Major car dealership set to be demolished after collapsing into administration | UK | News
A major car dealership that has been handed over to administration is now being demolished to make way for a petrol station and electric vehicle charging site. The CMS Vauxhall site in Kidderminster went into administration in August 2023 following a series of financial difficulties and has been vacant since then, with the site in Churchfields described as an “eyesore”.
But an approved plan means the existing building on the site will soon be demolished to make way for vehicle services, despite the decision facing multiple objections.
according to Kidderminster ServiceThe buildings will be replaced with a new 24-hour gas station that includes a kiosk store selling food, EV charging stations, parking, jet washing and new landscaping.
The developer says the transformation project will create 20 employment opportunities, split between 10 full-time and 10 part-time roles.
Although councilors voted in favor of the application at a Wyre Forest District Council planning meeting, not everyone agreed with the decision. Councilor Marcus Hart strongly opposed the plans, noting 65 formal objections, social media criticism and an objection from Kidderminster City Council.
Key concerns shared included the potential for increased traffic on the ring road, the project’s proximity to the existing Sainsbury’s petrol station, the possibility of light pollution due to 24-hour operation and the site’s proximity to homes.
Mr Hart argued similar situations already existed locally, citing a petrol station operating at a busy junction near another petrol station in Gilgal, Stourport. The councilor concluded that the proposal complies with planning policy.
He also said the project would improve the appearance of the local area, adding: “This is a redundant site and is currently an eyesore. The plan includes landscaping and greenery – yes it’s 24/7 but so are many other petrol stations.”
The applicant, EG On The Move Limited, justified the development by arguing that there was a need for better roadside services in and around Kidderminster.
They said: “The proposed development will consist of a new comprehensive roadside facility, a need identified in the context of the lack of such services in the wider Kidderminster area.
“The proposed development will enable the provision of eight high-power EV charging points, which are clearly needed at SRN.
“The proposed development will also bring back an active economic use to the site, which has been vacant for more than a year.”
