Backers say scheme will ‘provide economic and necessary storage space’
(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
The cleared site of a former East Lancashire paper mill in the protected ‘Green Belt’ has been earmarked for a new self-storage complex of 134 shipping containers.
The Greyfriars Assets Limited Society wants to redevelop the acre of vacant land located off Hermitage Street, Rishton.
The site was formerly the home of the Rishton Paper Mill and is in a ribbon of countryside on the way to Clayton-le-Moors.
A supporting statement submitted with a planning application to Hyndburn Council says: “The site as existing is previously developed land in the green belt – and also potentially grey belt land – and will provide a site which will provide economic and necessary storage space, hidden amongst tree-lining and shielded from the main route into Rishton.
It adds: “Following the demolition of the former Rishton Paper Mill and warehouse building the site will have been cleared of all structural debris, vegetation, and hardstanding preceding the commencement of development.
“The site is bound to the north by Hermitage Street (the A678), which extends westerly reaching the residential area of Rishton, and easterly, past Holt Mill Bridge where the road changes to Blackburn Road, reaching the edge of Clayton-le-Moors.
“The proposed scheme seeks the redevelopment of the vacant land to provide 134 self-storage units, served by respective service yards and car parking. The development will comprise 134 containers running perpendicular to Hermitage Street.
“The scheme incorporates a small area of hardstanding to facilitate vehicle manoeuvres within the site. The containers will be of a neutral colour and will be concealed within site, by tree lining around the site border.
“The self-storage sector is a prevalent and popular type of development, used for domestic and professional use. Within the wider area there is a low amount of self-storage sites. There are no other sites that will offer the same qualities as this proposal.
“The site forms part of an established cluster of employment and industrial uses. The surrounding residential areas of Rishton and Clayton-le-Moors are already bounded by similar employment uses, which act as a clear physical and functional buffer between the two settlements.
“The site does not contribute to preventing urban sprawl, nor would its redevelopment result in the unchecked expansion of either town. The proposal represents the redevelopment of an isolated brownfield site, rather than outward expansion into undeveloped Green Belt land.
“The site will provide standard 20 foot and 10 foot containers of a green or beige colour, integrating within the surrounding natural environment. The fencing around the site will also be green.”
