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Jacksons has been told it can expand its garage site near Guernsey Airport after a second attempt received planning consent.
An application was rejected by planners in February as the scheme was deemed to encroach on the vitality of the Main Centres, identified as St Peter Port and St Sampsons under the Island Development Plan.
At the time it said “the proposed development would constitute a significant expansion of the business as a result of the increase in comparison retail and industrial floorspace and operations”.
But, the Development & Planning Authority has now approved an identical scheme after more supporting evidence was submitted that showed that increasing car sales was not the main reason for the expansion.
“Having regard to the above and additional information provided, the proposals would not result in the Forest Local Centre undermining the vitality of the MCs,” it has now concluded.
Pictured: If building works proceed there will be a slight decrease in the outdoor footprint of the site, used for car storage and parking.
Permission has been given to demolish outbuildings and replace them with a new workshop to the east, and alterations to the main building’s cladding.
Additional vehicle access to the north elevation and the installation of solar panels has also been agreed.
The plans represent a loss of outside space for storage and vehicle sales while increasing the total floorspace of the main building by 1,447 metres squared.
The new workshop was noted as being necessary for electric and combustion vehicle servicing as the current space is not fit for purpose, and will allow for more storage of parts and new machinery.
Seven conditions were attached including submitting details of external lighting, the roof plane with solar panels, and ensuring the vehicle boundary matches what is already there prior to works starting.
Retail and industrial uses must also remain separate.
The application included new signage, but planners said a separate application must be submitted in respect of these.
Jacksons Group, which runs dealerships in six locations including the Channel Islands, was acquired by a Benelux-based automotive group in June for an undisclosed fee.
Bailiwick Investments, a private fund based in the island, has a 17% stake in the Group.
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