Megashed Invasion: homeowners alarmed by towering distribution centers

• Are you residing close to a megashed? Email katherine.lawton@mailonline.co.uk

These structures are seen as massive eyesores and can completely obliterate the vistas and property values of neighboring houses.

However, the emergence of these 'megasheds' does not seem to be slowing down — as huge constructions continue to spring up nationwide, greatly distressing concerned residents.

For instance, Corby in Northamptonshire houses numerous large storage facilities, such as Europa’s worldwide headquarters and Nike’s upcoming logistics center.

Elsewhere, in Suffolk, a A 1.17 million square foot warehouse utilized by The Range has emerged next to a line of rural homes. while an even larger "megashed" adjacent to it has just received approval from the council.

According to real estate experts, this trend is only the start – as the UK will likely need an additional warehouse area larger than 2,000 football fields to meet housing development goals and address the rapid growth of the fast-fashion industry.

Furthermore, according to real estate professionals, homeowners have minimal options to prevent a 'megashed' from being constructed near their properties, as the final say rests with the local council.

Julie Ford, a real estate professional at Gothard Rowe Property Services , informed MailOnline: "Unfortunately, there aren't many options available for them. Ultimately, it depends on the local councils."

Unless it would directly impact someone — like their well-being or such.

Ms. Ford commented, "People should definitely visit the council. There would need to be sufficient individuals...to essentially take matters into their own hands beyond involving the council."

The UK architect Danny Campbell stated that homeowners should protest via their local council's planning portal; however, he acknowledged that their likelihood of achieving success remains rather slim.

He stated to MailOnline: "Typically, residents receive notifications during the planning stage and have the opportunity to raise objections. Occasionally, there is also a community consultation."

If the area is designated for commercial or industrial purposes, the local government might face pressure to approve developments due to economic factors. This situation often doesn’t provide an equal opportunity for all involved.

He stated: "To learn about the designation of nearby land, check your council’s local development plan."

Mr. Campbell motivated the inhabitants to voice their objections, pushing them to focus on aspects like 'traffic, noise, visual effect, or ecological worries.'

'Powerful objections often revolve around practical planning issues,' he stated.

'It's not only 'I don't like it.' You have the option to influence your Member of Parliament as well.'

'Transport noise, excessive lighting, heavy goods vehicle traffic, and unsightly views may decrease appeal. Additionally, the reduction of green buffer areas impacts well-being and overall charm.'

This week, Grandfather Ken Lungley from Suffolk stated that £600,000 has been deducted from the total value of his home and rental properties following an evaluation. A huge storage facility utilized by The Range quickly emerged next to his property. .

Mr. Lungley had relished the breathtaking vistas of the countryside until construction started on the 1.17 million square foot 'giant shed.'

Currently, the extensive structure utilized by the variety store and garden center business negatively impacts the neighborhood and has led to a significant decrease in the value of his retirement investment, which has fallen from £1.5 million down to £900,000.

As another setback, the local council has greenlit an even larger warehouse next to the business area, a development that Mr. Lungley, aged 79, worries will significantly decrease the value of his savings.

He feels helpless to take action and told the Mail, "You cannot obstruct progress, but not at the expense of my own backyard."

In April, the residents living next door to each other 'warehouse capital of Britain' Northamptonshire spoke about the terrifying experience of having to reside near enormous structures, which they compared to living beside the 'Berlin Wall.'

Northamptonshire boasts more warehouses and distribution centers than any other location in the nation, seeing frequent large-scale developments springing up.

'Owing to the continuing discussions regarding expenses from a legal perspective, we cannot provide additional comments at this point.'

Still not convinced things could be more challenging? A property specialist cautioned that the UK needs approximately 2,000 football fields’ worth of additional warehousing space to achieve housing goals and accommodate the rise of e-commerce, according to the BBC.

Will Laing, a research analyst at Newmark Group, stated: "Considering the administration's objective to construct 1.5 million residences within the coming half-decade along with the ongoing transition towards e-commerce, our projection indicates an additional 150,000,000 square feet (approximately 13,935,456 square meters) of warehouse space will be required over the subsequent decade."

However, residents of Corby claim that their lives have been devastated by the massive warehouses overshadowing their properties.

They likened it to residing beside the 'Berlin Wall' or within a 'prison camp'.

A massive 60-foot-tall "monster" warehouse named Rockingham 161 was constructed without the local community’s awareness because of an error made by the council.

A year has passed since the construction of the former Weetabix factory, yet it remains unoccupied, overshadowing neighboring houses in Hooke Close.

A representative from North Northamptonshire Council stated back then: "After the court rejected the claimant's request for a judicial review in this matter, the claimant chose to appeal that ruling. However, their appeal was subsequently dismissed by the court in late March 2024."

In March, angry residents in Nacton found themselves outraged when a massive 21-meter-high warehouse extending over 1,000 feet in length was constructed at the edge of their properties.

The residents referred to the structure as a 'huge mega-storage facility' and a 'blight,' casting a looming presence above their residences.

Previously, they had a clear vista across an open field until the enormous building went up last autumn, transforming their picturesque outlook into what they described as "a giant metallic barrier."

Some people compared the structure, spanning an area equivalent to six football fields, to a prison, claiming it obstructs sunlight and gives them the sensation of being incarcerated.

It was communicated to the local residents that the structure would serve as a freight forwarding hub once built, coinciding with the development of the new Sizewell C nuclear power plant along the Suffolk coastline.

They were upset that planning permission for it was approved by East Suffolk Council, even though many locals strongly opposed it.

The warehouse, extending 147 meters in depth, was constructed behind the houses in Nacton, situated on the opposite side of a railway track.

An East Suffolk Council representative stated back then: "The members of the planning committee, most of whom possess extensive local insight, inspected the location and nearby houses on two separate visits."

They examined the submissions they got and listened to firsthand accounts from neighbors during the planning committee sessions.

The planning decision was taken in line with the development plan and relevant planning laws.

The effect of any development on the value of private properties is not considered a significant factor in the planning process that influences decisions.

In case anyone believed that there were procedural mistakes in this planning choice, they could have asked for a judicial review within six weeks from the date of the decision. However, such a review was not requested.

This application underwent a comprehensive and correct evaluation regarding its effect on neighbors, and we do not think there were any errors in the decision-making process.

'Every complainer has received details outlining the decision-making procedure and the factors taken into account.'

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