Firm's bid to expand in Prees Heath put on hold

Aston Barclay, which has a site at Prees near Whitchurch, is looking to use additional vehicle parking for auction vehicles in order to sustain the business and meet current demand.

It applied to Shropshire Council for planning permission for the scheme, but has since withdrawn it whilst it addressees the comments raised by the council's consultants Mouchel.

The auction firm 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.

The proposal was to convert a currently unused field for additional vehicle parking.

A statement on behalf of Mocuhel said: "The submitted statement, while explaining the past success of the business, does not provide any details as to how the anticipated increase in the turnover of vehicles equates to the number of customers visiting the scheduled auctions or the expected increases in HGV movements which are likely to result from the development.

"It is considered that full details of the anticipated additional vehicle movements should be provided for consideration along with relevant supporting information and justification.

"The vehicle movement information should identify both HGV’s and any additional customer/visitor vehicles.

"In addition, the capacity of the on-site parking for auction customers and HGV unloading/loading should be clarified and clearly shown on the site plan, including the observed fencing/separation of the accesses and internal site areas along with any proposals for increasing these areas as part of the development layout."

Agent Ben Embrey said: "I’ve spoken to Aston Barclay who have agreed to withdraw the application whilst we address the comments raised by highways."

Documents submitted in support of the application state Aston Barclay has agreed a conditional contract to buy the land which is adjacent to its current, existing site boundary.

“Aston Barclay sells on behalf of vehicle manufacturers, leasing companies and several local dealers and sells to dealers both locally and nationally. This trade provides support to the local economy," the documents state.

“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. The additional area will also allow the site to meet current, local demand and allow the company to continue its support of the surrounding economies.”