A self-storage company which has depots across the East Midlands has won council backing for a move to Grantham.

Loc-Box Self Storage of Northampton has gained planning approval from South Kesteven District Council to create storage facilities on a vacant 0.5ha site off Venture Way, Grantham.

The company currently has existing self-storage sites in Newark, Northampton, Corby, Daventry, Kettering and Market Harborough.

The application said: "They are seeking to expand their business to Grantham. The application site is currently vacant and lies within an existing commercial area and is, therefore, an ideal location for the proposed use."

The site, between the A1 and Trent Road, near Grantham Football Club, would be filled with shipping containers, though only to single storey level, with no intention to stack them.

The application continued: "The majority of Loc-Box customers are individuals moving house or needing additional storage space. The remaining customers are small local businesses that require storage space for surplus stock or document archiving."

Customers would use key fobs to gain entry 24/7 and security would be further enhanced by CCTV. The containers would be laid out so they could outside their storage boxes. Based on other sites for or fewer vehicle movements a day would be expected.

The application concluded: "Overall, the development is considered to be an appropriate use of the land, which is compatible with previous uses, as well as existing surrounding uses. The site offers no site specific issues that would prevent the granting of planning permission."

A report by council planning staff noted no letters of representation following SKDC consultation.

It said the visual impact of the venture would be minimal, it was appropriate for the character of the area and Lincolnshire Highways had no objection.

Even though only one job would be created, it would bring a new business to the area and would benefit the local economy.

Noise levels would be acceptable and the nearest homes 40m away are separated by a large grass bund and open space.

Recommending approval, the planning staff concluded: "To summarise, the principle of development is considered acceptable, and it is not considered that the change of use would result in any unacceptable impacts.

"For the avoidance of doubt, it is not considered that the proposal would harm the setting of any heritage assets."