A LONG-standing car dealership is set to be demolished to make way for a new development.
Essex Car Sales, located on the London Road in Leigh, Essex, has been disused for some time – with plans now put in place for the redevelopment of the site.
According to the Southend Echo, the former outlet will be transformed into a mixed-use building that includes office space on the ground floor and chic flats above.
The proposed three-storey building, which will boast a “modern, contemporary design”, will include eight residential flats – each with rear-facing balconies – with an aim to blend the local streetscape with introducing a fresh, sustainable aesthetic.
Notably, its “pedestrian-friendly design” will prioritise accessibility, safety and convenience for pedestrians and won’t include on-site parking – instead encouraging residents and visitors to rely on walking, cycling or public transport.
Stone Me ltd architects, in charge of the design, said: “Currently, the site is occupied by a car dealership, which is planned for demolition to make way for the new mixed-use building.
“The proposed development will replace the existing car dealership with a modern, mixed-use building that provides much-needed residential accommodation and office space.
“The design carefully considers the surrounding context, ensuring that the building integrates well into the local streetscape.
“The building’s scale and appearance respect the character of the area, while its modern design introduces a refreshing and sustainable solution.
“With excellent access to public transport and on-street parking, the development will have minimal impact on local traffic.
“This proposal will contribute positively to the local community by providing a high-quality, sustainable development that meets both residential and commercial needs.”
It is unclear when the dealership closed, with the most recent review for the dealer posted over a year ago.
This comes as it was recently revealed Stratstone Land Rover is to close its Slough branch by the end of the month in what has been described as a “strategic restructure”.
Customers were informed of the closure via email – stating they they will now need to travel to Reading for their nearest store, with other alternatives including outlets in Tonbridge, Mayfair, Tottenham and Milton Keynes.
The store provided a range of services to customers, including the sale of new and used cars, servicing, MOTs and tyre replacements.
Elsewhere, an urgent warning has gone out to drivers with a major change coming into effect from next week that could see them slapped with a £1,000 fine.
The change will affect laws surrounding number plates and could lead to thousands of plates becoming invalid.