Shropshire used car auction firm wins bid to expand
A used car auction company has finally won its bid to expand near Whitchurch.
Aston Barclay, which has a site at Prees, has been granted permission to use additional vehicle parking for auction vehicles in order to sustain the business and meet current demand.
It previously applied to Shropshire Council for planning permission for the scheme, but later withdrew it whilst it addressed the comments raised by the council's consultants about highway's issues.
Fresh plans put forward by the firm, which said it is finding it difficult to satisfy its customers’ demand, have now been given the go-ahead.
Whitchurch Rural Parish Council objected to the scheme after concerns were raised by councillors about expanding this site further into open countryside.
Members recommended that alternatives are looked into including utilising off site parking at local industrial sites or relocating the business entirely to a more suitable location.
Shropshire Council also received seven letters from residents who raised concerns about the impacts on the environment and traffic.
A report on behalf of Shropshire Council case officer Sue Collins states: "The application is for an extension to the outside storage space of a well established business which will enable the business to continue trading as a car auction site.
"The increase in car parking space is considered to be acceptable and the local road network is capable of accepting the additional traffic.
"The alterations to the access and existing car park will improve the current situation and be able to deal with the additional parking and there is sufficient space for parking and turning car transporter vehicles.
"In addition the provision of additional and appropriate landscaping will reduce the visual impact of the existing site and ensure that the additional parking is not harmful to the character of the area. This will also improve the habitats and therefore enhance the ecology and biodiversity of the area.
"While the development will have an impact on residential amenity this will not be to an unacceptable level."
