The boss of a car dealership has said he plans to go on growing his burgeoning business, despite the apparent plans of housing developers to demolish several of its city centre properties.
Robin Cook, managing director of City Motors, responded to an announcement by Sovereign Housing Association that its plans for Castle Court would see it “demolish the existing buildings and structures” to make way for a “high-quality residential development”.
Mr Cook’s firm has several outlets on the Castle Court site including Citroën, Peugeot and Volvo dealerships – all of which look set to be torn down under Sovereign’s vision for a “high-quality public realm with a range of landscaped squares, routes and gardens”.
But the defiant director told Bristol Live on Wednesday that his business was a “substantial employer in the area” and urged council planning officers to “take a balanced view of the situation” when Sovereign makes a formal application to go ahead.
Bristol Live exclusively revealed in March that Sovereign had acquired the land for £9m, with City Motors saying at the time that its future was uncertain as a result – but it seems Mr Cook’s resolve has strengthened since then.
“We have a thriving and successful business on this site and it is very much part of our own long-term plan to grow and create further employment in the heart of Bristol,” said the Bristol businessman.
“The location also plays an essential part in the group’s strategy to support Bristol City Council’s green and environmental objectives through substantial planned investment in electric vehicle sales and support infrastructure.”
He added: “Our position has always been made clear to the previous owner and more recently Sovereign Housing Association, that we wish to stay in occupancy for the positive reasons above.”
Mr Cook said he did not accept the prospect of Castle Court businesses being faced with displacement when Bristol City Council had identified several other sites for the provision of affordable housing.
He insisted that Sovereign’s proposal would have a negative impact on local employment potential, as sustained investment in City Motors could continue to create more jobs in the neighbourhood.
Mr Cook added: “We remain confident that Bristol City Council will take a balanced view of the situation when a formal application is submitted and the planning process is underway by considering very carefully the housing and employment requirements of this area of Bristol.”
Sovereign recently released design sketches for their planned Castle Court development, including residential buildings and community spaces surrounding landscaped areas designed to encourage local wildlife.
Of up to 370 new homes proposed for the site, around half would be designated as affordable housing. An online public consultation on Sovereign’s plans is now underway, with feedback invited until August 26.
Bristol Live has asked Sovereign Housing Association to clarify precisely which properties would face demolition under their plans for the site.
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