A decision on plans to turn a former Plymouth Brethren Christian Church gospel hall in Bedford into a vehicle storage and valeting centre has been delayed for a site visit after residents raised concerns about traffic and noise.
The applicant, Bell’s Motor Group, wanted to use the building and car park on Barker’s Lane for storing cars, pre-delivery checks, photography and valeting, along with a small car wash area and minor alterations to the building.
Planning officers recommended approval to last week’s planning committee (10 November), saying noise would be limited, operating hours controlled and the loss of the community use justified after further marketing evidence was supplied.
However, the committee heard that the street is already busy, used by schoolchildren walking to Goldington Green Academy, and covered by a 7.5-tonne weight restriction.
Ward cllr Hilde Hendrickx (Lib Dem, Riverfield) argued that the proposal was better suited to an industrial estate and warned of “a greater hazard for pedestrians and cyclists”.
She also called for restrictions on operating hours and asked the owners to work more closely with neighbours.
Representatives from the applicants said no customers would visit the site, that the number of vehicle movements would be lower than during the building’s previous use.
The committee voted to defer the site visit application, and it will return to the meeting in December.
By John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
