South Mayo storage company refused permission to retain storage units
Connaught Self Storage Ltd which provides storage for a number of companies was refused permission to retain its storage units near Claremorris
A south Mayo based storage company has been refused planning permission to retain nine commercial buildings containing storage units which are currently being used by a number of local companies.
Connaught Self Storage Ltd applied for planning permission for the retention of a number of buildings containing storage units on a 2.42 hectare site located in the townland of Crantahar, approximately 3km from Claremorris town.
The Claremorris-based company provides storage units in a range of sizes on the site with up to 15 local, national and international companies using the facilities while 30 units are rented to people for the storage of household items.
The buildings on the site which the company sought to retain included four single storey general storage buildings; three single storey buildings comprising 25 rental self storage units; one single storey general storage building incorporating eleven rental self storage units; and one two-storey building comprising offices and general storage, caretaker apartment and independent toilet facility for site use.
The site is located off a local road which is immediately adjacent to the N60 Claremorris to Ballyhaunis road. In the planning application, the company claimed that the location provided 'excellent connectivity' and is well suited to commercial storage use 'due to its accessibility and separation from more densely developed urban areas'.
However, in refusing the application, Mayo County Council stated that the development is located in the rural area on unzoned land and 'such developments should be provided within the settlements of the county and not in rural areas'.
“The commercial development seeking retention does not constitute an agricultural enterprise or an enterprise that requires to be situated in a rural location, and would therefore set an undesirable precedent for further non-agricultural/rural enterprise type developments to be located in similar rural locations,” the Mayo County Council planning report read.
The application was also refused on the grounds that the location close to the N60 fails to meet the required set back of 115 metre from the junction of a local and national route and 'would endanger public safety by reason of traffic hazard'.
In his report on behalf of the applicant, Seán Conway of CAD Designs and Surveying Services set out reasons to demonstrate that the existing development ‘represents an appropriate form of rural enterprise’.
As well as citing the suitability of the location in terms of connectivity, Mr Conway also pointed out that the use of the buildings is low intensity, generating relatively limited vehicle movements and minimal disturbance to neighbouring properties.
Mr Conway claimed that the development provides a valuable commercial service within the locality and supports local enterprise by 'offering secure storage accommodation'. He added that storage facilities do not require a town centre location and are more appropriately located where there is convenient access to the strategic road network
“The existing development represents an appropriate and sustainable form of commercial development in this rural location. It provides an important storage and distribution service to local businesses, reduces unnecessary commercial traffic through Claremorris town centre, benefits from good access to the N60 and N17, and has operated without significant adverse impact.
“The proposed retention of the existing commercial storage buildings is consistent with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area. It is also worth noting that there is a considerable amount of employment created as a result of this development, both directly and indirectly, and as a result permission for retention is respectfully requested,” he stated in his report.
Local Independent councillor Richard Finn also made a submission where he pointed out that the company is a family owned business and the development is located on their own family land. He added that there are no objections to the application as it is not negatively affecting anyone.
“It is very evident that there is a huge economic benefit to the local area and the town of Claremorris as a result of this development. The business is a proven model and is not affecting anyone. This is evident as there are no objections to the development due to economic and convenience benefits to people seeking storage,” Cllr Finn said in his submission adding that Mayo County Council 'has its own local depot on the same road'.
Mayo County Council stated that granting retention for the development would be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area and would be contrary to the objectives and policies as set out in the County Development Plan 2022- 2028.