South Shropshire garage to be knocked down to make way for houses
A family-owned garage and 4x4 dealership in south Shropshire has reached the end of the road as its owners have revealed plans to knock it down to make way for housing.
An application has been submitted to Shropshire Council for nine homes to be built on the site of Clun Garage, in the town's High Street.
If approved, the proposals would see six three-bed semi-detached houses built alongside a terrace of three two-bed homes.
Berry's, agent for the applicant, said a supporting statement submitted alongside the planning application: "The proposed development site is currently used as a garage and petrol filling station.
"However, Clun Garage along with many other rural garages and petrol filling stations across the UK is experiencing significant economic viability issues.
"The owners of Clun Garage are therefore seeking viable alternative uses for the site."
Shame
Its current owners, Grant and John Edwards, took over the business from their father Harry, who started working there as an apprentice in 1930 before buying it in 1945 upon returning from the Second World War.
One resident of the town has objected to the application, saying it would be a shame for the garage business to be lost.
They said: "The loss of a business and the related employment and training opportunities it brings would weaken the community.
"It is a pity that the garage has not been offered for sale or community buyout before residential build was considered.
"Even live/work units to complement the thriving and nearby industrial estate would be preferable if the garage really is economically unviable.
"If we continue to sacrifice businesses and the job opportunities they bring in order to build homes that can only be bought by the wealthy retired, Clun will lose its school and families and turn into even more of a retirement village."
