'Detrimental': Preston social club's plans to put 32 storage containers on car park near houses

Preston City Council planning officers concluded that the units would have a “significant detrimental impact” on residents living close to the Frenchwood Social Club, off Southern Parade.

Thirty-two self-storage containers had been proposed for the perimeter of the site. Each of the facilities was to have been 2.5 metres tall, with an area of more than 12 square metres.

However, town hall planners rejected the scheme, which they said amounted to the creation of “a commercial/industrial operation” that would “be at odds with the prevailing residential character of the surrounding area”. Housing borders three of the venue’s four boundaries.

Five objections were lodged to the proposal, with concerns raised about noise and the impact on parking – as well as claims that the venture was “not suitable” for the location. But one letter in support of the plans suggested they would support the viability of the club itself.

A report outlining the reasons for city council’s refusal of permission for the change stated that while the car park was “set back” from public view, the planned development would nevertheless be visible from private properties in the vicinity – and would be “a visually dominant feature”.

The document added: “It is considered that the increase in vehicular movements to and from the storage units would result in neighbours being exposed to significant noise and disturbance from the engine noise and slamming of car doors associated with the parking and manoeuvring of…vehicles visiting the [site]. These vehicles are also likely to include large vans and waggons.”

Meanwhile, highways officials at Lancashire County Council objected to the blueprint on the basis that the access to the car park is currently not wide enough to accommodate two-way traffic.