PLANS to build a 24-hour storage facility in a residential cul-de-sac have been unanimously rejected by councillors, who quoted the likes of Victor Meldrew and John McEnroe to express their disbelief at the proposal.

An application by Williams Tarr would have seen a change of use of land at Bridge Road, Woolston to storage container rental facilities which could be used at any time, and development control committee members had been advised to approve the plans.

But planning chiefs were stunned that the proposals for 56 storage containers had been considered in a cul-de-sac with 14 dwellings.

Cllr Sheila Woodyatt said: “At the risk of sounding like Victor Meldrew, I don’t believe it.

“Never ever in my life have I seen anything as appalling as this proposal in a residential area.

“I can’t believe that anybody in their right mind could even contemplate recommending approval for something that is going to be so detrimental to the lives of these people.”

Cllr Brian Axcell added: “Victor Meldrew has been quoted – can I add Jon McEnroe?

“You cannot be serious.”

The chair of the development control committee Cllr Tony McCarthy felt moved to stand down from his position for only the second time in order to speak against the plans – which he said ‘beggared belief’ – and Cllr David Keane did not accept the estimates of their being 23 trips to the storage unit per day.

Bridge Road resident Eleanor Thomas also spoke against the proposal.

She said: “Bridge Road is a small road – all traffic in and out of the unit has to pass through the road.

“We are passionate about our road and have had to endure the stress of several application over the years.

“Prior to this they submitted plans for housing which was not approved – if the land is not suitable for residential use how can a storage unit be suitable?

“This would be devastating to our homes, road and lives – it would be totally inappropriate.”

All eight councillors voted against the plans on the grounds of loss of residential amenities, potential noise and 24 hour usage.