A CONTROVERSIAL plan to site two shipping containers near the under-construction community centre in Penparcau has been given the go-ahead.

But strict conditions have been placed upon the applicant, Penparcau Community Forum, which has been given permission for an initial three-year period and will be required to ensure the containers are green in colour and that fencing surrounding them are lined with trees.

The plans were voted through by a majority of two to one at last week’s planning committee meeting, but councillors said they were fully aware of concerns raised at the site inspection meeting last month.

Among the concerns raised by objectors were that the containers would attract antisocial behaviour and take up dwindling green land, and that they were unattractive and would reduce the value of nearby properties.

However, Forum representatives said they needed the containers to store grounds maintenance equipment, including a ride-on lawn mower, since they took over responsibility for the park from the county council.

There was disagreement in the chamber over whether to impose a time limit on the application.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

See this week’s south editions for the full story, in shops and online tomorrow