Clifton Without, England, Self-Storage Proposal to Move Forward Despite Resident Opposition

Update 3/29/19 – The development of McCarthy’s Storage World in Clifton Without, England, will move forward after a planning inspector approved the project despite opposition. Developer MJ McCarthy Holdings filed an appeal, which the inspector upheld, following unanimous rejection last year from the York City Council’s planning sub-committee.

A chief complaint from residents—that the building’s height and scale would overshadow their windows—was deemed unlikely by the inspector. While the facility would be closer to the homes than other commercial buildings in the area, it would be at least 10 meters from rear boundary fences. In addition, a green wall of plants and other landscaping would screen the property.

Resident Catherine Allen said she was “shocked” by the decision, which she believed undermined the council’s stance on the project. “It’s obscene. We are all absolutely disgusted,” she said, adding that the decision violates planning laws and residents are now considering legal action to block the project.

“I’m shocked that the unanimous council decision could be overturned when [supposedly] judged on the same merits. Hopefully, the decision will be appealed via the High Court,” added community member Andrew Stanley.

8/14/18 – Plans to build a new McCarthy’s Storage World in Clifton Without, England, were expected to move forward this week despite opposition from dozens of residents and some city council members. The York City Council’s area-planning subcommittee discussed the self-storage project at its Aug. 9 meeting, according to the source.

Developer MJ McCarthy Holdings Ltd. presented its plan for the property on Water Lane, next to an Aldi grocery store. Several opponents also spoke. The city has received 66 letters from residents expressing concerns about an increase in traffic and noise, inappropriate land use in the predominantly residential area, and the height and scale of the building.

One community member wrote that the facility would be a “monstrosity,” while another stated the “proposed monolithic building is too high and out of character with regards to the neighboring area.” The same missive also stated the project wouldn’t contribute anything to the area and would rob it of the “sky views and light.” Another resident pointed out there’s a commercial site in the nearby Clifton Moor neighborhood that would be better suited for a storage property.

The Clifton Parish Council objected to the original proposal, as did the developers of a new care home being built northwest of the site. According to city documents, the plan has been recently updated to address everyone’s concerns.

“The proposal was amended subsequent to submission in terms of its design, location and parking, and turning arrangements to address concerns in respect of the impact upon the residential amenity of neighboring properties; and to take account of the siting of a recently approved care home to the northwest of the site. It is considered, on balance, that the scheme has been amended sufficiently to address the concerns in respect of the residential amenity of neighboring properties,” the documents stated.

Founded more than 50 years ago, MJ McCarthy operates three self-storage facilities in Harrogate, Leeds and Wakefield, England. In addition to self-storage, the company provides removals services, records storage, shredding and other business services.

Source:
The Press, Storage Warehouse Branded a 'Monstrosity' Is Set to Go-Ahead
York Press, Anger as Warehouse Near Aldi in York Gets Planning Inspector Go-Ahead