A planning application has been drawn up to change the use of a vacant car sales, servicing and MOT centre in the city.
The former Midland Car Company site | Image © Google Street View / Google 2024
Owner Alan Hole’s family traded at 20-21 Green Park Mews as Midland Garage from the 1960s and in 2007 the business was sold to Newbridge Autos who were granted a lease. That lease expired at the end of 2022.
A report in support of the application that has been submitted to Bath & North East Somerset Council explains that towards the end of their tenancy, serious efforts were made to sell the business but there was no interest.
With minimal chance of a continued and sustainable future as a motor repair workshop, Mr Hole decided to sell the building.
Planning permission is now being sought for a change of use to commercial, business and services which will attract a wider range of occupiers.
The report says: “The site is located to the rear of Green Park, a terrace of primarily residential properties. The current lawful use of the site has the potential to result in noise and disturbance issues for the nearest occupiers.
“The change of use will allow for this harm to be removed to the benefit of these neighbours. The Use Class applied for under this application is specifically for those uses that are compatible in residential areas.”
The application is accompanied by a marketing report which shows there has been no real interest in the site for its current use, or for any industrial or storage use, as the lack of parking, poor access, and congested location would be a deterrent.
A search of local commercial websites has shown there are existing vacant industrial units within the Bath area so the change of use would not prevent a new industrial business from becoming established in the city or an existing one relocating.
The council is told that the proposed redevelopment would significantly increase the number of employees on the site and be of significant economic benefit; for example, turning it into an office/workshop, for which there has been some interest, could accommodate around 25 to 30 employees.
The planning reference 24/02117/FUL. The deadline for comment is 4th July.
