and storage of domestic garden appliances).
“Six parking spaces are proposed for staff and visitors, accessed from the estate road.
“The site is within the industrial estate and well screened by existing vegetation.
“A condition will ensure that the containers are of the dimensions and colour specified in the supporting statement. The proposal would not harm the visual amenities of the area.”
