Highland application lodged for major new storage container site in Alness to meet expected demand from Inverness and Cromarty Green Freeport
A major new storage container business could open its doors in Easter Ross under plans submitted to Highland Council.
Pat Munro (Alness) Ltd is seeking to set up the storage container site on vacant land within the new Easter Ross Business Park and sits immediately next to Averon House - which is home to the applicant’s headquarters.
If approved the site, which is currently arable land but is earmarked for Plot 18 of the business park, will house up to 205 self-storage containers for use by businesses and individuals. Documents lodged alongside the application say the installation of that total will likely be carried out in phases according to demand.
In a supporting statement included in the application, Pat Munro’s agents Cameron Planning said the addition of this new self-storage facility is needed to meet demand, with other local options already at or near capacity, and increased need for storage likely to be required in future as a result of the Inverness and Cromarty Freeport.
They said: “There is considered to be a shortage of suitable storage space within the local area and the use of one of the plots within the approved business park at Alness is ideally located to support the newly established Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport1 which includes the nearby Port of Cromarty Firth, Port of Nigg (Global Energy Group), Port of Inverness, Highland Deephaven and Port of Ardesier (Haventus).”
They continued: “The proposed development will provide controlled and managed storage containers for use by businesses and individuals operating throughout the area. The provision locally, within Alness, will negate the requirement to travel further afield for storage facilities and will allow business to serve the wider local economy, not least the new green freeport.
”The objective of the business is to provide secure and safe storage facilities to the general public and businesses for either short- or long-term rental to suit the customer requirements. The container yard will be developed in phases, to meet market demands. The applicants are aware that both commercial and residential customer storage is at a premium.
The site will be accessed from Dail Nan Rocas road and Averon House.
The documents added that Pat Munro are “considering” using green coloured containers to “ensure that they better blend into the local environment”, and that existing tree screens from Averon House and Dail Nan Rocas will mean there will be “minimal” need for landscaping works.
Existing vegetation will also help to screen it from Teaninich Avenue.
Two metre high “green powder coated palisade style” security fencing would surround the compound, and there would also be security lighting, although this would be “orientated to avoid excessive light spill”.
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