Luxury electric car dealership to be built in village

A luxury electric car showroom is to be built in a Leicestershire village, despite concerns from residents. The plan for the site in Altar Stones Lane, Markfield, was approved by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council’s plans committee at a meeting punctuated by rounds of applause from the public gallery for speakers opposing the scheme.

The owners of Hillmoren, a luxury car dealership already based in the village, now have permission to create two buildings, one to display predominantly electric ‘prestige’ cars along with office space, and a second where valeting and preparation of the cars will take place. The company said the development would create 15 new jobs.

Four objections had been submitted to the council over the scheme, while five comments were submitted in favour. Those against were concerned about flooding, pollution from chemicals from the paint shop, the loss of trees on site and increased traffic. Those in favour said electric cars were important for the environment and that the proposal would bring new jobs to the community.

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The site is described in a planning report as "predominantly covered by extensive and dense vegetation" and has a two-storey house on it, along with sheds and stables.

Halina Watson, the owner of a nearby cattery, told councillors: "We are all directly affected by something that is so drastically different to what we have right now. We are a rural community and the garage is not in keeping with the rest of the properties."

She added that residents were worried about the loss of 39 trees on the site, saying: “Taking out the trees will add to the noise pollution from the motorway and the testing of loud performance vehicles and workshops.” Referencing flooding previously experienced in the area, she said the trees "soak up a lot of water" and "any more water sent our way from the removal of natural ground will be a disaster to us; add chemicals into the mix and you’ll have an ecological catastrophe".

But Dale Radford, an agent speaking on behalf of the applicant, said the business had spent three years in search of a site to expand, and that none had met its requirements apart from the Altar Stones Lane site. He added: “By approving this application, it ensures the business can be retained within your borough where its staff is located and long-term relationships with local suppliers have been forged.”

Councillor Claire Harris, ward councillor, said she believed there were more suitable sites for the showroom: “I’m not sure about yourselves, councillors, but if I’m purchasing a high-end vehicle at £80,000-plus, the first thing I want to hear is the engine, and the second thing I want to do is test drive it.” Mr Radford said the road would not be used for "a large number of test drives". “Test drives are uncommon,” he said.

Councillor Margaret Bowler, of Markfield Parish Council, said: “It’s not diversification, reuse of existing buildings nor is it redevelopment of former commercial premises. The site is predominantly green field.”

Making a proposal to refuse the application, Councillor Richard Allen said: “This one’s a bit of a conflict. Okay, we’ve got support for business. We’re told that, potentially, a lot of the vehicles are going to be Teslas, so there won’t be much in the way of engine noise, and that the vehicles will be delivered singly and not mass transported. However, I think the biggest problem we’ve got with this one is actually the location.”

But Councillor Cathie Gibbens said: “I get what people are saying about increased traffic noise, but it’s right next to the M1, so I’m really conflicted with that one I’m afraid.” The application was approved by a vote of nine in favour and five against.

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