Portland Storage Firm Forced to Close After Planning Refusal Upheld
A Portland-based storage company has announced it will be permanently closing its Hamm Beach Road site after Dorset Council refused a change of use planning application and that decision was later upheld on appeal.
BoxSafe Storage, which operates from 3 Hamm Beach Road, informed customers this week that it has been left with no option but to cease trading from the Portland location after exhausting all available planning routes. The site currently provides container storage and vehicle parking facilities for residents and businesses across Portland, Weymouth and the surrounding area.
In a letter sent to customers, the company said it had made every effort to remain at the site, including agreeing to a number of conditions requested during the planning process.
The email stated:
“Despite our best efforts, Dorset Council has rejected our planning application and, following an appeal, that decision has unfortunately been upheld.”
The company added that it had explored “every possible avenue” to remain at the location but Dorset Council would not permit the business to continue operating from the site.
As a result, customers have been given one month’s notice to remove their belongings and vehicles. According to the notice, all containers and vehicles must be removed by Wednesday 23 July 2026, when storage and parking subscriptions will also come to an end.
The closure will come as a significant blow to many local residents and businesses who have relied on the facility for secure storage. The Portland site has been marketed as offering container storage, vehicle storage and 24-hour access for customers across the area.
The planning application related to the continued use of the Hamm Beach Road site as a storage facility. Following Dorset Council’s refusal and the subsequent unsuccessful appeal, the business says it can no longer legally operate from the location. Dorset Council’s planning process allows applicants to appeal decisions where planning permission is refused.
In its message to customers, BoxSafe Storage thanked those who had supported the business during its time on Portland and outlined arrangements for refunds where customers have already paid beyond the final closure date.
The company has not yet announced whether alternative storage arrangements will be offered locally for affected customers.
