A bid to convert a block of eight garages and build two more new storage units in a council-owned retirement complex in Stroud has been backed by planners – who say there is a "recognised need" to boost capacity in the Cotswolds in reflection of the changing way we use the traditional domestic garage.

Given research to show that cars no longer overnight in garages, according to the storage industry's trade body, the self-storage sector is looking to surpass a £1bn turnover this year.

By 2025, the latest Self Storage Association (SSA) UK Annual Industry Report forecasts that approximately 6,000 new storage units will be installed across the UK.

And while an the amount of available UK self-storage space in the last year is identified as showing an 8.1% rise, planners look set to see an surge in bids for new storage business.

In a report to SDC, officer Nick Gardiner said that the Archway Gardens retirement development in Paganhill was "strategically located to serve both the residential and commercial sectors of Stroud".

He said: "The site currently consists of a series of domestic garages that provide basic storage. In response to local demand for more versatile storage solutions, this proposal seeks to expand the facility's capabilities and shift its use towards more flexible general storage.

"The rationale for this development is driven by a recognised need for additional and more diverse storage options in the area, reflecting changes in how local residents and businesses use storage space.

"Increasingly, storage needs are extending beyond mere vehicle storage to include a variety of domestic and commercial items, necessitating a shift in the facility's function and capacity."

Demolishing an existing redundant structure and adding two new garages, as requested by Churchdown-based LRS Planning and Development, would provide much-needed space, he said, while a change in use to B8 (for commercial storage and distribution) would allow for a broader range of storage types, increasing the site's utility and accessibility.

Mr Gardiner added that the eight garages, in two blocks, were accessed from Archway Gardens, and surrounded by residential development in a mix of bungalows, two-storey houses and apartment blocks.

The site notably sits next door to the landmark "doughnut" former Wyatt care home which faces potential demolition if planners agree to a replacement facility.

Recent research published by the RAC suggested that more than half (5.7m) of the UK's estimated 11m garages were no longer used as a place to house cars "mostly because they're too full of household junk". Of those who said they parked in their driveway or elsewhere, 39% said the chief reason was that their cars were too big to fit the standard garage size.

The survey carried out at the tail of the Pandemic said: "Looking at what garages are used for, more than eight in 10 drivers (83%) said it is additional storage. Nearly half (47%) use it as a workshop or DIY space, 9% as a home gym or exercise space, while one in 10 (8%) say they had converted theirs into another room."

The SSA's research identified key trends arising in 2024 as:

● The housing crisis: "With the prices of housing sky-rocketing over the last few year self-storage has provided a more cost-effective way of securely storing household items without having to rent or buy a bigger property. This has seen a massive influx of self store companies setting up shop next to housing developments across the UK."

● Reduction of home storage: "New build houses are known for having smaller storage areas and less space to 'hide the junk'. This has seen and increase in demand for self storage units for those looking to downsize but not willing to throw away their livelihood."

● Rise in e-commerce: "Since the pandemic in 2020 there has been an even bigger rise in e-commerce transforming real estate requirements to hold goods. There is no longer need for permanent sites meaning the companies can store products in closer proximity to customers to cater to next day deliveries and on demand shopping."