Residents are split over proposals to transform a former car showroom on a residential street into a garage and MOT centre. While some locals are concerned about potential noise, pollution and traffic issues, others believe the garage could spark a wave of regeneration in the area.
Plymouth Live readers have been having their say both in our comments section and over on our Facebook page. The Ocean Mini car showroom, previously located on Billacombe Road in Plymstock, has recently closed its doors, with its sales unit relocating to Longbridge.
The now vacant site, situated opposite The Anchorage pub, is being considered for a Kwik Fit garage and MOT centre, according to a planning application currently under review by Plymouth City Council.
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Several other objections have been raised against the site, including concerns from Daniel Steel, Labour councillor for Plymstock Radford, about noise levels. The Environment Agency has also questioned the potential for pollution to the water system. At present the decision on the application is still awaited.
Commenter Jannerjanner says: “Don't see the problem. With Sherford, just up the road this is exactly the type of thing that's needed to maintain all the extra cars in the area. Get it built.”
Reader Timmo writes: “NIMBYs. It's next to Billacombe Road which is busy all day anyway.” Mackerelfillets agrees: “And what was it before it became the mini showroom?..... oh yes, it was a garage and tyre shop! NIMBYS!”
Roosevelt feels the same way: “The same ones that didn't want a 'Costa Coffee' on The Broadway and now use it all the time. They'll be using the Kwik Fit too.” Robrob71 agrees: “Would be the perfect place to have it. The locals that are outraged are probably the same ones who complained that their road was being used as a rat run a few years back!”
Mk666 asks: “There is already a tyre garage on Billacombe Road next to Laira bridge. Why would you need another one on the same road? There must be a better use for this site and keep the large companies on Industrial estates that are half empty in and around the area.”
Notoviolenceagainstmen points out: “They did servicing and other vehicle repairs when it was the Mini garage anyway so the noise won’t change. As for Kwik Fit taking business away, a lot of independent ones, as you all mention, are actually big brands just under a different name making you think it’s a local business.”
Sunshine51 asks: “Isn't an area full of houses (and presumably cars) exactly where you should have an MOT testing centre?” RickOshay agrees: “The location sounds ideal, businesses like this are vital if the area is to be regenerated.”
Over on Facebook Christian Hole says: “Outraged that a building is reverting back to a former use, did they all move in after the tyre and exhaust place closed and become a mini dealership!?”
Sue Biddle agrees: “It was a petrol station and garage long before it was a Mini Showroom so reverting to its former use!!" Jenna Harding points out: “ Not exactly its former use and completely different when it's 7 days a week including bank holidays!!!! We do not want it. Where we live sound echoes. A Kwik Fit would be awful situated here and would ruin our homes. We also have many other local garages within arms reach so it is not needed.”
Kyle Badock retorts: “You could say that about where the one at Mutley is. There is another garage a 2 minute walk away but it is what it is. There are plenty of garages next to housing. The residents are worried about noise but are okay with the motorbikes roaring up and down the road. They have done the sound tests and it is well within limits. It is just a classic case of people not liking change in their local area."
Charlotte Smith has the final word: “Just get Kwik Fit in there and be done with it. I live right next door to it and hear everything there and it doesn’t bother me.”
How do you feel about Kwik Fit moving in? Will it benefit the area or cause untold chaos? have your say in our comments section
