Plans to use shipping containers as storage units on a site at in a Cornish town have been approved by Cornwall Council.

Neil Penny-Harding had applied for permission to change the use of a paddock in Station Road, St Columb Major, into a container storage facility.

Under the proposals there would be 87 containers which would be rented out to people looking to store their belongings.

As well as the containers there would also be a small office unit which would be used by one full-time member of staff who will manage the site on a day-to-day basis.

Planning agent Dan Mitchell, speaking on behalf of the applicant, told the council’s central sub-area planning committee that the containers would not be stacked to ensure that there was no view of them from the surrounding area.

He said that the planned use could lead to further investment and economic benefits for St Columb.

Committee member Joanna Kenny asked Mr Mitchell if there were any plans to use the shipping containers for anything other than storage, in particular whether there were plans to convert them for offices or accommodation. Mr Mitchell indicated that they were only intended for storage.

St Columb Town Council had strongly objected to the plans as the site is at the entrance to the town and is a greenfield site.

Local councillor Paul Wills agreed and also said that it would be an eyesore and would bring extra traffic to the area.

However the site is across the road from St Columb Major Business Park and there had been no objection from highways officers.

Planning officers had recommended that the plans be approved with conditions including a planting scheme to screen the area from view. Further conditions include that the containers be painted green and are not stacked on top of each other.

Committee vice chairman Fred Greenslade proposed that the plans be approved with conditions, which was supported nine votes to five.