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A dealership is threatening legal action after approving plans to “block access” to its business.
James Brayley, owner of AB Autos in Bristol, is furious that proposals for five new apartments adjacent to his showroom are coming to light.
The plans, which have been given the green light through South Gloucestershire Council, include parking spaces for residents.
Instead, they will be incentivized to purchase bikes and a bike rack will be installed in an existing parking lot next to the site. Developers will also build a giant three-story extension into the parking lot.
However, Brayley says his family business has priority on the surface and is now threatening to take a court order.
He claims that the agreement, registered in the land registry, has been in force for three decades, having been accepted for the first time through his late father.
The car dealership now believes that the new bike rack would block access to its showroom, which could have a huge impact on its business.
He said: “In 1994, my late father came to an agreement with the then owners of 141 High Street that we would have a permanent, unrestricted right of way over the first seven metres of the perimeter wall from 1 Victoria Street. This is registered in the Land Registry.
“The proposal to locate the motorcycle and trash shop on my right-of-way obviously violates this agreement. If the building permit is granted, my business will be incredibly complicated for me and my clients.
“If the plans are not reviewed, I will still not have the option to seek a court order. I would recommend the developer locate the dumpster and motorcycle shop, not on my right-of-way.
Bristol Live reports that the planners checked with the land registry before approving the plans and found that the land belonged to the applicant.
Setting out his position, architect Duncan Cryer said: “Ten years ago we expected a typical housing demand to have parking, and workplace parking, specifically in Bristol city centre, would lead the demand. However, in the last ten years, we have noticed a significant evolution in this area.
“Many downtown offices are giving up parking spaces to bike facilities, motorcycle rooms, conversion rooms, showers, and tool stations. We are seeing a significant increase in sustainable transport measures and a reduction in the demand for parking.
“It’s within walking distance of the High Street, Page Park, a doctor’s office, a dentist and a recreation centre. The Bristol to Bath Cycle Trail is about 800 metres southwest of Array, as well as two other cycle paths about 800 metres away. .
“By train, you have Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway less than an hour away by motorbike or bus. Even if you don’t have parking spaces, in such a situation we probably wonder why an assignment like this would have parking.
Jack joined the car dealership team in 2021 as a copywriter. In the past he worked as a journalist for a national newspaper for the BNPS news agency. He has provided automotive news and reports for several national publications, including The Sun, The Times. and The Daily Mirror.
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