A farm in Cornwall hopes to diversify in order to become a hub for self-storage containers.

George Richards Farms have applied to site 18 containers, with the continued use of two more, on land at Higher Trefullock Farm, Summercourt, in order to diversify into a self-storage business.

The application states that the “progressive family business includes well-established traditional cattle, sheep and arable enterprises. For reasons of continued viability and succession planning, the family are now looking to further diversify the holding”.

Each existing container, and each proposed container, will be 20ft long x 8ft wide x 8.6ft high with a dark green finish. The containers at the site will solely be for self-storage purposes. The site will be commercially operated, with containers rented out to customers on a rolling month-to-month basis.

The Richards family will manage the enterprise themselves and will be responsible for collecting monthly rents, promoting and maintaining the site.

The application adds: “The self-storage container site at this accessible location is anticipated to appeal to a wide range of people.

"Fundamentally, the site will appeal to those who lack sufficient storage at home or those who lack sufficient storage space for their business related items. For example, the site will appeal to those who may live in rented accommodation that also require private storage space for larger items such as bikes, kayaks, surfboards, etc.

“The site will also appeal to those who are in the process of moving house and require temporary storage space for furniture. The site will also appeal to business owners who require additional storage space for tools and equipment. For example, a carpenter may require dry storage space for sawn timber.”

The recently established self-storage container site at Trenithon Farm, Summercourt is cited as showing clear demand for such a facility in the area.

For more information see planning application PA24/04609 on Cornwall Council's website planning portal.