Plans for new MOT testing centre in Bridgend approved

Bridgend Council has approved proposals to build a new MOT testing centre on a local industrial estate despite opposition from nearby residents. Plans to develop a greenfield site, situated on Waterton Industrial Estate, were given the go-ahead at a recent council planning committee meeting.

The application was submitted by Mango Planning & Development Limited on behalf of Nathaniel Car Sales Ltd and will see the creation of an 833 square metre building used for "vehicle inspection, preparation, cleaning, maintenance, servicing, and MOT testing". The report read: "The building will include four service bays, two open bays, stores, offices and staff facilities including showers. A small mezzanine space is included for storage.

"To the northwest of the building will be an area for the charging of seven vehicles, a cycle store, and bin store. A further 19 car spaces are provided for staff and visitor parking to the southwest of the building. Adjacent to the building will be an enclosed jet car wash facility, which will utilise recycled water."

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The plans, which were presented to council members, added that the development could also create around 15 full-time jobs along with five part-time jobs, which would be recruited locally. However they also heard how there had been objections to the plans from residents who raised concerns over encroachment on the village of Treoes with thoughts that it could result in an increase to noise and light pollution as well as a potential risk of flooding and ecological impacts.

Officers responded to the "significant objections" to the application saying that the principle of the development was acceptable and in line with the local development plan adding that there was no risk of flooding to houses with other issues that could be mitigated by adding conditions to the approval. They said these would include controls to set noise and light levels for plant on-site, restricting what time of the day certain activities could take place, and agreeing to install additional noise mitigation if noise levels were being exceeded.

The plans were later approved unanimously by council members in attendance at the meeting with developers now able to start work at the site. For the latest Bridgend news sign up to our newsletter here.