Shropshire car firm expansion back on the table
An auction company that deals in used cars has resubmitted a bid to expand after it addressed problems over parking.
Aston Barclay, which has a site at Prees, near Whitchurch, is looking to use additional parking space for auction vehicles in order to sustain the business and meet current demand.
Company bosses applied to Shropshire Council for planning permission for the scheme, but later withdrew it while they dealt with comments raised by the council’s consultants Mouchel.
The auction firm, which has now submitted a fresh planning application to the unitary authority, hopes to convert a field which is currently unused for additional vehicle parking.
Aston Barclay said it is finding it difficult to satisfy its customers’ demand. If successful, it said its continued growth would leave it in a position to offer further employment locally.
Documents submitted in support of the application state that Aston Barclay has agreed a conditional contract to buy the plot of land which is adjacent to the company’s existing boundary to its premises.
"The proposal is to convert this currently unused field from agricultural use to additional vehicle parking for auction vehicles in order to sustain the business and meet current demand," the documents state.
"As stated within the submitted business proposals Aston Barclay sells on behalf of vehicle manufacturers, leasing companies and several local dealers and sells to dealers both locally and nationally.
"Should the permission be granted, Aston Barclay will be able to continue to grow as a company and will be in a position to offer further employment to local people.
"In addition to employment, Aston Barclay put a lot of money back into the local, surrounding economies with significant spending in fuel, hotels, hospitality and catering.
"The additional area is needed to allow the site to meet current, local demand and allow the company to continue its support to local economies."
The documents add: "The proposal has been designed in such a manor to minimise its impact to the surrounding area.
"The perimeter boundary is being retained and an additional bund being landscape within this soft boundary.
"This should in turn provide screening to the car park increasing privacy as well as the security of the site."
Shropshire Council hopes to make a final decision on the scheme by September 12.
People can comment on the proposal as part of consultation into the development by visiting the council website.
