Firm told to get rid of shipping containers
Planners decide rusty structures are spoiling the landscape
Two rusty shipping containers look set to be removed from a site in Carron Valley.
Thomas Feeney submitted a retrospective application to Stirling Council planners seeking permission for the containers at Carron Valley Fisheries, Carronbridge, but it has been refused.
Previous consent on the site had allowed a residential caravan and four shipping containers.
However, the planners say that, following discussion with the agent, this was reduced to two and the other two containers were subject of the new application.
The application site is land at Carron Valley Fisheries, just north of the B818 and the Carron Valley Reservoir.
In their decision, the planners said: “The proposal is for two shipping containers that are used for additional storage on site. This is in addition to the two previously consented storage containers, making it four in total.
“The site lies within the Local Landscape Area of the Southern Hills. Development in this area will only be supported where it does not adversely affect the landscape character, scenic qualities or interest. Policy also specifies that in all cases the siting and design of development within designated landscapes should be of very high quality and respect the special nature of the area.
“The area is characterised by the eastern green hills, topped by a long ridge and the gentle roll of land around Craigengelt. The hill land then rolls down into transitional farmed and wooded slopes. This skyline and landscape is important in views from Stirling.
“The containers are sited to the east of the site adjacent to residential properties and are visually in a poor condition with lots of rusting. Taking into consideration the existing developments within the site, the cumulative impact of a further two containers on the site would be considered detrimental the character of the area and its scenic qualities and interest.
“The landscape was considered to be able to absorb the previous two containers with minimal impact, however four containers is excessive and intrusive. This is exacerbated by the poor condition and design quality of the containers, leading to the erosion of the visual amenity of the site.
“The site already has permission for two containers and with appropriate painting these were considered acceptable as they are tucked away in the north west corner of the site and screened by the existing lodge and caravan. It was considered that the site had the capacity to host such a development, however the addition of a further two would be excessive in the site context and wider landscape. Also, they are not well located within the site and contribute to a somewhat incoherent layout.”
The landscape was considered to be able to absorb the previous two containers with minimal impact, however four containers is excessive and intrusive
Planning decision paper