A new industrial storage unit for a classic car restoration business has been approved despite it being beyond the area identified for development.

A new industrial unit for housing classic cars at Unit 15a Broxhead Trading Estate in Lindford near Bordon was green-lit by East Hampshire District Council‘s planning committee at a meeting on May 29.

This application came before the planning committee because the applicant, Adrian Cutting of AOC Motor Company Ltd, sought permission for a new industrial unit, extending beyond the area identified for industrial use in Policy IB6 into open land.

The new 283.5 square metre building off Broxhead Farm Road will house classic cars of high value that have been damaged or in need of restoration or repair. It is 15 meters away and adjacent to the existing building used by the same company, said the applicant’s agent. 

Currently, the cars sit on that space where the storage unit will be built.

The council officer said his recommendation was to approve planning because the building would have a limited visual impact, improve the site layout and remove unsightly vehicles that could be stored in the new building.

The new building is 5 metres high, 24 metres by 12 metres deep, built with metal cladding, a sheet metal roof and roller shutter door.

Two objections were received by planners, with concerns raised including working hours and where any water run off would end up.

Councillor Charles Louisson (Con, Ropley, Hawkley and Hangers) said he was concerned with “hazard materials” and “nasties” from the old cars ending up in the River Wey. However, he was told by the officer that this would be dealt with by conditions imposed on the planning approval. 

The agent said: “Three staff have worked at the site for five years. The new building would allow vehicles and staff to be protected as well as allow secure storage of the cars.”

The planning committee voted 10 in favour of approval with one abstention.