Self-storage plan approved for fire-hit site

The former printworks in Crewe was demolished shortly after the fire

Plans to create a self-storage business on the site of a former printworks destroyed by a fire have been given the green light.

The disused factory on the corner of Catherine Street and Francis Street in Crewe, Cheshire, was knocked down after a blaze tore through the site on 9 August 2024.

The fire was declared a major incident, with hundreds of people forced to evacuate their homes. Two men have since been jailed for arson.

Lock Stock Self Storage Ltd's application to breathe new life into the site was approved by Cheshire East Council.

While the firm wanted permission to operate the facility 24/7, members of the authority's Southern Planning Committee voted to restrict opening hours to 06:00 to 23:00.

Rhian Powell, representing the applicant, said the company operated from 30 sites, some in residential areas, and made every effort to be a good neighbour.

She said customers liked the idea they had access to the storage facility around the clock, but in reality it wasn't used much late at night.

Councillor Dawn Clark said residents had raised concerns about the plans

Councillor Dawn Clark, who represents Crewe South, said neighbours feared there would be an impact from the motion lighting and noise of storage containers being opened and closed late at night.

She said the printworks had not been noisy, according to people who had "lived in that area for decades".

"Do they actually need 24/7 access to this type of facility? Legitimately, I don't think anybody needs to go into a container at 03:00 in the morning," she told Wednesday's meeting.

Seven committee members voted to approve the planning application, with the restricted opening hours, while one voted against and one abstained.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which covers councils and other public service organisations.