A WELDING business owner has come up with a crafty idea to convert old shipping containers in his Dunragit yard into holiday pods.
Russell Henry is proposing to turn two of the disused, large metal containers into accommodation for visitors, along with decking areas.
The businessman, who runs Russell Henry Welding and Fabrication in the village between Stranraer and Glenluce, was initially refused permission by Dumfries and Galloway Council.
Planning chiefs rejected his application in August this year, insisting that converting the 2.45m high containers into holiday accommodation units would “fail to relate well, or be sympathetic to” other buildings in the area.
They also stated that this type of development “would not contribute positively to the existing built and natural environment, a sense of place or local distinctiveness.”
However, Mr Henry and his planning expert agent believe otherwise and have submitted an appeal, which will be considered by councillors at the council’s local review body meeting on November 9.
Lindsey Evans, of Evans Rural Architecture in Newton Stewart, submitted the written appeal on Mr Henry’s behalf.
She wrote: “The proposal is to convert shipping containers to form holiday accommodation within a disused area, to the rear of an existing welder’s yard.
“My client is a welder/fabricator, who runs an established business from Burnbank yard. The very nature of this work means the yard has an industrial feel, with metal being the predominant material.
“The yard currently has shipping containers located on site, which are used as storage, and historically shipping containers have always been required and present on site.
“The existing containers do not currently conflict with ‘local built forms’, which include a large brick-built workshop, and in fact they
contribute to the ‘sense of place’ referred to.
“The proposal to convert similar containers, which will involve minimal alterations, will not only complement the existing built/natural environment, but will improve the overall appearance and condition of the site.
“The conversion will also provide a sustainable solution for the re-use of redundant containers.”
She added: “It is my client’s intention to carry out the conversion of the containers himself, within the yard.
“This means the work would be carried out on site, and the completed pods would remain on site, which would keep the carbon footprint low.
“In terms of the design and materials, it is our opinion that the proposed design/layout is well thought out, and the pods are carefully positioned/orientated to prevent overlooking issues.
“The metal clad exterior is not only appropriate for the site, but in fact takes inspiration from its surroundings.
“It would be possible to use timber cladding on the exterior, however in our opinion, timber would be a less appropriate material, and wouldn’t suit the industrial nature of the site.”
