Reader on aesthetics of self storage units in Kidderminster

Otherwise how could two of these storage monstrosities have been allowed to be built in prominent positions in the town?

On Silverwoods Way a unit has inconsiderately been built just 50 metres, the length of your average garden, to the rear of Foley Grange Care Home.

Looming high over the building, it removes any possible view for its residents or staff other than the bright, bold colours of blue, yellow and white.

There’s no respite from this view even at night as the unit is brightly illuminated on all sides, a beacon to be seen from a long distance.

The other is recently constructed next to Wyre Forest District Council’s offices at Wyre Forest House off Minster Road.

This public building, given a prominent corner position due to its status and designed with vertical wood fascia and stylised roof to represent the Wyre Forest, is now overshadowed and diminished by a storage unit built far too close.

There was a time when oversized buildings would have their impact on the environment lessened by tree planting or being painted to blend. But not these massive buildings.

They are their own advertisement, emblazoned with bold brash colours, logos and branding even illuminated at night.

Planning restrictions may be being removed but this shouldn’t mean we build whatever anywhere.

The larger issue here is that industrial, municipal and residential buildings are being built close together which is impacting our lives.

This needs to be addressed.

The Pride in Place Plans programme for this area of the town can’t come fast enough.

Perhaps further planning applications for this area could be halted for the time being until the Wyre Forest Neighbourhood Board is working?

Rene Taylor

Kidderminster