Former Barnards Volkswagen, in Station Road East, Stowmarket, could become retail, food or care business under new plans

A former town car dealership could become a retail, food or care business under new plans.

Mr P Barnard, on behalf of Marriot Motor Group Ltd, has applied to Mid Suffolk District Council to convert the former Barnards Volkswagen showroom, in Station Road East, Stowmarket, to a ‘flexible use’ unit.

A planning statement said doing this would ‘maximise the potential’ for the reuse of the existing building without significant changes to it.

It outlined the site has attracted interest from a range of businesses seeking to use it for retail, care or offices.

Under the plans, the site would become planning ‘Class E’ which covers various uses including the aforementioned retail or food and drink establishments, as well as:
Financial or professional services
A site for indoor sport, recreation or fitness
Medical or health services
Creches, day nurseries or day centres
Offices, research and development and industrial processes

The statement said converting it to this usage would allow a new business to function efficiently in the space.

The site is vacant after the closure of the Volkswagen dealership.

The applicant has sought pre-application advice on a range of redevelopment options, including retail and care uses.

It is hoped, by securing the flexible use, the site would retain employment potential.

The statement said any business which opened at the site – as it is a gateway location near the town’s train station – would compliment the town centre rather than compete with it.

The unit has 52 car parking spaces.

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A decision on the application is due by May 6.