'I've lost thousands after Brexit and Covid' says owner of storage yard built without permission near Wolverhampton

In August last year Clive Millington applied for retrospective consent to retain 28 storage containers at Pennwood Farm in Pennwood Lane, Penn Common green belt farmland, but the plan was rejected by South Staffordshire Council.

The scheme was for the temporary siting for five years period in the farmyard for use as part of its rental to businesses operation.

Now planning agent DJM Consulting, acting on the farm's behalf, has lodged an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate in a bid to overturn the council's decision made in October. Planners threw out the application on grounds including that the metal units would change the character of the site and that the location was unsuitable. 

The appeal report stated:  "The farm has lost £24,000 per year in direct payments including Basic Payment Scheme payments following Brexit and the introduction of the Agriculture Act 2020. The storage enterprise generates approximately £20,000 profit per year, providing a vital alternative income stream that stabilises farm finances. 

"This is a low-risk, low-cost venture that provides consistent revenue, supporting the long-term sustainability of the farm business. The income from the storage containers is essential for covering running costs and outgoings, such as bank borrowings. 

"There is a local need and community demand in this particular location. The 28 storage units are used by local small businesses and tradespeople and are consistently at full capacity."

Mr Millington is appealing on grounds that the council has misapplied local and national policy relating to the proposal; it has not properly taken into account relevant material considerations; and placed too much weight on some aspects and too little weight on others such as suitability of the location. 

The report further stated: "The site is part of an active farmyard containing large agricultural buildings, equestrian facilities, and existing hardstanding with related uses. The immediate surroundings include the Barley Mow public house and Penn Golf Club, both with associated parking. The storage containers have been located back on to the Golf Club buildings.

"This mirroring of existing built form and proximity reduces the visual and spatial impact of the containers on openness. The farmyard already experiences frequent vehicle and pedestrian movement, aligning with the nature of the proposed use. The site is not undeveloped green belt or pristine countryside but is already influenced by built development. Compared to an open field, it holds lower green belt value, meaning the impact on openness is minimal and insignificant.

"If the last use of the site had not been agricultural it would be considered in planning terms as previously developed land.  South Staffordshire Council’s Local Plan Core Strategy Policy GB1 allows material changes of use where they do not significantly impact openness."

The site was previously used as part of the livery yard business based at the farm, partly for car parking by those involved with and customers of the equine activities there. However, after the coronavirus pandemic eroded the viability of the livery business Mr Millington started to rent units out to local enterprises.

Initially there were 40 containers in the yard, but this has been reduced to 28 following concerns from planning officers and residents about the scale of the operation at the farm situated at the junction of Pennwood Lane and Wakeley Hill.