A homeowner in Pontypool has erected two massive shipping containers in his front garden, sparking a planning battle after a neighbour complained. The containers, which measure 5.5 metres in height and width with a combined length of 6.25m, have been positioned together on raised timber sleepers at the far end of the garden at a property adjacent to the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.
Containers clad to reduce visual impact
The dark green containers are earmarked for domestic storage purposes, and applicant Daryl Peploe has already begun covering them with composite timber panels to lessen their visual prominence before applying for planning permission. The containers sit alongside the neighbouring property's driveway and outbuilding, with plans to install roller shutter doors that will face towards Mr Peploe's residence on Wern Road in Sebastopol, Pontypool.
An objection was lodged expressing concerns about the height of the containers and their visual appearance. The complainant called the containers "overpowering and visible from the front door" of the adjoining property.
Council heritage officer raises no opposition
Torfaen council's heritage officer Ross Cannon said that, subject to a condition ensuring the containers are clad as outlined in the application, there would be no opposition, believing they would deliver a "neutral impact on the character and appearance" of the canal conservation area.
The council's planning department has decided the containers can remain, in accordance with the submitted plans, with planning officer Caroline Pulley noting that while the property isn't listed, it falls within the canal conservation area, where council guidance stipulates that outbuildings should not ordinarily be positioned in front of a building.
Containers deemed acceptable in street scene
However, she noted that although the containers are situated in the front garden and are "highly visible" from Wern Road, the area "functions as the principal garden space" given that one side of the house, set back 35 metres from Wern Road, faces the canal tow path.
Ms Pulley said in her report: "It is also recognised that the containers occupy a prominent position adjacent to the highway. Nevertheless, they are viewed within the context of a varied street scene characterised by a mix of building styles, outbuildings, garages and ancillary structures."
"Subject to the containers being fully clad in composite timber-effect panelling, the development is not considered to result in an unacceptable impact on the character or appearance of the host property, the wider street scene, or the setting of the conservation area."
She added that the containers had been positioned away from the boundary and set back from the road, minimising any overshadowing or overbearing effect. Given their location to the north of the neighbouring property, any overshadowing would occur over the applicant's own land, she said.
The proposal includes strengthening an established native hedgerow, while additional planting was also put forward in the plans, which constitute part of the approval conditions.
