A mechanics seeking to expand its business to incorporate MOT services has met resistance from neighbours who branded the proposal “laughable”.
Naaem Butt, of FB Motor Services, has submitted to Bucks Council a ‘change of use’ application for Little Britain House, on Alma Road, in Chesham.
Plans detail the ‘conversion of the site to a vehicle repair shop, with light bodywork and MOT testing’ services.
Four new customer parking spaces are also proposed.
PICTURED: FB Motor Services
A garage with bodywork services has operated here since March 2017. The proposed development would introduce an MOT service.
The change will ensure the full-time employment of four workers, up from three, council documents indicate.
Proposed opening hours will be Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm, and 8am-4pm on Saturday.
But the proposal has met strong opposition from neighbours fearful about parking and public safety.
PICTURED: A map of the area
“I strongly object to this planning application,” one person wrote. “Not only have the current occupants breached current usage planning, they have become a complete nuisance to all the residents of Alma Road.
“It’s laughable that their application promises no overspill of parking, as we have seen for the last 12 months at any one time up to a dozen extra cars parked on an already busy road.
“The addition of four extra spaces for customer parking is also completely pointless as the forecourt is regularly full to the point cars are parked across the gates.”
Another person wrote: “This is a cul-de-sac and there is only one way into and out of the street. This is a completely inappropriate location for a business such as this that uses the street as part of its operations.
“There is also a general lack of courtesy and general thought to families and young children using the street and we are concerned about safety when they have been oblivious to anyone else.”
A planning statement reads: “The proposal provides much-needed employment and a small local business that provides a valuable service and should therefore be supported.”
It adds: “The application site is in a sustainable area and has a large forecourt that provides sufficient space for on-site parking.”
The owner, believed to be at 12 Chess Business Park, in Chesham, has been notified.
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