PART of a Somerset hospital site could soon become a car valeting business if new proposals are given the green light.
The Bridgwater Community Hospital on Salmon Parade in Bridgwater town centre closed its doors in 2014 after around 200 years of service to the community, with health services being relocated to the current community hospital and minor injuries unit (MIU) on Bower Lane.
Wells-based Salmon Parade Developments recently applied to turn the majority of the former hospital into a hotel and restaurant, with a gym and health club being provided elsewhere on the site.
DC Commercial Properties Ltd. has now applied to Sedgemoor District Council to turn a small section of the site near the A38 Broadway into a car valeting business – with a decision on both sets of plans expected later in the spring.
The site lies at the north-eastern corner of the former hospital complex, between the outpatients building and the Mercure Hotel.
The new business will be accessed from Salmon Parade, Eastover and the A38, with the wall dividing the hotel car park and the former hospital site being removed, along with nine of the existing parking spaces.
Derrick Osafo, managing director of Key Architecture Ltd. (representing the London-based applicant), said the plans would “provide a much-needed facility to service local residents, local businesses, shoppers and visitors to the town centre generally, and to guests and users of the Mercure Hotel.”
He added: “It would cater for a comprehensive car valeting service – washing, vacuuming, drying, polishing and waxing of all types of vehicles.”
The new facility is expected to create two full-time and two part-time jobs, and would be in operation from 8:30am to 4:30pm daily (except Sundays, when the site would close at 4pm).
The council is expected to make a decision on the plans in the late-spring. It is not currently clear whether the decision will be taken in public by the council’s development committee or through the delegated powers of its planning officers.
Written by Daniel Mumby, Local Democracy Reporter.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here