FRESH plans seeking to retain shipping containers on the site of a garden centre have been thrown out.

Proposals for White Moss Nursery and Garden Centre on South Lane in Cuerdley have been rejected by planning chiefs at Warrington Borough Council.

Plans sought permission for the retention of existing containers and a change of use from land associated with the garden centre to self-storage facilities.

Documents submitted as part of the application stated that circumstances relating to the use of the storage units has ‘significantly changed’.

The applicant said: “The owners of the site have been approached by residents as to the availability of the units for self-storage.

“Such is the demand for this new use and the fact that all vehicles are being removed constitutes a new use for the site.

“Consequently, please find attached the formal planning application for this new use.”

Another document adds: “It is considered that the proposal has considerable merit in that it will satisfy local needs and will be welcomed by the community.

“It will result in a much-improved use of the site than the previous shipping containers and the derelict wasteland that has been illustrated in this submission.

“It is important to recognise that the use of the community facility by residents will create less traffic movements, with much lighter emissions than either the commercial storage facility or the garden centre materials storage and handling.

“In view of the considerable benefits to the community, this application is worthy of support by the members of the planning committee.”

A letter of objection was submitted by Cllr Andy Heaver who said: “A decision has already been made at both application and appeal against using this green belt site for self-storage units.

“Changing the title to community units changes nothing, it is still self-storage. This is green belt and the usage is inappropriate.”

The application was rejected by planners who said that the development does not meet any of the exceptions of planning policy.

They also commented that it was therefore ‘inappropriate’ development on green belt, which can only be granted in ‘very special circumstances’.

A decision notice adds: “The proposed use of the land for container storage is considered to be harmful to the visual amenity of the locality and the rural character of the area, by virtue of the harsh and industrial character of this use within a rural and verdant area.”

Another rejection reason states: “Insufficient information has been submitted to overcome concerns including how the facility would operate, increased traffic, lack of parking provision, constrained manoeuvring space and the poor level of visibility caused by the wall to the front of the site.”