Car showroom extension at 157 Bromyard Road, Worcester

The site and surroundings

The site contains a single-storey car showroom and parking area in a mixed commercial and residential area with other car dealerships nearby.

“The site is located on the south side of Bromyard Road (A44), on the corner with Watery Lane to the east. The site contains a single storey car showroom (Listers Volkswagen) and associated external car parking area to the front, side and rear of the building. The site is located within a mixed commercial and residential area, and within a cluster of car dealerships on Bromyard Road.”

“Residential properties are located to the east of the site on Watery Lane and to the south of the site on Willis Place, whilst the Listers Audi dealership is located to the west of the site. The site is not within a conservation area and does not contain any listed buildings. The site location plan and a site visit photo are included below.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier permissions covered the showroom, signs and a temporary portable cabin between 2002 and 2013.

“Planning History 5.1 The site has been the subject of the following planning applications:”

“P02A0644 – Erection of vehicle showroom and solar shade canopy to existing building. Approved 24 December 2002. A04A0010 – Display of 1no fascia sign and 2no entrance signs. Approved 19 March 2004. A12C0030 – Proposed signs to building and site. Approved 22 October 2012. P13C0293 – Retention of portable cabin for a temporary period of 12 months. Approved 24 July 2013. 6.”

Officer report

Officers recommended approval

Officers recommended permission because the modest extension would match the existing building, have negligible parking impact and avoid unacceptable harm to neighbours.

“However, as the existing VW dealership is served by approximately 162 spaces, this modest 4% reduction in overall parking bays would have a negligible impact on the dealerships parking capacity. It is noted that the parking bays lost are existing vehicle display spaces (cars for sale) and there would be no loss of customer or staff parking spaces.”

“Design 7.5 Policy SWDP 21 of the Development Plan outlines that all development will be expected to be of a high design quality. It will need to integrate effectively with its surroundings, in terms of form and function, reinforce local distinctiveness and conserve, and where appropriate, enhance cultural and heritage assets and their settings. A single storey side extension is proposed to the east of the existing car showroom.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Highways raised no objection, while landscape officers sought no extra lighting and suggested planting a native tree; contamination reporting was recommended.

“Due to the industrial nature of the site and the wider area, WRS recommend a condition regarding the reporting of unexpected contamination is applied to the application, should any permission be granted to the development, to ensure PCL issues on site are appropriate addressed. Worcestershire County Council Highways Officer: No objection.”

“No objections in principle. There should be no extra external lighting, including security lighting to further add to the evening visual impact of the site. Biodiversity enhancement is difficult on such a site with the building unsuitable for bird boxes etc, however a single native tree such as Field Maple should be planted, ideally on the east frontage strip to complement the existing trees.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent supported the proposal and answered questions about lighting, parking, transporters, landscaping and construction.

Members’ debate

Members discussed displaced parking, deliveries, parking retention, accessible spaces, cycling, buses, landscaping and the junction near the site.

“In relation to the loss of 7 spaces and vehicle display spaces, the Head of Planning and Economic Development was of the opinion that Members concerns related to potential loss of customer or staff parking on the site and if there's any impact on the dealership's arrangements for the way that they manage and operate the site.”

“The Head of Planning and Economic Development summed up the recommendation for the benefit of Committee Members, which would be to delegate authority to grant planning permission with conditions as set out in the Officer’s report in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee. Subject to establishing the existing number of staff and customer spaces and an additional condition to retain those spaces for the lifetime of the development.”

Minutes