PLANS for a new showroom for a Pembrokeshire car dealership which has recently acquired a new Isuzu vehicle franchise, have been given the go-ahead.
In an application to Pembrokeshire County Council, Gareth Hughes Motors of 25 Burton Road, Sardis, through agent Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, sought permission to replace a temporary canopy with fixed permanent mini-showroom.
A supporting statement said: “Gareth Hughes Motors is a family run enterprise, established in 1982. In order for the business to respond to the latest technological advancements, especially those related to the transition to hybrid and electric vehicles, additional space and different resources will be required.
“Approval of this application will assist in the delivery of these required resources, associated staff training and recruitment for the servicing of electric vehicles will also lead to the retention and provision of skilled employment.”
It says the extension will be designed to allow sufficient space to display Isuzu vehicles, an additional motor franchise recently acquired by the dealership, with no changes proposed to the existing access from the C3007 as the mini-showroom would take place to the rear of the site and replace an existing canopy structure.
It added: “The environmental impacts from the proposal are minimal as the replacement structure takes place on a concreted/bitumac surface which is currently used for the parking of cars. In addition, the design and use of materials complements that of the current showroom and repair shop and by the addition of a bird and bat box on the south-east of the proposed extension.
“The proposed new mini-showroom will accommodate a maximum of two vehicles and would take place to the rear/side of the site and would be constructed in materials which complement those of the existing showroom and service bays.
“Although Gareth Hughes Motors is located within a group of residential properties it is considered that there will be no significant negative impacts on those neighbouring properties because of their distance from the application site, the orientation of the buildings.
“The securing of an additional franchise at this Sardis site will both help secure the future of the existing staff and create opportunities for additional employment in the motor trade.”
The application was conditionally approved by county planners.
