In the quiet village of Pilning, South Gloucestershire, a towering 500,000 square foot warehouse—dubbed the “mega shed” by locals—has stirred uproar among residents who say they were sidelined in the development process due to a decades-old planning rule.
Standing 20 meters (65 feet) high and floodlit throughout the night, the imposing “stadium-sized” industrial facility has been likened to a “large prison” and even compared to structures from the sci-fi film “War of the Worlds.” Villagers claim the building obstructs scenic views, blocks natural light, and drastically alters the landscape they’ve cherished for years.
The construction of this massive warehouse proceeded under a historic planning consent from 1957, part of post-war efforts to boost industrial growth in chemical, storage, and distribution sectors within the Severnside area. This consent allows developments to advance without the usual consultations, limiting local councils' ability to address residents' concerns.
READ MORE: Another Shop Closes in Cheltenham as Fired Earth Shuts All UK Outlets
Simone and Ricky Harrison have lived adjacent to nature for 13 years, enjoying woodland glimpses and wildlife like deer and rabbits. The sudden appearance of the warehouse outside their window has left them feeling invaded and powerless. Simone expressed her dismay: “It is an effing monstrosity. Now I feel like I have no privacy, and with the anticipated constant lorry traffic, my quality of life is threatened.”
Other villagers echoed similar frustrations. Sue Jones, a retired army veteran, lamented the lack of communication from developers and fears about flooding and ongoing noise pollution. Collin and Marilyn Cheetham, who can see the warehouse from their upstairs window, were overwhelmed by how quickly the structure materialized, describing it as an unavoidable fact they must live with.
Local estate agents have also reported that property values in the vicinity have dropped significantly—by as much as ten percent—due to the warehouse’s presence. Residents argue the promised economic benefits, including jobs, may be overstated, highlighting that many warehouse roles are low-wage and increasingly automated.
South Gloucestershire Council has acknowledged its limited authority to intervene, citing the enduring 1957/58 Severnside Consent which grants extensive development rights across a large swath of industrial land. The council explained that this permission predates their establishment and restricts their ability to enforce modern planning considerations such as flood risk and environmental impact.
Claire Young MP for Pilning and Yate has raised these concerns in Parliament, urging a legislative review of historic consents to ensure contemporary issues are accounted for, and residents' voices are heard. She emphasized the need for updated regulations that balance progress with community well-being.
The controversy highlights a clash between historic planning frameworks designed for past industrial expansion and current community expectations for sustainable and considerate development. As construction nears completion, Pilning’s residents face an uncertain future alongside the imposing “mega shed” that has transformed their village landscape forever.